Haven't see other episodes, but this series with Haviv Rettig Gur sounds absolutely essential. I also enjoyed Maya Sulkin. She came with a predisposed set of "truths," but in a few minutes something rare happened: She opened up to her interviewee, accepted his ideas and moved on from there (that's what a journalist is supposed to do). Rettig Gur brings a clear picture where others are lost and confused. If you want to understand, and be able to see an end to this war, with positivity in sight, don't miss it.
This man has provided me with such important insights, understanding, explanations, history, hope and maybe even solace over the last 18 months. I try to listen and read everything he publishes. Thank you and shalom.
Thanks a lot! I've listened from the very beginning to the very end, which doesn't happen too often. These long interviews with people like Haviv are incredibly helpful in making sense of the chaos around us.
Why is the Trump administration ignoring Bernard Lewis?
Bernard Lewis: Notes on a Century: Reflections of a Middle East Historian, page 333
Particular importance should be attached to the policies, and perhaps still more the attitudes, of the present rulers of Iran, who seem to be preparing for a final apocalyptic battle between the forces of God [themselves] and of the Devil [ the Great Satan--the United States]. They see this as the final struggle of the End of Time and are therefore undeterred by any level of slaughter and destruction even among their own people . "Allah will know his own" is the phrase commonly used, meaning that among the multiple victims God will recognize the Muslims and give them a quick pass to heaven.
In this context, the deterrent that worked so well during the Cold War, namely M.A.D. (Mutual Assured Destruction) , would have no meaning. At the End of Time, there will be general destruction anyway. What will matter is the final destination of the dead-- hell for the infidels, and the delights of heaven for the believers. For people with this mindset, M.A.D. is not a constraint; it is an inducement…”
Gur has clearly gone over to the dark side as he seems to parrot all the leftist media in Israel. But those of us living it don't agree. It might have also been helpful for the interview to be done by someone who actually has knowledge and could have made Gur defend some of his dumber claims. Not a great interview.
As an Israeli who largely agrees with Haviv’s points, I’d really appreciate it if people stopped making claims on behalf of Jews or Israelis unless those claims are backed by proper, representative polling data.
The polls consistently back what I am saying but if course it depends on who is conducting the poll and how the questions are framed. In the meantime there is no lack of reservests reporting for duty. Netanyahu does not meet the press because the press is so hostile. He did an excellent interview with Gadi Taub. The left in Israel just like in the US is doing everything it can to undermine the government but in Israel it's worse because we are at war and in a very vulnerable position. And Gilan is telling soldiers not to show up and now says Israeli soldiers like killing babies. That's the opposition! They hate Bibi more than they hate Hamas and so put us all in danger
That the "country" is tired of Bibi and wants the war to end and that they think Bibi puts his politics ahead of the hostages and that Bibi prolonged the war for his political gain (and not because Biden kept pushing back and our generals listened to Biden instead of Bibi), etc.
(Representing TFP), Maya's first question is What does it mean that Israel was not (directly) part of getting Edan Alexander freed? Whoa, that is NOT the important point to begin with. Dear TFP: the first point is: the Trump admin just got a young American man plucked out of Hamas hell, soon to return with his family to their home in New Jersey! Start with this celebration! Second point: How quickly can the Trump admin get the rest of the hostages and bodies plucked out of Hamas hell using the exact same technique? As far as what it means for Israel to appear to be shunned & humiliated out of the hostage freeing process, this is all top secret strategy, beyond the pay grade of interviewee and audience as well. Your humble listeners / readers care about results (hostages being plucked out of hell and returned home), not about surmising about what this (successful!) strategy means for Israel. What it means for Israel is this: one person out of hell is a heaven; and by no means does it mean the abandonment of the others. Would you have Israel lose face if it means saving a hostage (or hostages)? How is that even a question?
Sulkin’s job to provide insightful analytical journalism that explains reality. I don't think the Free Press should cultivate their interviews/reporting based on what their audience wants.
In fact, the FP’s mission is to give us what we want to hear and what we DON’T want to hear. That's journalism.
Haven't see other episodes, but this series with Haviv Rettig Gur sounds absolutely essential. I also enjoyed Maya Sulkin. She came with a predisposed set of "truths," but in a few minutes something rare happened: She opened up to her interviewee, accepted his ideas and moved on from there (that's what a journalist is supposed to do). Rettig Gur brings a clear picture where others are lost and confused. If you want to understand, and be able to see an end to this war, with positivity in sight, don't miss it.
This man has provided me with such important insights, understanding, explanations, history, hope and maybe even solace over the last 18 months. I try to listen and read everything he publishes. Thank you and shalom.
Thanks a lot! I've listened from the very beginning to the very end, which doesn't happen too often. These long interviews with people like Haviv are incredibly helpful in making sense of the chaos around us.
Ask Haviv Anything podcast is on Spotify. I gave it a follow.
Where's the transcript? I have no time for podcasts and livestreams.
You ask Really intelligent questions. I really learned a lot and appreciate this interview.
Print Transcript please
Ham-A$$ will never be ended they have a never ending supply of dead end young men and women ready to step on a land mine if it kills a jew
Print transcript.
Why is the Trump administration ignoring Bernard Lewis?
Bernard Lewis: Notes on a Century: Reflections of a Middle East Historian, page 333
Particular importance should be attached to the policies, and perhaps still more the attitudes, of the present rulers of Iran, who seem to be preparing for a final apocalyptic battle between the forces of God [themselves] and of the Devil [ the Great Satan--the United States]. They see this as the final struggle of the End of Time and are therefore undeterred by any level of slaughter and destruction even among their own people . "Allah will know his own" is the phrase commonly used, meaning that among the multiple victims God will recognize the Muslims and give them a quick pass to heaven.
In this context, the deterrent that worked so well during the Cold War, namely M.A.D. (Mutual Assured Destruction) , would have no meaning. At the End of Time, there will be general destruction anyway. What will matter is the final destination of the dead-- hell for the infidels, and the delights of heaven for the believers. For people with this mindset, M.A.D. is not a constraint; it is an inducement…”
I really mourned Bernard Lewis when he died. His unique voice and perspective is sorely needed now, as you point out.
Indeed. I loved going to his lectures. I put all the links to him in my blog in one post when he died.
Bernard Lewis dies at 101
https://madisdead.blogspot.com/2018/05/bernard-lewis-dies-at-101.html
I love Haviv!!!
I don’t have time to watch video or listen to podcasts (well not many). I need to read stuff. I read quickly. Transcript please.
Hear, hear!
Gur has clearly gone over to the dark side as he seems to parrot all the leftist media in Israel. But those of us living it don't agree. It might have also been helpful for the interview to be done by someone who actually has knowledge and could have made Gur defend some of his dumber claims. Not a great interview.
As an Israeli who largely agrees with Haviv’s points, I’d really appreciate it if people stopped making claims on behalf of Jews or Israelis unless those claims are backed by proper, representative polling data.
The polls consistently back what I am saying but if course it depends on who is conducting the poll and how the questions are framed. In the meantime there is no lack of reservests reporting for duty. Netanyahu does not meet the press because the press is so hostile. He did an excellent interview with Gadi Taub. The left in Israel just like in the US is doing everything it can to undermine the government but in Israel it's worse because we are at war and in a very vulnerable position. And Gilan is telling soldiers not to show up and now says Israeli soldiers like killing babies. That's the opposition! They hate Bibi more than they hate Hamas and so put us all in danger
Can you please provide the links for the polls that back what you're saying?
What are his dumber claims please?
That the "country" is tired of Bibi and wants the war to end and that they think Bibi puts his politics ahead of the hostages and that Bibi prolonged the war for his political gain (and not because Biden kept pushing back and our generals listened to Biden instead of Bibi), etc.
(Representing TFP), Maya's first question is What does it mean that Israel was not (directly) part of getting Edan Alexander freed? Whoa, that is NOT the important point to begin with. Dear TFP: the first point is: the Trump admin just got a young American man plucked out of Hamas hell, soon to return with his family to their home in New Jersey! Start with this celebration! Second point: How quickly can the Trump admin get the rest of the hostages and bodies plucked out of Hamas hell using the exact same technique? As far as what it means for Israel to appear to be shunned & humiliated out of the hostage freeing process, this is all top secret strategy, beyond the pay grade of interviewee and audience as well. Your humble listeners / readers care about results (hostages being plucked out of hell and returned home), not about surmising about what this (successful!) strategy means for Israel. What it means for Israel is this: one person out of hell is a heaven; and by no means does it mean the abandonment of the others. Would you have Israel lose face if it means saving a hostage (or hostages)? How is that even a question?
Sulkin’s job to provide insightful analytical journalism that explains reality. I don't think the Free Press should cultivate their interviews/reporting based on what their audience wants.
In fact, the FP’s mission is to give us what we want to hear and what we DON’T want to hear. That's journalism.
Would love a transcript. Can we get one?
Get Einat Wilf in the studio-txx