Bloomberg Surveillance: Remembering Henry Kissinger
Nov 30, 2023
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John Micklethwait reflects on the life and career of Henry Kissinger. Neil Dutta predicts a Fed interest rate cut by March. John Lawler discusses Ford's focus on increasing efficiency. Kelsey Berro suggests the Fed is done hiking rates. Norman Roule talks about the Israel-Hamas war.
Henry Kissinger's pragmatic approach to foreign policy emphasized balancing power and achieving specific goals rather than adhering to idealistic principles.
Addressing the issue of Hamas in the Israel-Palestine conflict may require eradicating its leadership while focusing on de-radicalization and providing hope, security, and opportunities for the Palestinian people.
Deep dives
Henry Kissinger's Legacy in Foreign Policy
Henry Kissinger, a pivotal figure in foreign policy in the 1970s, passed away at the age of 100. His approach to foreign policy emphasized balancing power and achieving specific goals rather than adhering to idealistic principles. While his approach was often polarizing, many subsequent Secretaries of State have attempted to emulate his pragmatic approach. In today's world, where social media and immediate imagery play a significant role, the challenge lies in striking a balance between achieving goals and maintaining public sentiment.
Ceasefire in Israel-Hamas Conflict
A ceasefire has been reached between Israel and Hamas, resulting in the release of hostages and the inflow of aid. However, there are concerns about extending the ceasefire as it could allow Hamas, an organization seeking the eradication of Israel, to survive. The key argument against extending the ceasefire is the need to eliminate Hamas to pave the way for a legitimate peace process. Achieving a two-state solution may require removing Hamas from the equation and ensuring that a Palestinian state is not led by the organization.
The Shift in US Foreign Policy and the Case of Iran
The US is looking to engage in a detente with Iran, much like Kissinger's approach to Russia during the Cold War. This involves avoiding a direct confrontation and creating an environment where conflict becomes less likely. Gulf states, including Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, have shown interest in better relations with Iran. However, the issue of US sanctions limits the extent of engagement. While Iran has incentives to continue its current efforts in the region, it risks losing its primary Sunni proxy partner, which could have implications beyond the Middle East.
Addressing the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict
The conflict between Israel and Palestine requires addressing the issue of Hamas. Eradicating Hamas's senior and operational leadership could be necessary to move towards peace. However, this does not mean eradicating the fighters themselves, as they will likely be heavily armed even after the conflict. Efforts should focus on de-radicalization, similar to successful programs in Saudi Arabia and the UAE. Providing the Palestinian people with hope, security, and opportunities is essential for lasting peace and preventing the rise of more extremist groups.