Spectator Out Loud: Paul Wood, Ross Clark, Andrew Lycett, Laura Gascoigne and Henry Jeffreys
Sep 21, 2024
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In this lively discussion, Paul Wood delves into the complexities of Israel and Hezbollah’s escalating tensions, revealing the stakes involved. Ross Clark analyzes Ireland's unexpected windfall in tax benefits and its broader European implications. Andrew Lycett reviews Ben Macintyre's gripping account of the Iranian embassy siege, shedding light on its lasting impact on British counter-terrorism. Laura Gascoigne passionately argues that Van Gogh would endorse a new exhibition of his work, exploring his artistic struggles and inspirations.
The evolving military strategies between Israel and Hezbollah highlight the intricate regional dynamics, particularly after Hezbollah's recent mobilization signal.
Ireland's unexpected €13 billion tax windfall from Apple raises critical questions about the sustainability of its low-tax model for foreign investment.
Deep dives
Israel's Strategic Shift and Hezbollah's Response
Israel's recent military strategy was reshaped following an incident involving Hezbollah that utilized explosive pagers to send a message of deterrence. The meeting of Israel's security cabinet revealed a dual focus on both the destruction of Hamas and the protection of its northern borders. In response, Hezbollah marked this event with a call for mobilization, indicating a readiness for conflict under its leader, Sheikh Hassan Nasrallah. This situation underscores the complicated dynamics in the region, as Israel contemplates the potential need for a ground invasion of Lebanon, while Hezbollah retains a significant arsenal capable of inflicting considerable damage on Israeli territory.
Ireland's Dilemma with Apple's €13 Billion Windfall
Ireland's government faces a paradox regarding a €13 billion tax windfall from Apple, following a European Court of Justice ruling that contradicts its position on attracting foreign business through low tax rates. While the immediate financial support could address pressing issues like public housing and health care, the long-term implications are troubling as Ireland risks losing its competitive edge in corporate taxation. The European Commission views the low tax arrangement as unjust, prompting a broader debate on corporate taxation across member states. Ireland's successful fiscal policies are highlighted by its projected budget surplus, raising questions about the fairness of penalizing countries that effectively manage their finances.
The Legacy of the 1980 Iranian Embassy Siege
Ben Macintyre's latest book chronicles the dramatic events of the 1980 Iranian Embassy siege in London, detailing the lethal precision and quick response of the SAS. The narrative captures the chaotic tension between the gunmen, hostages, and the British government amidst growing public and media scrutiny. Macintyre illustrates the contrasting motivations and dynamics at play, framing the siege within the wider context of Middle Eastern upheaval and global terrorism. Ultimately, the book reflects on the short-lived triumph of the SAS while questioning the lasting impact of such violent episodes on both the perpetrators and the affected communities.
On this week’s Spectator Out Loud: as Lebanon reels from the exploding pagers, Paul Wood wonders what’s next for Israel and Hezbollah (1:24); Ross Clark examines Ireland’s low-tax project, following the news that they’re set to receive €13 billion… that they didn’t want (8:40); Reviewing Ben Macintyre’s new book, Andrew Lycett looks at the 1980 Iranian London embassy siege (15:29); Laura Gascoigne argues that Vincent Van Gogh would approve of the new exhibition of his works at the National Gallery (22:35); and Henry Jeffreys provides his notes on corkscrews (28:01).
Produced and presented by Patrick Gibbons.
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