
Plain English with Derek Thompson
The Tragedy of Picking Sides in the Israel-Palestine Conflict
Oct 17, 2023
Peter Beinart, a professor at CUNY and a noted voice on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, joins to explore the emotional and moral complexities of this deeply divided issue. He highlights the challenges of holding two contradictory truths: the defensibility of Israel and the inexcusable nature of some of its actions. The discussion delves into the concept of apartheid, shifts in Israeli politics under Netanyahu, and the roles of Palestinian citizens. Beinart emphasizes the necessity for nuanced dialogue amidst polarized perspectives.
01:01:50
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Quick takeaways
- The podcast explores the historical and political factors that have contributed to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, including the creation of the PLO and the Palestinian Authority, failed peace negotiations, and the impact of Israeli settlements in the West Bank.
- The episode highlights the ideological divisions within Israeli politics, such as the influence of right-wing settler interests and the disillusionment with Palestinian leadership, which have hindered the achievement of a two-state solution.
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Podcast Overview
The podcast episode explores the ongoing conflict between Israel and Palestine, focusing on the recent escalation of violence and the historical and political context that has shaped the situation. It delves into the causes of the conflict, including the Israeli settlements in the West Bank, the role of Hamas, and the struggle for Palestinian statehood. The host reflects on the personal impact of the conflict as a Jewish individual and discusses the complexities of balancing support for Israel with a critical view of its policies. The episode also mentions the rise of sympathy for the Palestinian cause among young progressives and the challenges of navigating discussions on the subject.
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