My heart goes out to all Israelis who have to live daily with the terrible knowledge that a group of their citizens have been held hostage for so long. I believe Israel has shown remarkable restraint under the threat of a completely unjustified global condemnation simply for trying to stay alive in the face of an undeniable threat to its very existence. Thanks to Ambassador Iddo Moed for clearly restating Israel’s position over these two interviews. Also, thanks to The Line for covering this.
I can’t wait to hear from someone like Norman Finkelstein or Chris Hedges next week. It’ll be interesting to hear a perspective that may be…. Slightly different. You wouldn’t just present one side, ask a bunch of questions and have no pushback without perhaps showcasing that there MAY be alternative insights, right? Right?
I think Jen’s questions were pushback just not overtly. I found the answers illuminating but likely not in the way the guest intended. I’d be open to the opposite view being presented but would pass if it’s Finklestein.
I agree with you actually. She asked great questions that were very leading and pointed but polite. It was simply that he would answer and there was no pushback with facts/figures etc. However, I don’t mean that as a critique as it’s important to show your guest respect and consideration and not turn it into wrestling match. I just think it’s really hard to get much out of it in terms of balance when he obviously is doing an excellent job of disseminating state views that potentially may not hold water with the vast majority of the world.
As for not Finklestein, that’s fine. Doesn’t have to be him, but I think Chris Hedges, who has a long history in the Middle East, is a pastor and a Pulitzer Prize winner would be able to share his own perspective in a manner that would be informative and interesting. Anyone really who is knowledgeable and with a different viewpoint.
I see what you’re saying. As for Hedges I’m not familiar with his work but I’ll look into it. Finklestein is obviously knowledgeable I’ve just seen too many of his conversations turn adversarial and insulting for my taste.
Hedges is brilliant. Truly one of the thinkers that will be hailed during this time imo. “America: the farewell tour” is a great book that highlights many of the systemic issues today. But his commentary is fantastic. And as someone who was the NYT Middle East bureau chief, long term war reporter, and was essentially fired for being critical of the Iraq war (after being on Saddam’s hitlist), I think he has a unique perspective. He also just finished cowriting a book on Gaza, so may have a particularly unique point of view. “War is the force that gives us meaning” is also great, and a fascinating read.
I actually appreciated that Jen was willing to push back on answers more then either her or Matt seem to have been willing to do with previous guests, but didn't actually find the interview that interesting and bailed around the midway point.
The article does nothing to dispel the IPC's November report that famine was classified as imminent (gee whiz, might anything have changed in the 5 months since?) and furthermore, they give credence to that same report by literally interviewing Nicholas Haan, one of the report's authors. This was pedantic at best and misleading at worst.
I enjoyed this long, wide-ranging interview. I am sure the ambassador appreciated being able to give full answers and not be limited to a 20-second clip for TV.
My heart goes out to all Israelis who have to live daily with the terrible knowledge that a group of their citizens have been held hostage for so long. I believe Israel has shown remarkable restraint under the threat of a completely unjustified global condemnation simply for trying to stay alive in the face of an undeniable threat to its very existence. Thanks to Ambassador Iddo Moed for clearly restating Israel’s position over these two interviews. Also, thanks to The Line for covering this.
Presently, I wouldn't trust America to mow my lawn.
I can’t wait to hear from someone like Norman Finkelstein or Chris Hedges next week. It’ll be interesting to hear a perspective that may be…. Slightly different. You wouldn’t just present one side, ask a bunch of questions and have no pushback without perhaps showcasing that there MAY be alternative insights, right? Right?
I think Jen’s questions were pushback just not overtly. I found the answers illuminating but likely not in the way the guest intended. I’d be open to the opposite view being presented but would pass if it’s Finklestein.
I agree with you actually. She asked great questions that were very leading and pointed but polite. It was simply that he would answer and there was no pushback with facts/figures etc. However, I don’t mean that as a critique as it’s important to show your guest respect and consideration and not turn it into wrestling match. I just think it’s really hard to get much out of it in terms of balance when he obviously is doing an excellent job of disseminating state views that potentially may not hold water with the vast majority of the world.
As for not Finklestein, that’s fine. Doesn’t have to be him, but I think Chris Hedges, who has a long history in the Middle East, is a pastor and a Pulitzer Prize winner would be able to share his own perspective in a manner that would be informative and interesting. Anyone really who is knowledgeable and with a different viewpoint.
I see what you’re saying. As for Hedges I’m not familiar with his work but I’ll look into it. Finklestein is obviously knowledgeable I’ve just seen too many of his conversations turn adversarial and insulting for my taste.
Hedges is brilliant. Truly one of the thinkers that will be hailed during this time imo. “America: the farewell tour” is a great book that highlights many of the systemic issues today. But his commentary is fantastic. And as someone who was the NYT Middle East bureau chief, long term war reporter, and was essentially fired for being critical of the Iraq war (after being on Saddam’s hitlist), I think he has a unique perspective. He also just finished cowriting a book on Gaza, so may have a particularly unique point of view. “War is the force that gives us meaning” is also great, and a fascinating read.
I actually appreciated that Jen was willing to push back on answers more then either her or Matt seem to have been willing to do with previous guests, but didn't actually find the interview that interesting and bailed around the midway point.
https://www.cbc.ca/player/play/video/9.6749710
"Monitoring the situation"
The Gaza Famine Myth: https://www.thefp.com/p/the-gaza-famine-myth
The article does nothing to dispel the IPC's November report that famine was classified as imminent (gee whiz, might anything have changed in the 5 months since?) and furthermore, they give credence to that same report by literally interviewing Nicholas Haan, one of the report's authors. This was pedantic at best and misleading at worst.
I enjoyed this long, wide-ranging interview. I am sure the ambassador appreciated being able to give full answers and not be limited to a 20-second clip for TV.