Israel's genocidal war on Gaza w/ Lara Friedman and Paul Rogers
Oct 17, 2023
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Lara Friedman, President of the Foundation for Middle East Peace, discusses the dire situation in Gaza, increase of Islamophobia and anti-Arab racism in the US. International security expert Paul Rogers joins to talk about Israel's approach to destroy Hamas and risks of regional escalation. Topics include genocide debate, situation on the ground in Gaza, Israeli military's ground offensive, consequences of heavy force, possibility of larger conflict involving the US, assessing Israel's security systems, and the need for a ceasefire.
The dire situation in Gaza and the West Bank includes a dramatic escalation of Islamophobia and anti-Arab racism in the United States.
The Israeli government aims for the destruction of Hamas, potentially leading to significant destruction of Gaza's housing and infrastructure.
The violence from Israeli settlers, supported by the military and politicians, has escalated in the West Bank, causing increasing Palestinian casualties and fear for safety.
The podcast raises concerns over whether Israel aims for lasting security or seeks to demoralize and dispossess Palestinians in the long run with potential involvement from the US, Hezbollah, and Iran.
Deep dives
The dire situation in Gaza and the rise of Islamophobia and anti-Arab racism in the US
The podcast discusses the dire situation in Gaza, including the dramatic escalation of Islamophobia and anti-Arab racism in the United States. The guest, Lara Friedman, President of the Foundation for Middle East Peace, explains the term "genocide" and the various interpretations of its usage in relation to the ongoing conflict in Gaza. She emphasizes that the physical destruction of the Palestinian people is a valid concern. Communication with people on the ground in Gaza has been limited due to internet and communication restrictions.
The Israeli government's intentions and potential consequences
The podcast examines the intentions of the Israeli government and their approach towards Hamas, particularly with regard to Gaza. The Israeli government is said to aim for the destruction of Hamas, potentially leading to a massive ground offensive and significant destruction of Gaza's housing and infrastructure. The evacuation order for the northern part of Gaza is seen as a tactic to create a free fire zone and allow for indiscriminate attacks. The guest, Lara Friedman, expresses concerns about the humanitarian catastrophe this could cause.
The deteriorating security situation in the West Bank
The podcast explores the deteriorating security situation in the West Bank, particularly due to the increasing violence from Israeli settlers and the support they receive from the Israeli military and politicians. There has been an escalation of attacks by settlers, resulting in a rise in Palestinian casualties. Palestinians in the West Bank feel vulnerable and fear for their safety as attacks against them increase.
Israel's objective and the possibility of drawing in the US
The podcast raises the question of whether Israel aims to secure lasting security or seeks to demoralize and dispossess the Palestinians in the long run. The guest, Lara Friedman, discusses the potential of drawing the US into a wider war with Hezbollah and Iran. However, it is uncertain whether the US would be willing to become significantly involved. The Israeli government's determination and the support it receives domestically are significant factors in predicting the extent of US involvement.
The effectiveness of security systems and the potential regionalization of the conflict
The podcast evaluates the effectiveness of Israel's security systems, such as the Iron Dome, in countering Hamas missile attacks. While the Iron Dome has proven capable, it can be overwhelmed if the number of rockets fired increases. The possibility of regionalization, with Hezbollah and Iran getting involved, is also discussed. It is uncertain whether they would engage symbolically or escalate with missile strikes or incursions into Israel, and the extent to which they would draw in the US.
The comparison between Hamas, ISIS, and Nazi Germany
The podcast addresses the misrepresentation of Hamas by comparing it to ISIS and Nazi Germany. It is emphasized that such comparisons are inaccurate, as Hamas allows for religious diversity and has different objectives than ISIS. The discussion highlights the danger of dehumanizing Palestinians and the need to consider criticism of Israel's actions against civilians. The rise of anti-Semitism and anti-Muslim sentiment is also recognized as a concerning issue.
The impact of the current conflict and the need for a ceasefire
The podcast acknowledges the significant impact of the conflict on Israel and the shock it has caused. It emphasizes the importance of pursuing a ceasefire and creating a short breathing space to prevent further escalation. The role of various countries, including the US and European nations, in promoting a ceasefire is also discussed, as well as concerns about the situation potentially getting beyond control.
Lara Friedman, President of the Foundation for Middle East Peace joins PTO to discuss the dire situation in Gaza and the West Bank, and the dramatic escalation of islamophobia and anti-Arab racism in the United States. In the second half of the episode, international security expert Paul Rogers joins the show again to talk about how Israel is likely to approach its attempt to destroy Hamas, and the risks of regional escalation.
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