Elliot Abrams and Steven Cook discuss the context and consequences of Hamas' surprise attack on Israel, including the reasons for the attack and the strategic goals of Hamas. They explore the potential Iranian complicity in the conflict and the surprise of Israeli and American intelligence services. They also delve into the United States' response to the war and the reasons behind the conflict, including public support for military action.

This episode features Robin Wright, a renowned journalist and scholar of the Middle East, and Elliot Abrams, a U.S. Middle East policy expert. They discuss President Trump's controversial speech in Saudi Arabia, calling for Muslim countries to take action against extremism. The conversation highlights the tension between Trump's military-focused rhetoric and the deeper social issues affecting relations with Muslim nations. The panel delves into the implications of Trump's outreach and the complex geopolitical landscape, including the urgent need for unity against terrorism.