The Inside Story Podcast
What's behind the US Secretary of State's latest visit to the Middle East?
Jan 7, 2024
Trita Parsi and Hafsa Halawa discuss the purpose of the US Secretary of State's 5th visit to the Middle East, the killing of the Gaza bureau chief's son and its impact on journalism, US policy towards Israel, President Biden's approach to de-escalating tensions, and the effectiveness of Blinken's visit.
25:44
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Quick takeaways
- The purpose of Secretary of State Anthony Blinken's current visit to the Middle East is questioned due to the timing of Israel's major attacks on Gaza during his previous visits, which raises concerns about Israel's message of resistance to US pressure.
- The United States' actions and policies, such as providing weapons to Israel, contradict its claims of supporting the protection of civilians, leading to concerns about the extent of US responsibility for the suffering and loss of life in Gaza.
Deep dives
Israeli attacks during Blinken's previous visits
During Secretary of State Anthony Blinken's previous visits to the Middle East, Israel launched major attacks on Gaza. These attacks coincided with Blinken's presence, leading to significant civilian casualties and destruction. This pattern raises questions about the purpose of Blinken's current visit and whether Israel is trying to convey a message of resistance to US pressure.
