Jeffrey Sachs: The Inevitable War With Iran, and Biden’s Attempts to Sabotage Trump
Dec 16, 2024
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Jeffrey Sachs, an esteemed economist and professor at Columbia University, critiques Joe Biden’s presidency as potentially the most destructive in U.S. history. He argues that Trump could reverse this damage. Sachs discusses U.S. involvement in regime change in Syria and the implications for Middle Eastern stability. He warns of escalating tensions with both Iran and China, suggesting a looming threat of nuclear conflict. Additionally, he reflects on the need for increased transparency regarding foreign policy and the historical influence of the Israel lobby.
Jeffrey Sachs argues that Joe Biden's presidency is characterized by unprecedented destructiveness, overshadowing past administrations' legacies.
The podcast critiques the mainstream media for failing to effectively inform the public about the complexities of U.S. foreign policy.
Sachs warns that a militaristic approach towards adversaries, especially with Iran, jeopardizes the potential for lasting diplomatic peace.
Deep dives
Regime Change in Syria
The recent regime change in Syria is portrayed as a significant development stemming from a long-standing effort by Israeli leadership, particularly Netanyahu, to restructure the Middle East in Israel's favor. This event is contextualized as part of a broader strategy that has been in motion for decades, aligning with Netanyahu’s objectives since 1996. The discussion highlights how this effort reflects a commitment to dismantling any government that might oppose Israeli interests, particularly those supporting Palestinian statehood. The commentary suggests that the implications of this upheaval are far-reaching and rooted in a disastrous history of foreign intervention in the region.
The Seven Wars Doctrine
The podcast references a document presented by General Wesley Clark shortly after the September 11 attacks, outlining a plan for the U.S. to engage in seven wars over five years, including one against Syria. This plan is linked to an ideology espoused by neoconservatives and Israeli interests, which advocated for military action to reshape Middle Eastern politics. It emphasizes how the U.S. has already participated in six of these wars, showcasing the profound and ongoing involvement of American military action in the region to further the aims of its allies. The background reveals a strategy that has led to considerable instability and humanitarian crises, questioning the effectiveness and motivations behind such foreign policy.
Clean Break Strategy
The concept of the 'Clean Break' strategy is discussed as an early objective of Netanyahu's government to drastically reform Israeli foreign policy, moving away from traditional peace efforts towards expansionist aims. This strategy advocates for a 'clean break' that rejects the idea of territorial compromise in favor of a more assertive military posture against perceived threats in the region. The narrative suggests that this ambition is fundamentally incompatible with achieving a peaceful solution regarding Palestine, as it promotes the idea of a 'Greater Israel' at the expense of its neighbors. Over the years, this policy is characterized as shortsighted, leading to increased conflict and instability across the region.
The Role of the Media
The episode criticizes the mainstream media for its failure to adequately inform the public about the complexities and consequences of U.S. foreign policy, particularly in relation to Israel and the Middle East. It asserts that the media often regurgitates official narratives without critical examination, leading to a lack of accountability for policymakers. The discussion highlights specific instances, like the limited coverage of Operation Timber Sycamore and its consequences, illustrating how the American public remains largely uninformed about critical foreign policy operations. This media complicity is viewed as a barrier to transparency and understanding, preventing important dialogues about national security and military engagements.
Deep State and Foreign Policy
The podcast introduces the concept of the 'deep state' as a network of interests and agencies that operate independently of elected officials, exerting substantial influence over U.S. foreign policy. This arrangement is described as detrimental to American interests, as it often prioritizes military intervention over diplomacy. The discussion underscores how successive administrations have continued to follow this unaccountable trajectory, perpetuating conflicts rather than seeking resolution. The challenge of overcoming this entrenched system is highlighted, as reforming foreign policy may require significant political courage and a departure from established practices.
Towards a New Foreign Policy
The concluding remarks advocate for a potential shift in U.S. foreign policy under a new administration, focusing on peace rather than conflict. There's a strong emphasis on the necessity of diplomatic engagement with adversaries, such as Russia and Iran, rather than embracing militaristic approaches. The control and influence of military-industrial interests in Washington are critiqued as obstructions to meaningful change—a transformation that could lead to greater security and stability. Ultimately, a recalibration of U.S. diplomatic efforts, targeting the underlying causes of conflict rather than exacerbating existing tensions, is deemed essential for achieving lasting peace.
