Episode #169 - Alastair Crooke and the Existential Crises in the Middle East
Feb 6, 2024
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Alastair Crooke, former UK diplomat and author, discusses the complexities of the Israel-Palestine conflict, including Israel's failed mission to destroy Hamas in Gaza, regional geopolitics involving Iran and Hezbollah, and the potential political landscape with Nikki Haley and Trump. The conversation touches on the nuances of the Middle East crisis, exploring geopolitical strategies and impending challenges.
Global geopolitics at inflection point with Russia's victory in Ukraine, need for vigilance.
Deep dives
The war in Ukraine is settled, but not over
The war in Ukraine is effectively settled with Russia emerging as the victor. They are now waiting to see if the political system in Kiev completely implodes as the funding becomes insufficient to sustain it. The majority of Israelis believe that the Zionist project could only survive through a cathartic process, and Russia sees the assimilation of Ukraine as something that will naturally occur over time. They do not see an imminent military offensive in Ukraine. Additionally, Europe does not have the means to fight Russia and the talk of war is simply a means to secure continued funding for Ukraine. The counter-revolution is beginning in Europe, but it still needs time to fully materialize.
The dangers of ignoring the situation in Israel
The determination to ignore and not discuss the situation in Israel is becoming increasingly dangerous. The fear and existential threat felt by Israel is feeding into its politics and it is necessary to have a more serious and sensible discussion about what is happening in the region.
The global inflection point
We are reaching an inflection point in global geopolitics and economics. The current period, especially leading up to the Russian inauguration, is dangerous and difficult. It is important to pay attention to the various factors converging at this time, including monetary policy, politics, and the situation in Ukraine.
Author, former UK diplomat and owner of Conflicts Forum Alastair Crooke returns to the podcast to discuss his recent articles on the religious and cultural imperatives surrounding Israel's response to the October 7th attack by Hamas. Crooke's analysis, I believe, is essential in picking up some of the nuances of the conflict while also highlighting why there no easy answers here.