Plain English with Derek Thompson
World on Fire, Part 1: The Houthis, Israel's Impossible War, and Worsening Middle East Chaos
Jan 12, 2024
Natan Sachs, the Director of the Center for Middle East Policy at Brookings, shares his deep insights on the escalating chaos in the Middle East. He discusses the intricate dynamics of Israel’s military actions in Gaza and the intricate political landscape amid rising tensions in the West Bank. The conversation also addresses Iran's influence on regional militants and the growing threat from Yemen's Houthis to global trade. Sachs emphasizes that these crises are interconnected, driven by long-standing governance issues rather than mere political shifts.
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Quick takeaways
- The Middle East is experiencing multiple concurrent crises, including Gaza, the West Bank, Lebanon, and Yemen.
- Israel faces the challenge of uprooting Hamas's power without creating further devastation in Gaza.
Deep dives
Summary of the Israeli military campaign in Gaza
The Israeli military campaign in Gaza has entered a new phase, with a scaling down of ground troops and a focus on degrading Hamas's governing ability and military power. The Israeli goal is to prevent a repeat of the traumatic events of October 7th and ensure that Hamas cannot attack Israel from the Gaza Strip. However, the campaign has resulted in a humanitarian crisis and displacement of both Gazans and Israelis along the border.
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