Prof. Jeffrey Sachs : Netanyahu Now Afraid to Fly.

Summary

In this engaging conversation, Professor Jeffrey Saak discusses his impactful speech at the Cambridge Student Union, which resonated with President-elect Trump and influenced international politics. Saak criticizes the US's long-standing foreign policy of following other nations' interests, particularly Israel's policies under Netanyahu, and advocates for an independent, peace-driven US approach. He highlights the importance of a two-state solution for lasting peace in the Middle East. The conversation delves into the moral and political consequences of US involvement in the region, calling for a shift toward sovereignty and diplomacy to resolve conflicts.

Takeaways

• 😀 Prime Minister Netanyahu has declined to attend President Trump's inauguration, possibly due to concerns about potential arrest or international backlash.
• 😀 Professor Jeffrey Sax argues that U.S. foreign policy should be independent and not dictated by other countries, including Israel and Ukraine.
• 😀 The potential for a deal to release hostages is a result of U.S. pressure and could be seen as an achievement for Donald Trump, rather than Joe Biden.
• 😀 Trump is expected to reshape U.S. foreign policy to prioritize American interests, moving away from following the directives of other nations.
• 😀 Sax emphasizes that the U.S. must not let other governments, particularly Israel, dictate its foreign policy in the Middle East.
• 😀 There is a global push for a Palestinian state, with the Saudis and other Middle Eastern nations supporting peace with Israel under the condition of a two-state solution.
• 😀 Sax criticizes the Netanyahu government for its extreme policies and its role in perpetuating wars in the Middle East, with the U.S. providing support.
• 😀 The extreme policies of Netanyahu's government, including the destruction of Palestinian infrastructure, have led to significant loss of life and international condemnation.
• 😀 Secretary Blinken and the Biden Administration have been complicit in Israeli actions, according to Sax, as they have provided military and diplomatic support for Israel's operations in Gaza.
• 😀 Sax believes that a real peace agreement in the Middle East is possible if the U.S. adopts its own independent foreign policy, with a focus on peace between Israel and Palestine.

Q & A

What did Professor Jeffrey Saak comment on at the Cambridge Student Union?

Professor Saak made a critical comment about Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu's role in wars involving the U.S., particularly focusing on the Middle East, which resonated with the president-elect and contributed to shifting foreign policy discussions.

Why did Prime Minister Netanyahu decline to attend President Trump's inauguration?

The reasons behind Netanyahu's decision are unclear, but the transcript suggests that it could either be due to fear of flying or concerns about facing legal consequences, possibly linked to his foreign policy decisions.

How did Professor Saak describe the U.S. foreign policy under Joe Biden and its relationship with Israel?

Professor Saak criticized the U.S. foreign policy under Biden as one that followed Israeli interests without independent judgment, leading to the U.S. being manipulated in ways that were detrimental to its own interests.

What does Professor Saak hope will happen in the Middle East concerning U.S. foreign policy?

Professor Saak hopes for a shift in U.S. foreign policy that prioritizes peace and diplomacy, leading to a two-state solution with Israel and Palestine living side by side in peace.

What is the significance of the 'Clean Break' document from 1996 mentioned in the transcript?

The 'Clean Break' document, created when Netanyahu first became Prime Minister, outlined a strategy to prevent the creation of a Palestinian state, which was seen as a key turning point in Israeli foreign policy and its relationship with the U.S.

What stance does Saudi Arabia have regarding peace in the Middle East?

Saudi Arabia has expressed support for peace in the Middle East, advocating for the establishment of a Palestinian state alongside Israel as a requirement for lasting peace in the region.

What role did Netanyahu play in the Iraq War, according to Professor Saak?

Netanyahu was a vocal supporter of the Iraq War, and Saak suggests that his advocacy for the war was based on Israeli interests, particularly in preventing a Palestinian state and advancing Israeli territorial claims.

What is the connection between U.S. involvement and Israeli actions in Gaza?

The transcript suggests that the U.S. has been deeply involved in Israeli actions in Gaza, providing military aid, diplomatic support, and cover for Israel's operations, which has led to widespread destruction and civilian casualties.

What is Professor Saak's view on the U.S. complicity in Israeli actions?

Professor Saak argues that the U.S. leadership, including President Biden and Secretary Blinken, has been complicit in Israeli actions, especially in Gaza, by providing military aid and diplomatic support, despite the controversial nature of these actions.

What does Professor Saak hope for President Trump in his approach to Middle East peace?

Professor Saak hopes that President Trump, upon taking office, will prioritize a peace strategy that ensures a two-state solution, with Israel and Palestine living side by side in peace, and that he will act independently of Israeli influence.