Alejandro Velasco

Joining the discussion are Jeremy Scahill, an investigative journalist focused on Palestinian politics, Alejandro Velasco, a historian who critiques U.S. actions in Latin America, and Meher Ahmad, a New York Times editor addressing Islamophobia in politics. Scahill delves into the complexities of the Gaza ceasefire and the importance of understanding Hamas. Velasco examines U.S. military moves in Venezuela, revealing ideological motivations behind sanctions. Ahmad highlights how Islamophobia shapes public perception in local elections, particularly in the case of Zohran Mamdani's campaign.

Alejandro Velasco, an associate professor of history at NYU, sheds light on Venezuela's dramatic decline from a prosperous oil-rich nation to a site of humanitarian crisis. He explores the legacies of iconic leaders Simón Bolívar and Hugo Chávez, examining how Chávez used Bolívar's heritage to gain public support. Velasco discusses the cultural and political ramifications of their leadership styles and how historical events, including failed coups, have shaped Venezuela's tumultuous politics, ultimately leading to mass emigration and widespread poverty.