Background Briefing with Ian Masters
October 15, 2023 - Steven Simon | Katherine Franke
Oct 15, 2023
Middle East expert Steven Simon and law professor Katherine Franke discuss Israel's strategy to defeat Hamas, the challenges of discussing the Israeli-Palestinian conflict on college campuses, and the current political landscape in Israel. They emphasize the need for dialogue, acknowledge suffering on both sides, and call for support to the show.
55:56
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Quick takeaways
- The US takes a relatively standoffish posture in the Israel-Hamas conflict, recognizing its limited influence on Israeli actions and emphasizing the complexities of managing local conflicts while balancing strategic interests in other regions.
- Efforts to limit discussions about the Israeli-Palestinian conflict on university campuses through labeling criticism of Israel as anti-Semitism hinder open and respectful dialogue, narrowing the range of acceptable narratives and stifling diverse perspectives.
Deep dives
US involvement in the Israel-Hamas conflict and Armenian-Azerbaijan tensions
The United States finds itself grappling with multiple challenges in the Middle East, including the Israel-Hamas conflict and potential military invasion by Azerbaijan into Armenia. Despite dispatching the Secretary of State and making public statements, the US is taking a relatively standoffish posture, recognizing the limited influence it can exert on Israeli actions. The US government recognizes the risks of becoming drawn into these conflicts while balancing its strategic interests in Ukraine and the Pacific. The situation highlights the complexities of managing local conflicts as global powers juggle their engagements.
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