Former Trump lawyer, Michael Cohen discusses Trump's legal challenges and witness intimidation. Failed business ventures licensed under Trump's name are called into question. Updates on the Israel-Hamas conflict and mounting pressure on Israel are discussed. The chapter covers the laws of armed conflict and accusations of war crimes. The development and purpose of the Nuremberg Principles and Geneva Conventions are explored. The political divide among Arab Americans and the influence of Iran over Hezbollah and Hamas are also discussed.
Donald Trump's civil fraud case reveals his financial losses, damages his brand, and puts his family's inheritance at risk.
Support for Israel's campaign in Gaza creates a divide within the Democratic Party and may affect Biden's approval ratings.
The Israeli-Palestinian conflict prompts a debate on international humanitarian law and the complexities of prosecuting war crimes.
Deep dives
The Trump legal battle
Donald Trump is facing multiple legal challenges including a civil fraud case where he has been found liable for fraud and could be facing penalties of up to $250 million. The case has revealed the extent of Trump's financial losses and the sham of his self-made billionaire image. The trial has also shown how Trump's brand has been damaged and questioned the value of his name. The case has real consequences for Trump and his family, as it puts their inheritance on the line.
Calls for a humanitarian pause
Progressives and Muslim and Arab voters are urging President Biden to demand a ceasefire in the war between Israel and Gaza. The support for Israel's campaign in Gaza has caused a rift within the Democratic Party and may impact Biden's approval ratings, particularly among younger and Arab American voters. There are concerns that if the divide is not addressed, it may cost Democrats the election in 2024.
The explosive civil fraud case against Trump
The civil fraud case against Trump has revealed his history of inflating his wealth and submitting fraudulent records to financial institutions. Trump and his company have been found liable for fraud and could be facing penalties of up to $250 million. The trial has shown that Trump's self-made billionaire image is a sham and that his businesses have consistently lost money. The case has real consequences for Trump's finances and his children's inheritance.
Challenges of international humanitarian law
The ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas raises questions about the application of international humanitarian law. While Israel has the right to defend itself, there are concerns about the high number of civilian casualties and the targeting of civilian sites. The complex situation calls for operational patience and a careful balance between targeting combatants and protecting civilians. The conflict has triggered a debate about war crimes and the need for accountability under international law.
Criticism of Israel and Anti-Semitism
A group of Jewish writers, artists, and activists have signed an open letter dispelling the notion that any criticism of the Israeli government is inherently anti-Semitic. They argue that criticism of Israeli policies should not be silenced and that Palestinian rights should be championed alongside Jewish values. The letter also emphasizes the need for a ceasefire in the current conflict, expressing concern for the safety of both Palestinians and Israelis.
Complexities of Prosecuting War Crimes
Prosecuting war crimes, particularly in the context of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, can be challenging. The Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court establishes the ICC to prosecute war crimes, including those related to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. However, Israel does not recognize the ICC's jurisdiction and has questioned its legitimacy. While the ICC has recognized Palestine as a member state, bringing human rights abuse cases against Israel, it faces obstacles in holding individuals accountable. Various legal doctrines determine responsibility, including command responsibility and complicity. The complexities of prosecuting war crimes highlight the need for international cooperation and adherence to international humanitarian law.
Ali Velshi is joined by former Trump lawyer Michael Cohen, California Rep. Ro Khanna, Yale international law professor Oona Hathaway, Tufts University international law professor Tom Dannenbaum, Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Tony Kushner, New York Times Investigative Reporter Susanne Craig, NBC’s Ali Arouzi, NBC’s Meagan Fitzgerald & NBC’s Josh Lederman
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