Linda Gradstein, Sara Hirschhorn and Noah Efron talk about (1) The “Pacts Americana,” being the trade and investment pacts that US President Donald Trump is reaching with Gulf states on his visit to the region this week, and where it leaves Israel; and (2) The “Cracks Americana,” being awkward ambivalence some Israelis feel about a hostage being released solely because he has an American passport and the American government intervened on his behalf, doing what Israel’s government could not or would not do.
All this and the return of a fallen soldier after 43 years, plus more music of these times.
For our most unreasonably generous Patreon supporters, in our extra-special, special extra discussion: Why does Israel go to such great length to return the bodies of soldiers and hostages killed and held beyond our borders?
Songs
- Nunu — Olam Shikor
- Jasmin Moallem & Duda — Male’ Male’
- Yuval Raphael — New Day Will Rise
Noah,
I just now listened to your “Pacts Americana” podcast. When I heard that Trump had managed the release of the Israeli/American soldier I was happy for everyone involved. But it caused me to remember Trump’s negotiations with the Taliban over ending the Afghanistan War. He told the Taliban that if they only killed Afghan soldiers and spared American soldiers they could work out a deal – even including a possible visit to Camp David. Our government hasn’t really investigated our withdrawal from Afghanistan, nor the relationship Trump had (or has) with the Taliban. This all makes me wonder what deal Trump made with Hamas…, I shudder to think.
So many questions unanswered, so many possibly horrible outcomes, I might propose the question posed by WB Yeats: ‘And what rough beast, it’s hour come round at last, slouches toward Bethlehem to be born?’
Thank you for all that you do and please take care.
Sincerely,
Paul Giles, Taylors, SC USA