Long Reads: Biden's Gaza Double Talk w/ Akbar Shahid Ahmed
Jun 7, 2024
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Journalist Akbar Shahid Ahmed discusses Biden's unwavering support for Israel amidst Gaza conflict, ceasefire proposals, internal dissent over report on Israel's conduct, and challenges in achieving peace in the region. Exploring complexities of US-Middle East policy and risks of nuclear proliferation.
Biden's ambiguous stance on Israel's conflict raises concerns about his human rights legacy.
US alignment with Saudi Arabia and Israel faces challenges in forming a historic alliance.
US dismissive response to international legal actions against Israel raises concerns about complicity.
Challenges in seeking accountability for war crimes in Gaza highlight discrepancies in US actions.
Deep dives
US involvement in Gaza conflict
The podcast discusses the Biden administration's role in the conflict between Israel and Hamas in Gaza. Despite Biden's calls for a ceasefire, Israel's Prime Minister Netanyahu rejected halting the offensive until Hamas was eliminated. There are discussions about the US proposing ceasefire terms through Egypt and Qatar, aiming for a multi-phase agreement with initial temporary ceasefires and hostage releases. The episode highlights Biden's ambiguous stance on putting pressure on Israel and concerns about the ongoing conflict.
Challenges with US-Saudi-Israel normalization
The episode delves into Brett McGurk's efforts to align the US with Saudi Arabia and Israel. McGurk's pursuit of a US-Saudi-Israel deal faced challenges as Israel hesitated on required concessions. McGurk's ambition to form a historic alliance aims to counter Russian and Chinese influence but draws criticism for potentially enabling Saudi nuclear aspirations. The episode raises concerns about McGurk's focus overshadowing the Palestinian cause and risking Biden's human rights legacy.
US stance on international legal actions
The podcast addresses US responses to international legal actions against Israel, including South Africa's genocide accusation and ICC's arrest warrants request for Israeli and Hamas leaders. The Biden administration's dismissive public rhetoric on these legal proceedings raises concerns about US-Israel alignment. The podcast reveals internal US State Department dissent over potential violations of international law and hinted complicity in the conflict's continuation.
Challenges in seeking accountability and redress
The episode explores challenges in seeking accountability for war crimes in the Gaza conflict. US officials argue for Israeli investigation of alleged violations, downplaying ICC jurisdiction concerns. Dissent within the State Department indicates skepticism towards US support for Israel amidst humanitarian concerns. The episode highlights discrepancies in US statements and actions regarding conflict accountability and outlines gaps in addressing Palestinian grievances.
Future prospects amid political pressures
The podcast predicts future developments in the Israel-Hamas conflict under US political pressures. The analysis suggests Biden's need for substantive progress before the Democratic National Convention to maintain voter support. Potential diplomatic interventions from Arab states like Egypt and Qatar are anticipated, emphasizing mounting pressure for ceasefire negotiations. The episode concludes with uncertainties on Netanyahu's responses and the Biden administration's strategies in resolving the conflict.
Interview with Akbar Shahid Ahmed
The episode features Akbar Shahid Ahmed's insights on the Biden administration's approach to the Gaza conflict. Akbar emphasizes the critical role of mediators like Egypt and Qatar in facilitating potential ceasefire agreements. The interview sheds light on Arab states' influence on conflict negotiations and highlights the urgency for humanitarian aid and diplomatic interventions amidst escalating tensions in Gaza.
Concluding Remarks
The podcast episode intertwines political analysis with on-the-ground implications of the Gaza conflict. It illuminates the complex dynamics between the US, Israel, and regional mediators in seeking resolutions to the ongoing crisis. From legal challenges to diplomatic maneuvers, the episode underscores the multifaceted nature of international responses to the conflict and hints at the uncertainty surrounding future political developments amid escalating tensions in the region.
This is another special episode of Long Reads about the Israeli war on Gaza.
On Thursday, June 6th, we spoke with Akbar Shahid Ahmed of the Huffington Post. Akbar previously spoke with us in early January about the role of the Biden administration. Five months later, with the Israeli government now on trial for genocide while the attack on Rafah has begun, it’s time for another look at Biden’s tenacious support for Israel.
Long Reads is a Jacobin podcast looking in-depth at political topics and thinkers, both contemporary and historical, with the magazine’s longform writers. Hosted by features editor Daniel Finn. Produced by Conor Gillies, music by Knxwledge.
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