New promise in negotiations on a Middle East hostage deal; Egypt's role in Gaza; Biden-Xi meet in California
Nov 19, 2023
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CNN correspondent Jeremy Diamond provides an update on Israeli strikes and ongoing hostage negotiations with Hamas. New York Times columnist Nicholas Kristof discusses the Israel-Hamas war, while Harvard professor Tarek Masoud talks about Egypt's response to the Gaza crisis. Australian Ambassador Kevin Rudd analyzes the recent Biden-Xi meeting and its implications for US-China relations. Cindy Yu discusses how Chinese economic troubles have affected policy towards the US.
Proposed policy suggests using Russia's frozen reserves to aid Ukraine's reconstruction, signaling support and deterring a funding crisis.
Negotiations for the release of Israeli hostages by Hamas show progress, but challenges arise from indirect communication between Israel and Hamas through Qatar.
Deep dives
Ukraine faces challenges on two fronts
Ukraine's military commander acknowledges a stalemate with Russia in the east, and support for Ukraine is weakening in Western capitals. Russia has established powerful defensive lines, minefields, trenches, and artillery units, and its strategy is to wait for a potential end to America's alliance with Ukraine. A proposed policy is to use Russia's frozen reserves to aid Ukraine's reconstruction, sending a strong signal that Ukraine will not face a funding crisis. Legal experts argue that this is justifiable due to Russia's violation of international laws.
Progress in negotiations for Israeli hostages
Qatar's Prime Minister suggests that progress has been made in negotiations for the release of Israeli hostages held by Hamas. The remaining obstacles are minor and logistical, and multiple parties involved in the talks express optimism for a deal. However, it's important to note the complexity of the negotiations and the challenges of indirect communication between Israel and Hamas through Qatar.
Perceptions and challenges in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict
Nicholas Kristof dispels three myths about the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Firstly, he points out that it is not a clear-cut moral conflict, but a clash between two rights. Secondly, he challenges the myth that the Palestinian issue can be strung along indefinitely, as it risks undermining Israel's long-term interests. Thirdly, he refutes the belief that brutal violence is the only language the other side understands, emphasizing the perpetuation of violence and hardline positions. Kristof also highlights the dangers of the continuous cycle of violence and the potential consequences for both Israelis and Palestinians.
Insights into the Biden-Xi summit and China's perspective
The Biden-Xi summit aimed to stabilize the US-China relationship, with both leaders adopting a more conciliatory tone. China's motivation for a course correction is tied to its weakened economy and the desire to mitigate geopolitical uncertainty. The Chinese state has carefully orchestrated the narrative surrounding the summit to project friendship and unity. However, underlying tensions and concerns over the economy still persist among the Chinese people. China has experienced a decline in tourist visits and remains cautious about opening up to the world due to COVID-19 and geopolitical factors.
This week, Fareed talks with CNN correspondent Jeremy Diamond live from Tel Aviv about recent Israeli strikes, as well as an update on the ongoing hostage negotiations between Israel and Hamas.
Then, Fareed talks to New York Times opinion columnist Nicholas Kristof about parsing out fact and fiction in the Israel-Hamas war and how dynamics between the two sides perpetuate violence.
Next, Harvard University professor of democracy and governance Tarek Masoud joins the show to discuss Egypt's response to the Gaza humanitarian crisis and why the country is limiting entry to refugees.
Then, Fareed speaks with Australian Ambassador to the US and China expert Kevin Rudd about what Biden and Xi's recent meeting in California means for US-China relations.
Finally, Cindy Yu, assistant editor at The Spectator and the host of the "Chinese Whispers" podcast, joins the show to discuss how Chinese economic troubles have shifted policy towards the US.