Political Gabfest | Syria’s Collapse, Israel’s Delight

Dec 12, 2024

Steven A. Cook, a Senior Fellow for Middle East and Africa Studies at the Council on Foreign Relations, dives into the surprising collapse of the Assad regime in Syria. He discusses the potential geopolitical shifts and how players like Iran and Russia are affected. The conversation also touches on alarming topics like the assassination of a healthcare CEO and societal reactions to political violence. Lastly, the nuances of birthright citizenship are explored, revealing the legal and cultural implications for immigrant families in America.

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Intro

00:00 • 3min

Military Dynamics and Geopolitical Shifts in Syria

03:10 • 16min

Reactions to Political Violence: The Case of a Healthcare CEO's Assassination

19:24 • 5min

The Emotional Turmoil of Health Insurance

24:37 • 14min

Justice and Vigilantism: A Delicate Balance

38:54 • 6min

Navigating Heroism and Economic Choices

45:08 • 4min

Birthright Citizenship: A Deep Dive

49:18 • 18min

A Love for Audiobooks and an Endearing Legacy

01:06:58 • 4min

This week, Emily Bazelon, John Dickerson, and David Plotz discuss the fall of the al-Assad dictatorship in Syria with Steven A. Cook of the Council on Foreign Relations; the killing of a health insurance CEO and the acquittal for the death of a troubled man; and the future of American birthright citizenship.

For this week’s Slate Plus bonus segment, Emily, John, and David discuss President Joe Biden’s clemency for nearly 1,500 Americans and pardons for 39 more.

In the latest Gabfest Reads, Emily talks with Stephanie Gorton about her new book, The Icon & the Idealist: Margaret Sanger, Mary Ware Dennett, and the Rivalry That Brought Birth Control to America.

Email your chatters, questions, and comments to gabfest@slate.com. (Messages may be referenced by name unless the writer stipulates otherwise.)

Podcast production by Cheyna Roth

Research by Julie Huygen

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