On the Nose

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

Palestinian American poet and physician Fady Joudah discusses the challenges of publishing anti-apartheid poetry in English. He explores the power of silence, resisting victim narratives, and the generative capacities of language in times of genocide and injustice.

The podcast discusses the divide among American Jews over Israel's actions, the challenges of political work in synagogues, and varying approaches to synagogue life. They explore personal experiences, alternative Jewish community models, and reflections on anti-Zionist views within the Jewish community. The conversation also includes insights from children on conflict empathy and the complexities of raising a Jewish child.

Discussions on the shift from secularism to spirituality in Jewish Currents coverage, exploring evolving perspectives on religious engagement. Delving into radicalism, betrayal, and the malleability of Jewish tradition and identity. Contrasts between freedom satyrs and Parsha practice, interpreting Jewish texts, and inclusive dialogue on religion and secularism.

The podcast discusses the end of the iconic sitcom Curb Your Enthusiasm after 24 years, marking the conclusion of an era of American Jewish comedy. They delve into Larry David's unique humor, Jewish identity, and comedic legacy. The episode also explores the show's depictions of Jewishness, Blackness, and Palestinianness, sparking conversations about race, language, and cultural commentary.