ReThinking Foreign Policy

In this episode of the ReThinking Foreign Policy Podcast, I spend a little time on the initial reaction to my upcoming book, co-authored with Marc Lamont Hill, Except for Palestine: The Limits of Progressive Politics. Then I look at the waning days of Mike Pompeo's bumbling reign over the State Department and his scorched earth departure. Finally, I weigh in on the debate over whether Trump's support is rooted in white supremacy or economic distress. Hint: it's both and more, and the best way to deal with it is with progressive policies across the board. 

In this episode I spend some time discussing the murder of Iranian scientist Mohsen Fakhrizadeh, and some of the responses to it. The main story is a look at Joe Biden's initial picks for his cabinet and lead administrative staff. Some of my views on that may surprise some of my listeners. Finally, I look at Mike Pompeo's efforts to eliminate any possibility of a Palestinian state and examine how, with the worst of intentions, Pompeo may actually have done us a favor. 

In this episode, I take on Mike Pompeo's assault on the BDS movement this week and on defenders of BDS on free speech grounds who contribute to its demonization. 

I also address Sen. Chris Coons' -- who is being considered as Joe Biden's Secretary of State -- unacceptable stance against a Biden administration re-entering the Iran nuclear deal without expanding it in unrealistic ways.  And I also look at the recent signing of a trade deal among Asian and Pacific countries and how this should be an object lesson for progressives. 

In the latest episode of the ReThinking Foreign Policy Podcast, Mitchell Plitnick examines the effect of the hastily-convened press conference where Director of National Intelligence John Ratcliffe accused Iran of interference in the United States' election. He examines the implications for how Iran is perceived in the United States, and also puts the whole question of external interference in the U.S.' elections in perspective.

Next, Mitchell takes a look at the suspension of Jeremy Corbyn, the one-time opposition leader of the United Kingdom. He examines the long-term controversy over antisemitism in the Labour Party and examines the context of Corbyn's suspension as well as how much of this is motivated by anti-progressive politics and how much by a genuine desire to combat antisemitism.

Follow Mitchell's and RTFP's work through Mitchell's nearly-weekly newsletter, Cutting Through. Subscribe by clicking here. 

With the election less than two weeks away, Donald Trump and his cronies are accelerating their dangerous behavior in a desperate attempt to hold on to the White House. In Sudan, Trump has taken advantage of a collapsed economy to force Sudan into agreements that risk greater de-stabilization. Then, just before recording this podcast, Trump's lackey DNI accused Iran of election interference while offering zero substantiation and spinning a yarn that seems very difficult to believe.  The impact these things can have stretches far beyond this election. What's worse, none of this is likely to have a significant impact on the voting. 

I also look at Joe Biden's decision to vet a number of disaffected Republicans for positions in his cabinet. 

As the election grows closer, Donald Trump is focusing more on radicalizing his base than picking up votes. Is there a method to his madness? And are Republican leaders playing the same game Trump is, or are they looking to their own interests? 

We also revisit the controversy around AOC pulling out of a Yitzhak Rabin memorial event. Why? Because others won't let it go, and they keep missing the point. 

In the latest episode of the ReThinking Foreign Policy podcast, I cover Donald Trump's positive coronavirus test, the budding war between Azerbaijan and Armenia, and understating the true impact of racism. The main story addresses the recent controversy over Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez's decision to pull out of an event sponsored by Americans for Peace Now that will commemorate 25 years since the assassination of Yitzhak Rabin. 

See my articles on these matters at:

and

https://crimesmisdemeanors.com/2020/10/03/racism-is-about-a-lot-more-than-hurt-feelings/

In the latest episode of the ReThinking Foreign Policy podcast, I argue that the deals struck between Israel and the UAE and Bahrain this week in Washington not only are mislabeled as "peace agreements," but are actually a recipe for greater conflict and hold no hope for real peace in the region. Next, I discuss a story published this weekend about a possible Iranian plot to kill a US ambassador in light of the loss of credibility the already dubious US intelligence "community" has suffered with a Trump toadie as Director of National Intelligence. Finally, I spend a few minutes on the sporting world, particularly on the shameful display last week in Kansas City where a bland "gesture of unity" by the players was booed by racist fans. 

For more, visit ReThinking Foreign Policy. 

Joe Biden's campaign launched an unprovoked attack on Palestinian-American activist, Linda Sarsour. I discuss it in this episode. You can read more about it here. 

Then I look at Mike Pompeo's failed trip through the Middle East and his contemptible attempt to extort money from Sudan. You can also read about that here. 

Finally, a few words about Gaza, which has been bombed every day since Israel struck its deal with the UAE. We can't allow that to fade into the background. 

There's been some big news lately. So in this latest episode of the ReThinking Foreign Policy Podcast, I look at the Democratic Vice President nominee, the big and surprising news of possible normalized relations between Israel and the United Arab Emirates, and the meaning behind the huge, sweeping victories of The Squad and other progressive Democrats who support Palestinian rights. 

Enjoy and stay healthy!