The podcast discusses various topics including antisemitism in China, Hindu nationalist support for Israel, Saudi-Israeli peace, and why progressives liked Israel more when Stalin was alive.
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Quick takeaways
Saudi Arabia's commitment to pursuing closer ties with Israel signals a potential strategic defeat for Iran in disrupting the US-Israel-Saudi Arabia partnership.
India's response to the Israel-Hamas conflict reflects a complex dynamic influenced by historical tensions with Pakistan, internal politics, and the need to navigate delicate regional relationships.
Deep dives
Saudi Arabia's commitment to normalizing relations with Israel
Saudi Arabia has assured the Biden administration of its continued interest in pursuing an agreement to normalize relations with Israel after the war in Gaza ends. Despite criticism of Israeli military operations, Axios reports that the White House remains committed to the process, and it is evident that Saudi Arabia shares this commitment. While Iran seeks to disrupt the diplomatic and security partnership between the US, Israel, and Saudi Arabia, the Saudis have demonstrated resilience in pursuing closer ties with Israel, indicating a potential strategic defeat for Iran.
India's support for Israel amid conflict with Hamas
Amid the conflict between Israel and Hamas, India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed solidarity with Israel, condemning the terrorist attacks and warning that India may face a similar situation if it does not stand against politically motivated radicalism. While India abstained from backing a UN resolution for a humanitarian truce in Gaza, it has also sent humanitarian aid to the region. The Indian government's response reflects a multifaceted dynamic influenced by historical tensions with Pakistan, internal politics, and the need to navigate delicate regional relationships.
Rising anti-Semitism in China amid Middle East conflict
As the conflict between Israel and Hamas escalates, anti-Semitic content is surging on Chinese social media platforms. WeChat, in particular, has seen an increase in searches and mentions involving anti-Semitic language and threats against Jews. The rise in anti-Jewish sentiment aligns with China's growing support for the Palestinian cause and its distancing from Israel. While state involvement in fostering this sentiment is uncertain, the repercussions for religious minorities in China, such as Christians, remain a concern. The increasingly repressive political climate in China may contribute to the constriction of Christian life and the exacerbation of tensions within the country.
This week, Walter and Jeremy discuss antisemitism in China, Hindu nationalist support for Israel, Saudi-Israeli peace, and why progressives liked Israel more when Stalin was alive.
Each week on What Really Matters, Walter Russell Mead and Jeremy Stern help you understand the news, decide what matters and what doesn’t, and enjoy following the story of America and the world more than you do now. For more, check out tabletmag.com/what-really-matters. You can read Walter Russell Mead’s Tablet column here, and check out more from Tablet here.