Inside the U.S. negotiations to free the Oct. 7 hostages
Summary
Brett McGurk discusses his new book, Brink, detailing the near-successful U.S.-Saudi-Israel normalization deal that was derailed by the October 7 attacks. He reflects on the moral dilemmas of hostage negotiations and the unprecedented collaboration between the Biden and Trump administrations to secure a ceasefire. McGurk also analyzes the strategic implications of the current war with Iran, noting that regional allies are now reassessing their reliance on American security guarantees.
Topics discussed
Introduction: The near-miss Saudi-Israel deal
Guest introduction: Brett McGurk and his book
Early diplomacy: Biden's first meeting with MBS
The state of negotiations on October 6, 2023
The moral dilemma of hostage negotiations
The first ceasefire and its collapse
Bipartisan cooperation with Steve Witkoff
Retrospective on pressure applied to Israel
US-Iran relations and the rationale for war
Future of the Middle East and regional alliances
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