Tommy and Ben discuss Israel's retaliatory strike in Iran, the Biden administration's response, supplemental funding bills for Israel and Ukraine. They touch on US messaging in Gaza, vetoing UN resolutions, and take audience questions on Discord.
Israel launched retaliatory strike deep inside Iran, escalating tensions in the region.
Biden administration implements sanctions against far-right Israeli settler extremists to address extremist elements within settlements.
US presence in Middle East increases risk of retaliatory actions from Iran or Iranian-backed groups, raising concerns about foreign policy alignment.
Deep dives
Israeli Strike on Iran's Air Defense Radars near Natanz Nuclear Facility
Israeli aircraft reportedly fired three missiles at Iranian air defense radars near the Natanz nuclear facility. Actions further escalate tensions between Israel and Iran.
US Imposes More Sanctions on Far-Right Israeli Settler Extremists
President Biden's administration implements sanctions against prominent far-right Israeli settler extremists, signaling a strategic escalation to address extremist elements within settlements.
Impact of US Troops in Middle East
US military assets and troops in the Middle East are within firing range for potential retaliatory actions from Iran or Iranian-backed proxy groups. Presence in the region includes bases in Bahrain, Qatar, Kuwait, UAE, Iraq, Syria, and Jordan.
UN Veto on Palestinian Membership Recognition
The US decision to veto a UN resolution recognizing Palestinian statehood contradicts recent calls for a two-state solution. The move raises questions about US foreign policy alignment and leverage in Israeli-Palestinian negotiations.
Analysis of Taylor Swift's New Album
Taylor Swift's latest album showcases elevated songwriting skills with a mix of captivating melodies. Notable for its dad rock vibes from collaborators like The National and addresses contemporary themes with a nuanced approach.
In a bonus episode, Tommy and Ben talk about the reports that Israel launched a retaliatory strike deep inside Iran, why Iranian leaders are downplaying what happened, why the logic of deterrence is stupid, and the Biden administration’s muted response. They also talk about supplemental funding bills for Israel and Ukraine that the House will vote on this weekend, the messaging incoherence of the US calling for a ceasefire in Gaza while sending Israel more weapons, the US vetoing a UN resolution on Palestinian statehood, and then they take audience questions from the Discord.
For a closed-captioned version of this episode, click here. For a transcript of this episode, please email transcripts@crooked.com and include the name of the podcast.
Get the Snipd podcast app
Unlock the knowledge in podcasts with the podcast player of the future.
AI-powered podcast player
Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features
Discover highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode
Save any moment
Hear something you like? Tap your headphones to save it with AI-generated key takeaways
Share & Export
Send highlights to Twitter, WhatsApp or export them to Notion, Readwise & more
AI-powered podcast player
Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features
Discover highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode