An explosion at a Gaza hospital leads to tension during President Biden's visit to Israel. Discussion on the conflict in the Middle East and risks of further escalation. The Indian government's control over cricket and its political significance. Exploring the impact of artists' deaths and the launch of Economist Podcasts Plus.
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Quick takeaways
The explosion at a hospital in Gaza has complicated efforts to de-escalate the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and raised concerns about the potential for a larger regional war.
The politicization of cricket in India by politicians has led to concerns about Indian dominance, bullying of other cricketing nations, and negative consequences for the game globally.
Deep dives
Tensions in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict worsen after an explosion at a hospital in Gaza
An explosion at a hospital in Gaza has caused hundreds of deaths and increased tensions in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The blame for the explosion is disputed, with Hamas blaming Israel and Israel pointing to a failed rocket fired by Palestinian Islamic Jihad. President Joe Biden, who was visiting Tel Aviv, expressed sadness and placed responsibility on the other team. He had planned to travel to a summit in Jordan, but it was canceled due to the strike at the hospital. The blast has further complicated efforts to de-escalate the conflict and has raised concerns about the potential for a larger regional war.
India's increasing political interference in cricket and its implications
Cricket holds immense significance in India, both historically and economically. However, as Indian politicians seek more control over the sport, the politicization of cricket has become more pronounced. The Indian government in power has exerted systematic efforts to influence and manage cricket, moving the capital of Indian cricket to the Prime Minister's home state and closely aligning national pride with cricket. Indian politicians are drawn to cricket due to its enormous revenue-generating potential and the opportunity to be seen by millions of Indian voters. However, the politicization of cricket raises concerns about Indian dominance, bullying of other cricketing nations, and negative consequences for the game globally.
The unique nature of grieving for deceased artists and the impact of their deaths
The death of artists and celebrities often generates an outpouring of grief and tributes, even from individuals who had no personal relationship with them. This form of grief can seem irrational as it is not based on personal intimacy. Fans mourn the loss of artists they may not have known personally but whose art has touched them deeply. It is important to recognize that the art and work of the deceased artists continue to exist, and their deaths do not erase their contributions. The public display of grief online allows fans to express their gratitude, share memories, and find a sense of solidarity with strangers. While the sadness surrounding the death of artists may not be objectively the saddest news, it serves as a reminder of mortality and an opportunity for shared appreciation and positive communication in an often fragmented digital world.
A fatal explosion at a hospital-cum-shelter has led to outrage and the canceling of the very summit that the US president had flown in for. America’s support for Israel is unwavering but could this escalation prompt the involvement of regional neighbours? Modi’s meddling in India’s cricket is bad for the game (10:53). And mourning dead artists (19:19).
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