On the Nose

On this episode of On the Nose—recorded live at Jewish Currents’s daylong event on September 15th—editor-in-chief Arielle Angel speaks with a panel of authors, scholars, and activists about the movement for Palestinian freedom in the wake of Israel’s genocide. Noura Erakat, Fadi Quran, Dana El Kurd, Amjad Iraqi, and Ahmed Moor discuss the challenge of Palestinian unity under Israel’s program of fragmentation, the resurgence of the two-state solution and decline of the coexistence paradigm, American Jews’ role in organizing their communities against Zionism, and the task of imagining a liberated future.Thanks to Jesse Brenneman for producing and to Nathan Salsburg for the use of his song “VIII (All That Were Calculated Have Passed).Texts Mentioned and Further Reading:Polarized and Demobilized: Legacies of Authoritarianism in Palestine by Dana El KurdJustice for Some: Law and the Question of Palestine by Noura ErakatAfter Zionism: One State for Israel and Palestine, edited by Anthony Loewenstein and Ahmed MoorHamas Contained: The Rise and Pacification of Palestinian Resistance by Tareq BaconiPolling by Palestinian Center for Policy and Survey Research“Zionism Killed the Jewish-Muslim World,” Ariella Aïsha Azoulay, JacobinProtocol I Additional to the Geneva Conventions1968 Palestinian National Charter“How Durham, North Carolina, became the first US city to ban police exchanges with Israel,” Zaina Alsous and Sammy Hanf, Scalawag

In this engaging discussion, renowned writer Dionne Brand, celebrated for her exploration of colonial narratives, teams up with Adania Shibli, who examines themes of home and empire impact. They delve into reimagining belonging beyond nation-states, confronting colonial erasures of everyday life. The conversation also critiques the failures of liberal democracy, especially in the context of Israeli-Palestinian tensions. Brand and Shibli highlight the transformative power of writing, calling for collective narratives that foster liberation and challenge oppressive legacies.

Aslı Bâli, a scholar on left internationalism and neocolonialism, joins Aziz Rana, who examines global solidarity movements. They discuss the historical context of Third Worldism and its impact on contemporary movements, particularly concerning Palestine. The conversation highlights the importance of forming alliances against imperialism, explores the legacies of decolonization, and critiques the limitations of nation-states. They emphasize the need for transformative political action to confront ongoing neocolonial structures and foster genuine equity.

Candace Owens, a far-right commentator known for her divisive opinions, joins Tucker Carlson, a prominent television host, and Max Blumenthal, a journalist focused on international relations. They delve into the troubling intertwining of anti-Israel sentiment and antisemitism in current discourse. The conversation navigates the complexities of antisemitism in America, the risks within leftist movements, and the importance of building solidarity amidst fear narratives. They also discuss the distinction between Jews and Zionists, highlighting the need for nuanced allyship in political activism.

In a gripping discussion, Tareq Baconi, author of 'Hamas Contained,' unpacks the shocking assassination of Ismail Haniyeh, Hamas’s leader. They delve into the motivations behind the attack and its timing amid fragile ceasefire negotiations. Public reaction to his death reveals deep divisions in Palestinian politics, raising questions about Israel’s strategies. Furthermore, the intricacies of military versus political leadership within Hamas are explored, alongside the urgent need for Palestinian unity and international involvement in the ongoing conflict.

Tensions are rising across the Middle East, with Israel engaged in a complex conflict involving Iran-backed forces. Recent assassinations of key leaders threaten to ignite further violence. The podcast delves into the implications of these military actions, including U.S. airstrikes and the role of Hezbollah. Experts discuss the precarious balance of power, U.S. diplomatic responses, and the urgent call for a ceasefire to prevent a full-blown regional war. Key insights reveal the intricate dynamics at play and the potential consequences for international relations.

In this thought-provoking discussion, Vice President Kamala Harris tackles the ethical dilemmas voters face in light of the Israel-Palestine conflict and upcoming elections. She reflects on the complexities of aligning moral values with electoral choices and the historical context that shapes our voting behavior. The conversation navigates the notion of harm reduction in voting, the struggle of marginalized communities, and the tensions between collective voting norms and individual conscience. Harris emphasizes the importance of engaged participation despite feelings of disillusionment.

J.D. Vance, the Ohio Senator and a critic of US foreign interventions, discusses the evolving Republican foreign policy landscape. He contrasts the traditional neoconservative stance with a realist-nationalist vision, particularly in relation to the Iraq War and funding for Ukraine. Vance argues for an 'America First' approach that maintains support for Israel, suggesting dramatic shifts in U.S. policy under a potential Trump second term. The conversation also touches on the implications for relations with China and immigration policies.

Exploring the lost Arab-Jewish life pre-1948, the alternative visions to Zionism, and the challenges faced by Mizrahi Jews in navigating their identities within Israel and the broader Arab world.

On June 25th, New York Congressman Jamaal Bowman lost his primary election to George Latimer, a longtime Democratic Westchester County politician. The race attracted national attention because of the unprecedented role played by the Israel-advocacy group AIPAC: The lobby’s super PAC spent $14.5 million on television ads attacking Bowman, while AIPAC donors contributed about $2.5 million to Latimer’s campaign. Bowman’s loss marked a blow for the project of electing leftists to federal office, and the result particularly stung for the pro-Palestine movement; one of the most outspoken Democratic critics of Israel’s war on Gaza will now be replaced by someone who won’t even rebuke Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, which puts him well to the right of Joe Biden. On this episode of On the Nose, senior reporter Alex Kane is joined by Intercept DC bureau chief Ryan Grim and former Justice Democrats spokesperson Waleed Shahid to discuss the meaning of Bowman’s loss, AIPAC’s electoral strategy, and the future of the movement to elect leftist Democrats.Thanks to guest producer Will Smith and to Nathan Salsburg for the use of his song “VIII (All That Were Calculated Have Passed).”Articles Mentioned and Further Reading:“The Road Not Taken: Hard Truths about Jamaal Bowman’s Loss,” Micah Sifry, The Connector“What the Left Can Learn From Jamaal Bowman’s Loss,” Waleed Shahid, The Nation“A Trip to Israel Changed Jamaal Bowman’s Worldview—And Could Cost Him His Re-election,” Calder McHugh, Politico