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

00:00:00

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.

00:02:42

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.

00:33:37

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.

01:09:37

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.

01:12:29

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.

01:15:16

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.

01:16:40

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

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