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Middle East Focus
Barbara A. Leaf | 'Taking the Edge Off the Middle East' Ep. 7
Feb 6, 2025
Barbara A. Leaf, a seasoned diplomat and former US Assistant Secretary of State for Near Eastern Affairs, joins the discussion to illuminate pressing issues in the Middle East. She delves into the potential responses of a second Trump administration to emerging 'black swan' events. The conversation covers the complexities of U.S. policy in Syria, the impact of humanitarian aid freezes, and the shifting geopolitical landscape involving Iran and the Hamas-Israel conflict. Leaf's insights underscore the critical need for effective diplomacy in ensuring regional stability.
43:15
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Quick takeaways
- The freeze in U.S. foreign assistance threatens national security by destabilizing regions like Syria, exacerbating global issues that impact American safety.
- Recent 'black swan' events in the Middle East present unique diplomatic opportunities for the U.S., which must engage effectively to prevent future threats.
Deep dives
Impact of U.S. Foreign Assistance
The recent freeze in U.S. foreign assistance, particularly through USAID, is seen as a significant threat to national security. Such assistance has historically played a crucial role in mitigating conflicts, addressing poverty, and combating diseases globally. The absence of aid can destabilize regions such as Syria, where halted support has already led to chaos in camps housing ISIS families, creating potential hotspots for future threats. Ultimately, this move undermines the tools necessary for maintaining U.S. interests abroad and may exacerbate global problems that come back to affect the American public.
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Discover
highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode