Plain English with Derek Thompson World on Fire, Part 1: The Houthis, Israel's Impossible War, and Worsening Middle East Chaos
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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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Israel's Aims in Gaza
- Israel's goals in Gaza are misunderstood, partly due to poor communication.
- Their main objective is to dismantle Hamas's governing capacity and military threat, not eradicate the ideology.
Impact of October 7th
- October 7th was a traumatic event for Israelis, creating a sense of historical imperative.
- This fuels the strong public support for Israel's response, despite the humanitarian consequences.
Potential for Increased Militarism
- Derek Thompson expresses concern that Israel's response to Hamas might create further radicalization.
- He questions whether uprooting Hamas will lead to a more militarized Gaza.