E266 - The Biden Administration’s Complicity in Gaza w/ Akbar Shahid Ahmed
Summary
Akbar Shahid Ahmed discusses his book *Crossing the Red Line*, detailing the Biden administration’s complicity in the Gaza conflict and its unprecedented violations of international law. He critiques key advisors like Jack Lew, Jake Sullivan, and Brett McGurk for their hubris, careerism, and failure to protect civilians, arguing that their "no daylight" policy enabled Israel’s devastating campaign. The conversation explores how the administration’s broken promises, such as the Rafah red line, undermined domestic support and set the stage for current geopolitical crises.
Topics discussed
Introduction and show context
Guest introduction: Akbar Shahid Ahmed
Scale of destruction and famine in Gaza
US responsibility and historical context
Legal complicity and abetting accusations
Sponsor segments: Quince and Shopify
Biden's inner circle and careerism
Democratic politics and upcoming memoirs
Congressional votes and moral signaling
Degradation of the US Ambassador role
Netanyahu's strategy and US information control
Brett McGurk and the Saudi-Israel deal
Iran escalations and military collaboration
Sponsor segments: Mint Mobile and Political Scene
The Rafah red line and failed leverage
Early days: Hostages and ground invasion
Lack of empathy and domestic democracy
Legal deniability and war crimes
Domestic political miscalculations and legacy
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