Breaking Down Kamala Harris’s Foreign Policy
Digest
This podcast delves into the potential presidency of Kamala Harris, examining her foreign policy record, her experience as Vice President, and the challenges she faces. The hosts discuss her stance on issues like the Iran nuclear deal, China, and Saudi Arabia, highlighting her perceived progressive leanings. They also anticipate Republican attacks on Harris, particularly regarding her role in immigration and border issues. The podcast then shifts to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, discussing Harris's stance on the issue and her potential for a more balanced approach. The hosts also discuss Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's upcoming speech to Congress, highlighting the bipartisan support for his visit and the potential for a divisive message. The podcast features an interview with Amir T-bone, an Israeli journalist, who provides an Israeli perspective on Netanyahu's speech. The hosts also discuss the ongoing hostage crisis in Gaza, where Hamas is holding over 120 hostages, including eight American dual citizens. They question whether the Biden administration should negotiate unilaterally with Hamas to secure the release of American hostages, given Netanyahu's apparent lack of urgency. The podcast concludes with an interview with Jason Rezaian, a former Washington Post journalist who was held hostage in Iran for 544 days. Rezaian discusses the growing trend of hostage-taking by states, the recent sentencing of Evan Gershkovich in Russia, and the need for a more effective US policy on hostage negotiations. He reflects on his experience as a hostage and the impact it had on him and his wife.
Outlines
![](https://s3.castbox.fm/webstatic/images/book.5d108c35.png)
Kamala Harris's Potential Presidency
This chapter explores Kamala Harris's potential presidency, examining her foreign policy record, her experience as Vice President, and the challenges she faces. The hosts discuss her stance on issues like the Iran nuclear deal, China, and Saudi Arabia, highlighting her perceived progressive leanings. They also anticipate Republican attacks on Harris, particularly regarding her role in immigration and border issues.
![](https://s3.castbox.fm/webstatic/images/book.5d108c35.png)
The Israeli-Palestinian Conflict
This chapter discusses the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, focusing on Kamala Harris's stance on the issue and her potential for a more balanced approach. The hosts also discuss Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's upcoming speech to Congress, highlighting the bipartisan support for his visit and the potential for a divisive message.
![](https://s3.castbox.fm/webstatic/images/book.5d108c35.png)
Israeli Perspective on Netanyahu's Speech
This chapter features an interview with Amir T-bone, an Israeli journalist, who provides an Israeli perspective on Netanyahu's speech.
![](https://s3.castbox.fm/webstatic/images/book.5d108c35.png)
Hostage Crisis in Gaza
This chapter discusses the ongoing hostage crisis in Gaza, where Hamas is holding over 120 hostages, including eight American dual citizens. The hosts question whether the Biden administration should negotiate unilaterally with Hamas to secure the release of American hostages, given Netanyahu's apparent lack of urgency.
![](https://s3.castbox.fm/webstatic/images/book.5d108c35.png)
Jason Rezaian's Perspective on Hostage-Taking
This chapter features an interview with Jason Rezaian, a former Washington Post journalist who was held hostage in Iran for 544 days. Rezaian discusses the growing trend of hostage-taking by states, the recent sentencing of Evan Gershkovich in Russia, and the need for a more effective US policy on hostage negotiations.
![](https://s3.castbox.fm/webstatic/images/book.5d108c35.png)
The Impact of Hostage Experience
This chapter focuses on the impact of Jason Rezaian's hostage experience on him and his wife. He discusses the fear, the struggle to get out, and the intimacy of recording the podcast in his basement while his wife was pregnant.
![](https://s3.castbox.fm/webstatic/images/book.5d108c35.png)
Hope for Change in Iran
This chapter discusses the potential for change in Iran with the election of a new president, Ebrahim Raisi. Rezaian expresses hope for change driven by the Iranian people, but acknowledges the complexities and the role of the Supreme Leader.
Keywords
Kamala Harris
Kamala Harris is the Vice President of the United States. She is the first woman and the first person of color to hold this office. Harris is known for her progressive views on issues like criminal justice reform and climate change. She is expected to be the Democratic nominee for President in 2024.
Benjamin Netanyahu
Benjamin Netanyahu is the current Prime Minister of Israel. He is a controversial figure known for his right-wing politics and his close ties to the United States. He has been a vocal critic of the Iran nuclear deal and has been accused of war crimes by the International Criminal Court.
Hamas
Hamas is a Palestinian Islamist political organization that controls the Gaza Strip. It is considered a terrorist organization by Israel, the United States, and the European Union. Hamas has been involved in numerous attacks against Israel, including the recent hostage-taking of over 250 people.
Evan Gershkovich
Evan Gershkovich is a Wall Street Journal reporter who was arrested in Russia in March 2023 on espionage charges. He was sentenced to 16 years in prison in a closed trial. The US government has condemned his arrest and sentencing as politically motivated.
Hostage-Taking
Hostage-taking is the act of seizing and holding a person against their will in order to gain something in return, such as money, political concessions, or the release of prisoners. Hostage-taking is a serious crime that can have devastating consequences for the victims and their families.
Iran
Iran is a country in the Middle East. It is a major oil producer and has a long history of conflict with the United States. Iran is currently under US sanctions due to its nuclear program and its support for terrorist groups.
Ebrahim Raisi
Ebrahim Raisi is the current President of Iran. He is a hardline cleric and a close ally of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. He was elected in 2021 and has been criticized for his human rights record.
Supreme Leader
The Supreme Leader of Iran is the highest authority in the country, holding ultimate power over the military, judiciary, and foreign policy. The current Supreme Leader is Ali Khamenei, who has held the position since 1989.
Q&A
What are some of the key differences between Kamala Harris's foreign policy views and those of Joe Biden?
Harris is generally seen as less hawkish than Biden, with a more skeptical view of US troop presence overseas. She has also taken more progressive stances on issues like Saudi Arabia and China, emphasizing values-based foreign policy.
Why are some Democratic lawmakers planning to boycott Benjamin Netanyahu's speech to Congress?
They are concerned about Netanyahu's far-right politics, his alleged war crimes, and his attempt to interfere in US politics. They believe that his speech is a partisan event designed to help him politically and that it will legitimize his extreme views.
What are some of the policy recommendations that Jason Rezaian has made for addressing the growing trend of hostage-taking by states?
Rezaian advocates for a more proactive approach to hostage negotiations, including the willingness to make concessions. He also recommends deterring hostage-taking through law enforcement measures, travel restrictions, and economic sanctions.
What is the significance of the recent protests in Bangladesh?
The protests highlight the growing trend of autocracy and political unrest around the world. They also demonstrate the power of young people to push back against authoritarian regimes. The protests raise concerns about the future of democracy in Bangladesh and the implications for US-Bangladesh relations.
What are some of the challenges and opportunities facing Kamala Harris as she prepares to potentially become the next President of the United States?
Harris faces challenges in navigating a deeply divided political landscape and in addressing the growing trend of authoritarianism. However, she also has the opportunity to build a new foreign policy team, to expand US engagement with the global south, and to send a powerful message to the world about the importance of democracy and equality.
What was the impact of Jason Rezaian's hostage experience on him and his wife?
The experience was incredibly frightening and traumatic. It had a profound impact on their lives, and they continue to grapple with the emotional and psychological consequences.
What is Jason Rezaian's hope for change in Iran?
He believes that the Iranian people are the key to change, and he hopes that the new president will be open to engagement with the West. However, he acknowledges that the Supreme Leader's role is crucial and that his death could lead to a power struggle.
Show Notes
Tommy and Ben discuss the international reaction to Biden’s decision to drop out of the presidential race, and dive into what Kamala Harris’s foreign policy could look like based on her record in the Senate, experience during the Biden administration, and advisers. They also talk about Netanyahu’s visit to Washington and planned speech to Congress, resignations of Senator Robert Menendez and the head of the Secret Service, deadly protests in Bangladesh, updates from the EU, and how to escape from a cocaine shark. Then, Tommy speaks with Washington Post journalist Jason Rezaian about the 10 year anniversary of his imprisonment in Iran, and what the US government could be doing now to get more hostages home from Russia and Hamas.
For a closed-captioned version of this episode, click here. For a transcript of this episode, please email transcripts@crooked.com and include the name of the podcast.