August 22, 2023 - Jon Hoffman | Dr. Tatsiana Kulakevich | Jodie Evans
Aug 22, 2023
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Saudi border guards brutally kill Ethiopian refugees, raising questions on the US-Saudi relationship. American citizens warned to leave Belarus due to Russian troops. Dr. Tatiana Kulakiewicz discusses Eastern Europe and resistance efforts in Belarus. Jody Evans criticizes the New York Times and US empire, advocating for peace and social justice.
Saudi Border Guards' brutal treatment of Ethiopian refugees reflects Saudi Arabia's disregard for human rights and its link to authoritarian rule.
President Biden's lack of action towards Saudi Arabia suggests a prioritization of oil and national interests over human rights and principles.
Deep dives
The Brutality of Saudi Border Guards Towards Ethiopian Refugees
A recent report from Human Rights Watch exposed the brutal treatment of Ethiopian refugees at the Saudi Arabian border with Yemen. The report documents instances of refugees being shot and blown up by Saudi border guards, who seemingly treated it as a sport. This disturbing behavior is a reflection of the disregard for human rights that has trickled down from Saudi Arabia's leader, Muhammad bin Salman, to its soldiers. While Salman presents an image of a modern and progressive country, the reality is a reformulation of authoritarian rule through violence.
Biden's Promise to Make Muhammad bin Salman a Pariah
President Biden had previously promised to hold Saudi Arabia's leader, Muhammad bin Salman, accountable for his role in the murder and dismemberment of Washington Post journalist Jamal Khashoggi. However, since taking office, Biden has seemingly walked back on his promise and even engaged in a friendly fist bump with bin Salman. This shift in stance raises questions about the foreign policy establishment and its prioritization of oil and national interests over human rights and principles. Biden's lack of action suggests a disconnect between US and Saudi interests, where the actions of Saudi Arabia do not benefit the safety or prosperity of the American people.
Biden's Strategic Approach to the Middle East
The Biden administration is exploring the possibility of offering a formal security guarantee to Saudi Arabia in return for normalizing relations with Israel. This move, driven by a focus on countering Russia and China, is part of the administration's belief that forming closer ties with Middle Eastern countries will advance US interests in the region. However, this approach is criticized for its failure to understand the shifting global landscape. Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, while cooperating with Russia and China on shared interests, do not view these countries as alternatives to the United States. Instead, they are leveraging this multi-polar era for their own interests and to maintain their authoritarian rule.
The Need for Diplomacy and Cooperation with China
Amidst growing tensions and propaganda against China, it is crucial to prioritize cooperation and diplomacy rather than hostility and war. War on China would not only affect China but also impact all of Asia. The recent vilification of China by Western media outlets and politicians has led to increased hate and violence against Asian communities, including Asian Americans. The United States should redirect its focus from military spending to addressing the urgent needs of its citizens and work towards cooperation with China, especially in tackling global challenges like the climate crisis.
Under the Leadership of Their Murderous Dictator, Saudi Border Guards Slaughter Ethiopian Refugees | The US Government Warns Americans to Leave Belarus "Immediately" | The Co-Founder of CODEPINK Argues That The New York Times's Criticism of Her and Her Husband is Propaganda and McCarthyism
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