Mini Show #48: Kamala Staff, Fetterman Campaign, Instagram Shakeup, Saudi Visit, & More!
Jul 30, 2022
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In this discussion, guest Jason Kander, a former U.S. Senate candidate and PTSD advocate, shares his personal journey, emphasizing mental health awareness. Raid Girard discusses the complexities of Middle Eastern politics, while Jules Topak analyzes Instagram's shift towards a TikTok format, sparking user backlash. Journalist Josh Rogan provides insights into Speaker Pelosi's visit to Taiwan amidst rising tensions. Together, they tackle the challenges of political campaigns and the evolving landscape of social media.
President Biden's visit to Saudi Arabia showcased a lack of respect and transparency from the Saudi government, raising concerns about the United States' moral standing.
Don offers a fresh and accurate perspective on Middle Eastern issues, providing a comprehensive picture and challenging the status quo.
The United States has the leverage to hold countries like Saudi Arabia and the UAE accountable for human rights abuses, but often fails to do so.
Speaker Pelosi's planned visit to Taiwan increases the risk of escalating tensions between the United States and China, highlighting the need for careful navigation.
The Chinese Communist Party's aggressive behavior underscores the importance of the United States showing resolve and pushing back against their bullying tactics.
Deep dives
Humiliating visit for President Biden: Saudi Arabia trip and its implications
President Biden's visit to Saudi Arabia was not only morally wrong, but also humiliating for him and the United States internationally. From being greeted by a provincial governor instead of a head of state, to the leaking of conflicting claims about discussing Khashoggi's case during the meeting, the visit showcased the lack of respect and transparency from the Saudi government. The arrest of Jamal Khashoggi's former lawyer in the UAE shortly after Biden's visit further emphasized the disrespect and disregard for human rights. The visit also failed to yield any significant benefits for the United States, leaving the question of what was gained from engaging with a country known for its human rights abuses and lack of accountability.
Don's perspective: Challenging the hegemony of think tanks in the Middle East
Don, or Democracy in the Arab World Now, offers a fresh and accurate perspective on Middle Eastern issues, countering the dominant narratives perpetuated by many think tanks. Unlike those influenced by financial ties or political biases, Don provides a much-needed alternative viewpoint. By focusing on honest analysis and addressing the region's realities, Don presents a more comprehensive picture of the Middle East, bringing attention to important issues and challenging the status quo.
The importance of addressing human rights abuses in Saudi Arabia
President Biden's failure to address human rights abuses in Saudi Arabia during his visit raises concerns about the United States' moral standing. The lack of accountability and respect for human rights by the Saudi government, evident in the case of Jamal Khashoggi and many other activists, undermines the trust in the U.S.-Saudi relationship. The focus on economic interests and the supposed need for oil does not justify turning a blind eye to such abuses. The absence of meaningful concessions or benefits for the United States further highlights the moral and strategic pitfalls of engaging with Saudi Arabia.
Leverage and missed opportunities: US influence over Saudi Arabia and the UAE
The United States holds significant leverage over countries like Saudi Arabia and the UAE, as they rely on American weapons systems, maintenance, and support. Despite having the power to influence their behavior, the US often fails to hold these countries accountable for human rights abuses. The argument that these countries would suddenly turn to adversarial powers like China or Russia if not supported by the US is flawed, as changing weapons systems takes time and comes with its own challenges. Thus, the US has a unique opportunity to shape the behavior of its partners in the Middle East, but often fails to do so.
Speaker Pelosi's Visit to Taiwan and the Risk of Escalation
Speaker Pelosi's planned visit to Taiwan has raised concerns about the risk of escalating tensions between the United States and China. The Chinese Communist Party (CCP) views the visit as an act of defiance towards the Biden administration and a challenge to their authority. The CCP does not understand the dynamics of the U.S. system, where the legislative branch can act independently from the executive branch. This lack of understanding creates a potential for miscalculations and dangerous escalations. While congressional visits to Taiwan have occurred in the past, the CCP's current aggression and desire to punish Taiwan for any perceived provocation increases the risk that a crisis could arise. The Biden administration is concerned about sending mixed signals to allies and wants to manage the situation on its own terms. However, Speaker Pelosi's determination to assert legislative prerogative and defend the interests of the legislative branch may complicate efforts to navigate this delicate situation.
The CCP's Aggression and the Need to Show Resolve
The Chinese Communist Party's (CCP) escalating aggression, including military provocations and economic pressure, poses a challenge for the United States. The CCP operates as an extortion ring, using threats and punishments to control companies, countries, and even Wall Street. It bullies and blusters, creating an environment where the weaker party is targeted. This aggressive behavior underscores the need for the United States to show resolve and push back against the CCP's bullying tactics. Failing to do so only emboldens the CCP and increases the risk of further escalations. While cautious and strategic decision-making is important, it is crucial for the United States to respond firmly to the CCP's threats and not back down in the face of coercion.
Congressional Role in Foreign Policy and the Challenges of Balancing Power
Congress plays a critical role in shaping foreign policy and exerting pressure on the executive branch. Through its power of the purse and oversight functions, Congress can influence and shape U.S. engagement with countries like China. However, in high-stakes situations, the coordination between the executive and legislative branches becomes critical. Balancing power and avoiding mixed signals to allies is important, especially when dealing with a formidable adversary like the CCP. The current situation with Speaker Pelosi's planned visit to Taiwan highlights the need for coordination and a clear message from the United States. Finding a compromise that allows for congressional engagement while preserving the broader strategic interests and avoiding unnecessary escalations should be the goal for all branches of the U.S. government involved.
Bernie Sanders' Genuine Intent to Help People
The podcast episode discusses how Bernie Sanders' genuine intent to help people was a key factor in his appeal during the 2016 election. Unlike other politicians, Sanders was seen as someone who genuinely cared about the working class and was not motivated by a thirst for power. This resonated with voters who saw him as a candidate who wanted to do good and make a positive impact, rather than simply seeking personal gain. Sanders' proposed policies such as taxing Wall Street speculation and using the funds for education and welfare were seen as transformative and beneficial to society.
Controversy Surrounding Instagram's Changes
The episode explores the recent changes on Instagram and the backlash it has received. Instagram has been attempting to replicate features from other platforms like TikTok, but this has led to a decline in user satisfaction. The immersive feed, similar to TikTok's full-screen experience, has received criticism as it prioritizes strangers' content over that of friends and family. This shift away from a more personal and curated user experience has sparked outrage among users who feel that Instagram is losing its identity and becoming a copycat platform. These changes are seen as a strategic move by Instagram to attract a younger audience and increase monetization through shopping features, but the backlash highlights the importance of user experience and community in social media platforms.
