TRIGGERnometry Can We Stop Terrorism and What Do Islamists Want?
Sep 15, 2019
Filmmaker and author Thomas Small delves into the tumultuous landscape of Middle Eastern politics. He discusses the roots of terrorism and the complexities of ISIS's evolution from a territorial to an ideological threat. Small shares insights on Syria's civil war and its humanitarian impact, particularly the migration crisis facing Europe. The conversation also critiques Western interventions and explores the historical tensions that shape contemporary conflicts, urging a deeper understanding of cultural and religious narratives.
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Iraq War and Oil
- American oil companies opposed the Iraq War and haven't greatly profited from it since, contradicting the popular "oil war" narrative.
- Konstantin Kisin points out that American companies secured service contracts but not major oil extraction deals.
Trump's Middle East Policy
- Trump's Middle East policy is characterized by a bullish realism, recognizing existing realities like Jerusalem's status as Israel's capital.
- This approach, while controversial, has seen limited blowback and aligns with Gulf states' interests in countering Iran.
Left's Support for Palestine
- The left's alignment with the Palestinian cause stems from the Cold War context, where America, seen as right-wing, supported Israel, positioning the Palestinians as left-wing allies.
- Palestinian support for groups like the PLO and Hamas, however, has been detrimental to their own cause.