KQED's Forum cover image

KQED's Forum

"Anatomy of a Failure”: Franklin Foer on US Mideast Diplomacy After Oct. 7

Oct 7, 2024
Join Franklin Foer, a staff writer at The Atlantic known for his keen analysis of U.S. politics, and Jared Malsin, a Middle East correspondent for The Wall Street Journal, as they dissect the complexities of U.S. diplomacy in the Middle East post-October 7. They discuss the challenges of hostage negotiations, the dire humanitarian crisis in Gaza, and the escalating conflict dynamics in Lebanon. Foer critiques the Biden administration's strategies while Malsin offers firsthand insights from the ground, illuminating the multifaceted nature of the ongoing strife.
57:44

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • The Biden administration has struggled with effective communication and negotiations in responding to the ongoing Middle East conflict post-October 7.
  • Intense military actions by Israel against Hezbollah and Hamas have exacerbated the humanitarian crisis, complicating U.S. diplomatic efforts for peace.

Deep dives

The U.S. Response to the Ongoing Conflict

The Biden administration has faced significant challenges in responding to the escalating conflict in the Middle East, particularly after the October 7 Hamas attack on Israel. President Biden emphasized the urgency of achieving a ceasefire that secures the release of hostages while allowing humanitarian aid into Gaza. Despite these intentions, the administration has struggled to navigate negotiations, often hampered by a lack of effective communication with Israeli leadership and Hamas. The perceived overconfidence of Israeli officials regarding their military strategy further complicated these diplomatic efforts, resulting in a prolonged and worsening humanitarian crisis.

Remember Everything You Learn from Podcasts

Save insights instantly, chat with episodes, and build lasting knowledge - all powered by AI.
App store bannerPlay store banner