Call Me Back - with Dan Senor
Trump’s National Security Adviser Mike Waltz
Jan 15, 2025
Mike Waltz, the incoming National Security Advisor to President Trump, is a former Green Beret and Florida Congressman with expertise in counter-terrorism. He discusses the troubling rise of hostage situations and U.S. negotiations related to them. Waltz highlights the evolving Israel-Hamas dynamics and the urgent need for disarmament in Gaza. He reflects on the critical nuclear threat from Iran and America's firm stance against it. His raw emotions about the October 7th attack reveal deep moral complexities and a concerning rise in anti-Semitism.
27:25
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Quick takeaways
- The rising trend of hostage-taking by terrorist groups reflects their perception of achieving significant concessions through past exchanges, emphasizing the need for a robust deterrent strategy.
- The incoming administration aims to strengthen U.S.-Israel relations by enhancing military aid and fostering regional cooperation with Middle Eastern countries for long-term stability.
Deep dives
Increased Hostage-Taking Motivation
Terrorist groups and rogue states have found increasing incentive to take Americans hostage due to perceived gains in recent years. For instance, the Brittany Griner case exemplifies how hostage exchanges can lead to significant concessions, like the release of a notorious arms dealer. The strategy has been effective for these groups, encouraging them to consider the possibility of taking more hostages to achieve greater outcomes. Under the prior administration, a clear message was communicated that hostage-taking would result in negative consequences, potentially deterring such actions.
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