Long Reads: The Forever War on Gaza w/ Akbar Shahid Ahmed
Nov 14, 2024
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In this discussion, Akbar Shahid Ahmed, a journalist for the Huffington Post, offers deep insights on the Biden administration's backing of Israel during its conflict with Gaza. He reveals chilling eyewitness accounts from doctors on the ground, highlighting the humanitarian crises faced by civilians. The talk also explores the ramifications of recent elections on voter engagement among progressives and Arab Americans. Ahmed delves into the complexities of ceasefire proposals and the shifting dynamics of U.S. foreign policy in response to escalating violence and political pressures.
The Biden administration's steadfast support for Israel amidst the Gaza conflict raises concerns about complicity in humanitarian violations and potential genocide.
Recent U.S. election results reveal declining voter enthusiasm among progressives and Arab Americans due to dissatisfaction with the administration's Gaza policies.
Despite initial talks of ceasefire, the Biden administration struggled to facilitate meaningful diplomatic progress in the escalating violence in Gaza.
Deep dives
Biden's Support for Israel Amidst Conflict
The Biden administration's unwavering support for Israel has been highlighted in recent visits, particularly with President Isaac Herzog expressing gratitude for U.S. backing during crises. Herzog's comments dismissing the notion of innocent civilians in Gaza have drawn international condemnation, framing the U.S. stance as complicity in potential genocide. Despite being characterized as a lame-duck president, Biden's administration continues to uphold strong ties with Israel, reinforcing America's longstanding commitment to its ally, even amid rising tensions and civilian casualties in the Gaza conflict. This relationship showcases the complexity of U.S. foreign policy in the Middle East, particularly regarding humanitarian issues and military support.
Israeli-Palestinian Dynamics Affecting U.S. Elections
The impact of the Gaza conflict on the recent U.S. elections has become increasingly significant, particularly for the Democratic Party. Reports indicated Kamala Harris received notably fewer votes compared to Biden, especially among progressive and Arab American voters, suggesting a decline in enthusiasm for her candidacy due to the administration's Gaza policies. Voter discontent was further reflected in third-party support, with candidates like Jill Stein attracting votes in critical swing states, underscoring the disillusionment with the Democratic response to the conflict. The Trump campaign capitalized on this anger, specifically courting groups concerned about Gaza, which revealed a shift in voter dynamics influenced heavily by foreign policy.
Ceasefire Efforts and Diplomatic Setbacks
Despite discussions suggesting a possible ceasefire in the Gaza conflict initiated by the Biden administration, actual progress remained elusive. The expectation of diplomatic intervention faded as violence intensified, particularly after Israel escalated attacks into July, ignoring purported agreements and U.S. red lines. The administration's confidence in negotiating peace faced challenges, as perceptions of a stalled process led to increased skepticism about Biden's ability to achieve diplomatic solutions. Observers questioned whether earlier proposals for ceasefire were merely superficial, contributing to an atmosphere of helplessness and heightened tensions in the region.
Humanitarian Aid Challenges Amidst Conflict
The failure of the Biden administration to effectively address the humanitarian crisis in Gaza has generated significant scrutiny and controversy. Despite setting benchmarks for Israel to allow humanitarian aid access, reports indicated that these standards were not met, with aid significantly lacking in areas of extreme need. Serious concerns arose surrounding the Israeli government's ability and willingness to facilitate aid distribution, raising doubts about the effectiveness of U.S. pressure. The administration's responses—including claims of compliance that contradicted on-the-ground realities—have drawn criticism from various stakeholders, including humanitarian organizations and concerned citizens.
The Future of U.S. Middle East Policy under Trump
The impending return of a Trump administration raises alarms regarding potential shifts in U.S. foreign policy, particularly concerning Israel and Palestine. Predictions suggest that a Trump-led government may further entrench nationalist sentiment in Israel, with a focus on aggressive military tactics rather than diplomacy. There's a growing concern that this could exacerbate the already dire humanitarian situation in Gaza, as the administration favors hardline measures over constructive engagement. Moreover, the likelihood of increased tensions with Iran complicates the geopolitical landscape, as Trump’s previous actions have shown a propensity for military confrontation, potentially destabilizing the region even further.
Earlier this week, Joe Biden welcomed the Israeli president Isaac Herzog to the White House. Last October, Herzog announced that there were no innocent civilians in Gaza. The International Court of Justice cited his comments as evidence that the Palestinian people needed protection from the threat of genocide.
Akbar Shahid Ahmed of the Huffington Post has been following the Biden administration’s support for the Israeli attack on Gaza from the start. He’s currently working on a book that will give a detailed account of the inside story. Akbar has joined the podcast twice before to discuss the latest developments. Dan spoke to him again after the US presidential election about the events of the past few months and what is likely to happen next.
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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