Behind the News: Israel and the Axis of Resistance w/ Mouin Rabbani
Nov 6, 2024
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Laura Jadid is a journalist focused on American right-wing movements, while Mouin Rabbani specializes in Middle Eastern politics. They dive into the far-right's influence on education in Idaho, highlighting controversies at North Idaho College. Rabbani then explores Israel's military strategies in its ongoing conflicts, analyzing their aims to dismantle the Axis of Resistance. He discusses the resilience of groups like Hamas and Hezbollah amidst U.S.-Israeli relations, providing a nuanced perspective on the evolving dynamics in the region.
The far-right movement in Idaho strategically targets educational institutions like North Idaho College to promote a conservative agenda and undermine public trust.
Israel’s military approach towards its adversaries, particularly the axis of resistance, reveals a shift from reactive violence to a more calculated strategy of targeted operations.
Deep dives
The Far-Right's Campaign Against North Idaho College
The far-right movement in Idaho is intensifying its campaign against North Idaho College, which is being targeted despite lacking any pronounced progressive agenda. This effort is spearheaded by members of the Idaho Republican Party who have been strategically elected to the college's board of trustees, causing turmoil that threatens the institution's accreditation. North Idaho College is crucial for the community, offering vocational training and educational opportunities to many local residents. The push against the college aligns with a broader ideological motive to dismantle public education and promote private alternatives that could enforce a more conservative curriculum.
Historical Context of Right-Wing Influence in Idaho
Idaho's political landscape has shifted significantly over the decades, evolving from a Democratic-leaning state to one of the most conservative in the U.S. The transformation began with key individuals moving to Idaho to influence local politics in a region with a small population, making each vote impactful. The establishment of extremist groups, like the Aryan Nations, in the 1980s further solidified the far-right presence in northern Idaho. This historical buildup of right-wing ideologies has culminated in the current landscape, where many believe that radical factions are actively attempting to reshape the state's educational institutions.
Strategies of the Extremist Movement in Education
The far-right’s approach to infiltrating educational institutions involves a meticulous, long-term strategy focused on local governance. By securing positions such as precinct committeemen within the Republican Party, they leverage these roles to influence broader electoral outcomes, prioritizing down-ballot races that are often overlooked by the mainstream electorate. This strategic focus allows them to pursue their agenda with stealth, undermining educational institutions perceived as liberal. The chaos introduced into North Idaho College’s governance is part of this pattern, reflecting a calculated effort to erode public trust in public education.
Implications of Israel's Military Strategies
The ongoing conflict involving Israel is marked by its intent to dismantle the so-called axis of resistance, primarily targeting Iran and its regional allies like Hamas and Hezbollah. Initially characterized by reactive violence, a more strategic approach has emerged, with Israel conducting targeted assassinations and military operations aimed at decapitating the leadership of these organizations. Despite these efforts, historical precedent suggests that such decapitation strategies are often ineffective, as organizations like Hamas and Hezbollah have proven resilient and adaptive. Israel’s broader aim appears to involve creating conditions conducive to greater military engagement with Iran, reflecting the complexities of the geopolitical landscape in the region.
Laura Jedeed, author of a recent feature article for Lux, discusses the right’s war on North Idaho College. Mouin Rabbani talks about what’s driving Israel’s multiple wars, and the Axis of Resistance.
Behind the News, hosted by Doug Henwood, covers the worlds of economics and politics and their complex interactions, from the local to the global. Find the archive online.
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