DeepSummary
Jeremy Scahill and Murtaza Hussain discuss the trajectory of the US long war in the Middle East with Juan Cole, a professor of history at the University of Michigan and a long-time writer and commenter on the region. They examine the basis of the ongoing US-Israel security relationship, the perspective of anti-Israel militant groups in the region, and the prospects of the expansion of the war despite the Biden administration's desires to keep it contained.
Cole discusses the Israeli government's portrayal of the ruling from the International Court of Justice in The Hague, which overwhelmingly ruled in favor of South Africa in its case against Israel for alleged genocide in Gaza. He also analyzes Israel's subsequent attack on the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestinian Refugees (UNRWA), a crucial humanitarian organization in Gaza.
The conversation delves into the complexities of the conflict, including the divisions within Israel's government, the role of Iran and the alliance of resistance groups, the influence of public opinion on US policy, and the historical context of Germany's support for Israel. Cole expresses pessimism about the prospects for a diplomatic solution, predicting that the situation will continue to be one of apartheid and occupation.
Key Episodes Takeaways
- The Biden administration remains deeply committed to supporting Israel, viewing it as a strategic asset in the Middle East.
- Israel's war in Gaza has intensified regional tensions, with militant groups vowing retaliation against the US for enabling Israel.
- The core Israeli-Palestinian conflict remains unresolved, with bleak prospects for a diplomatic solution or the establishment of a Palestinian state.
- Regional powers like Egypt and Iran have limited ability or willingness to intervene decisively in the conflict.
- Public opinion in the US and the priorities of the Biden administration may constrain further military escalation, but are unlikely to prompt a resolution.
- Historian Juan Cole expresses pessimism about the future, predicting continued apartheid and occupation for Palestinians.
- Divisions within Israel's government and shifts in public opinion complicate the country's approach to the conflict.
- Germany's support for Israel is shaped by historical trauma and efforts to atone for the Holocaust, but critics view it as enabling oppression of Palestinians.
Top Episodes Quotes
- “The Biden administration is deeply committed to the security of Israel, in large part I think because the foreign policy establishment in Washington sees Israel as America's aircraft carrier in the Middle East.“ by Juan Cole
- “Unless you deal with the Palestine problem, you're just not going to have peace. But then I think the other conclusion we may draw is we're not going to have peace.“ by Juan Cole
- “There isn't any counterbalancing factor that would forestall that development. The Egyptians are the only major military power in the region and they have taken themselves out of the fray.“ by Juan Cole
- “I used to think that the Israelis themselves would finally come to their senses and decide that trying to keep the Palestinians as chattel in the long run was not good for them or for the Palestinians or for anybody. But I've despaired of that.“ by Juan Cole
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Episode Information
Intercepted
The Intercept
1/31/24
The killing of three U.S. soldiers at a remote military outpost in Jordan, claimed by Iraqi militia groups to be retaliation for U.S. support for Israel's war in Gaza, has set the stage for a response by the Biden administration that has blamed Iran for helping support the attack. After years of attempting to pivot away from the region, the Biden administration now looks set to deepen its military involvement in the Middle East as it fights the Houthis in Yemen and squares off in an escalating proxy war with Iran.
This week on Intercepted, Jeremy Scahill and Murtaza Hussain discuss the trajectory of the U.S. long war in the Middle East with Juan Cole, professor of history at the University of Michigan and a longtime writer and commenter on the region. Cole discusses the basis of the ongoing U.S.–Israel security relationship, the perspective of anti-Israel militant groups in the region, and the prospects of the expansion of the war despite the Biden administration's desires to keep it contained.
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