Democracy Now! Audio Democracy Now! 2025-12-30 Tuesday
Dec 30, 2025
Gideon Levy, an Israeli journalist known for his critical views on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, and Rami Khoury, a Palestinian-American journalist and expert on Middle East politics, discuss the implications of recent political developments in the region. They reflect on the legacy of Palestinian filmmaker Mohamed Bakri and the ongoing cultural censorship in Palestine. Meanwhile, Julia Barnard analyzes the looming wage garnishments for student loan defaults, while Elizabeth Benjamin highlights the end of healthcare subsidies, warning of significant coverage losses for millions.
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Regional Reconfiguration As Colonial Project
- Rami Khoury says the U.S.-Israel plan aims to reconfigure the Levant into a new colonial arrangement dominated by Washington and Tel Aviv.
- He argues their public rhetoric is vague warmongering that masks territorial and military ambitions.
Ceasefire Claims Versus Ongoing Harm
- Rami Khoury documents ongoing Israeli violence in Gaza despite ceasefire claims, citing deaths, starvation, and freezing of infants.
- He warns U.S. support enables continued assaults and possible expansion into neighboring countries.
Erosion Of International Law And Free Expression
- Rami Khoury argues Israel and allied powers are eroding international law by treating themselves as exempt from institutions like the ICC.
- He ties this legal erosion to suppression of Palestinian expression in academia, media, and culture globally.