Generated Summary below:

Main Topic: How to engage in productive conversations with Trump supporters and introduce them to new ideas.

Key Points:

• Despair as a Foundation: Totalitarian movements, including Trump's support base, are built on despair. Addressing this despair is crucial.
• Rational Argument Ineffectiveness: Rational arguments are unlikely to change the beliefs of Trump supporters.
• Focus on Material Concerns and Empathy: The best approach is to address their immediate material concerns and express empathy for their suffering.
• Micro-Level Organizing: Organizing around specific issues, like workers' rights at a Walmart, can be more effective than broad political arguments.
• Acknowledging Real Suffering: The suffering and disenfranchisement experienced by many Trump supporters are real and should be acknowledged.
• Irrationality and Pain: Trump support is rooted in irrationality, pain, dislocation, and disenfranchisement, not rational thought.

Highlights:

• The speaker emphasizes the importance of understanding the despair and suffering that drive support for Trump.
• The speaker suggests focusing on immediate, tangible issues and injustices in people's daily lives rather than engaging in abstract political debates.
• The speaker uses the example of organizing workers at Walmart to illustrate how to connect with Trump supporters on a practical level.

About Channel:

Chris Hedges, Pulitzer Prize winning journalist, author and commentator provides compelling story telling, archive interviews & show content covering US foreign policy, economic realities and civil liberties in American society.

Generated Summary Below:

Video Description:

Professor Richard Wolff dissects the erratic and unpredictable nature of the Trump administration's economic policy, and how it signals the decline of American Empire.

Generated Summary:

Main Topic: The video discusses the late stages of capitalism in the United States, drawing parallels to historical analyses of declining empires and examining the economic policies and political behaviors indicative of this decline.

Key Points:

• Late-Stage Capitalism & Decline: The discussion begins with a Marxist analysis of capitalism's final stages, characterized by unsustainable profit generation, exploitation of the working class, increasing debt, and the subordination of politics to economics.
• Trump Administration as a Symptom: The Trump administration's policies are viewed as a manifestation of this decline, marked by a war on the working class both domestically and abroad.
• Historical Context: Post-WWII Deal: Professor Wolff explains the historical context of the US's economic dominance after WWII, including the deal made with Europe to contain socialism and communism through military Keynesianism and financial support, all funded by debt.
• Erosion of US Dominance: The US is losing wars, and Europe is becoming increasingly irrelevant.
• Attacking Federal Employees: The attack on federal employees is seen as a desperate and misdirected attempt at efficiency, driven by ideology rather than practical considerations.
• Privatization & Ideology: The belief that the private sector is inherently more efficient than the government is critiqued as a simplistic and destructive ideology.
• Tariffs: Tariffs are described as taxes that cannot be predicted in advance.
• Economic Competitor: The United States now has an economic competitor in China.
• Dollar Decline: The US dollar is shrinking as the world's reserve currency.
• Fascism: The merging of corporate leadership and governmental apparatus into a situation where the government is the military enforcement of the rules of capitalism.
• Chaotic Policies: The Trump administration's policies are characterized as chaotic and desperate, lacking a coherent plan.
• Deregulation: Deregulation will lead to scandals.

Highlights:

• Richard Wolff's comprehensive overview of the economic factors contributing to the perceived decline of the American empire.
• The historical analysis of the post-World War II economic and political order and how it has shaped the current situation.
• The critique of the ideological underpinnings of privatization and deregulation.
• The discussion of the implications of the US dollar losing its status as the world's reserve currency.
• The analogy of Trump's policies to a "Hail Mary pass," emphasizing their chaotic and desperate nature.

About Channel:

Chris Hedges, Pulitzer Prize winning journalist, author and commentator provides compelling story telling, archive interviews & show content covering US foreign policy, economic realities and civil liberties in American society.

Generated Summary Below:

Video Description:

On March 7, 2025 Chris Hedges returned to The Sanctuary for Independent Media to present "Normalizing Genocide and the New World Order," a talk about how the world has changed since the genocide in Gaza began, how we navigate a world without rules or humanitarian law and how the genocidal violence perpetuated by the Global North, especially as the climate crisis deepens, will be turned with ever more frequency on the peoples of the Global South. The presentation, which was followed by a conversation with members of the audience, was given in advance of the release of his book, "A Genocide Foretold" (Penguin Random House, 2025).

Hedges is the former Middle East Bureau Chief for The New York Times, is a Pulitzer-prize winning reporter and Arabic speaker. He spent 7 years covering the conflict between Israel and Palestine. He is the author of numerous books including the New York Times bestsellers "War is a Force That Gives Us Meaning," "American Fascists: The Christian Right and the War on America" and "Days of Destruction, Days of Revolt," which he co-authored with the cartoonist Joe Sacco. He has taught at Columbia University, New York University, Princeton University, and the University of Toronto. He has also taught students in the college degree program offered by Rutgers University in the New Jersey prison system for a decade, the subject of his book "Our Class: Trauma and Transformation in an American Prison."

Generated Summary:

This YouTube video features Chris Hedges discussing the situation in Gaza, the normalization of genocide, and the rise of fascism in Israel and the US.

Main Topic: The ongoing genocide in Gaza, its connection to the rise of global fascism, and the complicity of Western powers.

Key Points:

• The Destruction of Gaza: Hedges details the catastrophic destruction of Gaza following Israeli attacks, highlighting the immense human suffering, displacement, and lack of basic necessities. He describes the situation as a deliberate act of genocide aimed at creating a mass exodus of Palestinians.
• Israel's Expansionist Goals: The video discusses Israel's long-term goal of expanding its territory, including the annexation of the West Bank and the ethnic cleansing of Palestinians from Gaza.
• Western Complicity: Hedges accuses the US and its European allies of complicity in the genocide, citing their provision of weapons and obstruction of humanitarian aid. He argues that this complicity stems from a belief that the West has a right to its resources and will kill to protect them.
• Rise of Fascism: The speaker connects the events in Gaza to a broader rise of fascism in both Israel and the US. He points to the veneration of violence, the dehumanization of enemies, and the suppression of dissent as key characteristics of this rising fascism.
• Psychological Impact of Violence: Hedges discusses the psychological toll of violence, particularly on those who perpetrate it, describing the moral injury and trauma experienced by soldiers and the difficulty of recovering from such experiences.
• The Role of the Media: The video criticizes the mainstream media for its complicity in normalizing the violence and suppressing alternative narratives. Hedges contrasts this with the role of true investigative journalism in holding power accountable.
• Hope and Resistance: Despite the bleak outlook, Hedges emphasizes the importance of community organizing, physical resistance, and acts of kindness as forms of hope and resistance against the rising tide of fascism.

Highlights:

• Detailed descriptions of the devastation in Gaza, emphasizing the scale of human suffering.
• A strong condemnation of the US and Western complicity in the genocide.
• A compelling analysis of the psychological effects of violence on both victims and perpetrators.
• A call to action, urging viewers to engage in community organizing and resistance.
• Discussion of the role of media in shaping public perception and the importance of investigative journalism.
• The connection between the events in Gaza and the broader rise of fascism in Israel and the US.

About Channel:

Sanctuary TV comes to you from The Sanctuary for Independent Media, a telecommunications production facility dedicated to community media arts. We're located in an historic former church in North Troy, NY. The Sanctuary hosts screening, production and performance facilities, training in media production and a meeting space for artists, activists and independent media makers of all kinds. www.mediasanctuary.org

Generated Summary Below:

Video Description:

I explain on Al Jazeera how the Cold War liberal eviscerated the Left, and deformed the liberal class into a woke, superficial group that never confronts the mechanisms of oppression.

Full interview:

[Democracy doesn’t exist in the United States: Chris Hedges | UpFront | 36:25 | JAN 31 2025 | Al Jazeera English | https://youtu.be/5EDKRGkgLsI]

Generated Summary:

This YouTube video discusses the author's perspective on how Cold War liberalism undermined the left and contributed to the current political climate.

Main Topic: The critique of Cold War liberalism and its negative impact on the left, leading to a superficial, ineffective form of liberalism that fails to address systemic oppression.

Key Points:

• Cold War Liberalism's Role: The Cold War liberal approach is argued to have weakened and marginalized the left, particularly labor movements and radical groups, by focusing on superficial issues rather than addressing economic inequality. This is exemplified by the suppression of communist and socialist movements during the McCarthy era.
• The Failure of Liberalism: The speaker contends that liberalism, as it exists within a capitalist framework, acts as a safety valve, ameliorating suffering enough to maintain the status quo rather than challenging the root causes of oppression.
• The Superficiality of 'Wokeness': The video criticizes the corporate adoption of 'woke' culture as a superficial approach to social justice, arguing that it distracts from the core issue of economic inequality and serves to maintain the power of the ruling class.
• Economic Justice as the Key: The speaker emphasizes that economic justice is paramount to achieving meaningful social change, referencing Martin Luther King Jr.'s focus on economic rights as a prerequisite for civil rights.
• The Rise of Fascism: The erosion of the middle and working classes, coupled with the failure to address economic injustice, is presented as a breeding ground for fascism.

Highlights:

• The speaker draws parallels between the actions of figures like the Clintons and Elon Musk, portraying them as examples of the faux liberal who supports corporate interests while engaging in superficial displays of social justice.
• The discussion of FDR's New Deal reforms highlights the pressure exerted by the left to achieve social and economic change.
• The video uses the term "woke" critically, arguing that its corporate appropriation has diluted its meaning and effectiveness.
• The speaker emphasizes the importance of confronting the mechanisms of oppression, which are primarily economic in nature.

About Channel:

Chris Hedges, Pulitzer Prize winning journalist, author and commentator provides compelling story telling, archive interviews & show content covering US foreign policy, economic realities and civil liberties in American society.

Generated Summary Below:

Video Description:

Donald Trump’s dismantling of the deep state presages the formation of something far worse.

Article Links:

Archive Link: https://archive.ph/PvXZ2

Substack link: https://chrishedges.substack.com/p/the-purge-of-the-deep-state-and-the-440

This article is read by Eunice Wong, a Juilliard-trained actor, featured on Audible’s list of Best Women Narrators. Her work is on the annual Best Audiobooks lists of the New York Times, Audible, AudioFile, & Library Journal. www.eunicewong.actor

Text Originally posted Feb. 18, 2025^[[1] https://chrishedges.substack.com/p/the-purge-of-the-deep-state-and-the-440]

Generated Summary:

Main Topic: Chris Hedges analyzes the Trump administration's actions as a systematic purge of the deep state, arguing it paves the way for a dictatorship.

Key Points:

• The purge is not about reform: Hedges contends that the Trump administration's targeting of the deep state isn't about freeing the public from tyranny, but rather about consolidating power and dismantling checks and balances.
• Historical parallels: The text draws parallels between Trump's actions and the purges conducted by the Nazis and Bolsheviks, highlighting the similarities in eliminating opposition within government structures.
• Weakening of democratic institutions: The systematic firing of officials, stacking of courts with compliant judges, and weakening of labor protections are presented as deliberate steps towards authoritarian rule.
• Project 2025: This initiative, detailed in the text, is described as a blueprint for dismantling the state and centralizing power in the executive branch, using the unitary executive theory as a legal justification.
• Elon Musk's role: Musk's involvement, particularly his pursuit of centralized data and AI integration within the government, is highlighted as a concerning element in this power consolidation.
• Creation of enemy lists: Trump's targeting of former officials, media outlets, and political opponents is presented as a precursor to broader repression of dissent.
• The moral imperative of resistance: Despite the bleak outlook, Hedges emphasizes the moral necessity of resistance, even in the face of overwhelming odds.

Highlights:

• The detailed analysis of Project 2025 and its implications.
• The use of historical examples to illustrate the dangers of unchecked executive power.
• The inclusion of Elon Musk's actions as a significant factor in the narrative.
• The concluding emphasis on the moral imperative of resistance against authoritarianism.

About Channel:

Chris Hedges, Pulitzer Prize winning journalist, author and commentator provides compelling story telling, archive interviews & show content covering US foreign policy, economic realities and civil liberties in American society.

Archive Link: https://archive.ph/PvXZ2

Substack link: https://chrishedges.substack.com/p/the-purge-of-the-deep-state-and-the-440

This article is read by Eunice Wong, a Juilliard-trained actor, featured on Audible’s list of Best Women Narrators. Her work is on the annual Best Audiobooks lists of the New York Times, Audible, AudioFile, & Library Journal. www.eunicewong.actor

Text Originally posted Feb. 18, 2025^[[1] https://chrishedges.substack.com/p/the-purge-of-the-deep-state-and-the-440]

Chris Hedges: The Purge of the Deep State and the Road to Dictatorship [15:11 | FEB 23 2025 | The Chris Hedges YouTube Channel | https://youtu.be/Z0qesDVvhzY]

Donald Trump’s dismantling of the deep state presages the formation of something far worse.

About ScheerPost:

ScheerPost is an award-winning, independent news organization that focuses on progressive politics and human rights issues that the mainstream media miss or decline to cover. Founded on the principle of honest reporting and holding those in power to account, we make it our mission to bring our readers the latest cutting-edge news and analysis about these issues. With our original articles written by renowned journalists and reposted articles curated by our award-winning staff, we present our readers with daily content from various perspectives that explain and challenge dominant narratives. Since our inception in March 2020, we’ve been able to maintain our independence through grants and reader donations — we will never erect a paywall — and in the process, our stories have been viewed more than 15 million times by our readers from around the world.

At the helm of ScheerPost are editor Narda Zacchino, former Los Angeles Times reporter, Sacramento Bureau Chief, Orange County edition editor, associate editor and vice president, deputy editor of the San Francisco Chronicle, and senior editor at the Center for Investigative Reporting and Robert Scheer, former Ramparts magazine managing editor, Los Angeles Times national correspondent and columnist and author of 13 books. With a combined 60 years-plus of mainstream journalism experience, they created ScheerPost, which has become an essential internet news outlet. At a time of increasing dominance of billionaire ownership in journalism, they materialized the warning of legendary media critic A.J. Liebling that “Freedom of the press is guaranteed only to those who own one.” Led by passion for independent journalism and bringing light to the truth, the founders do not take any compensation so all donations can go to site staff and operations.

ScheerPost fills a news media gap by reporting on issues other publications often shy away from or ignore entirely, such as controversial international issues; the threat of nuclear war; economic, racial and gender inequality; criminal justice reform; defense industry profiteering, and important moments in history that textbooks totally ignore. Our journalism is vital to providing an alternative understanding of what is going on in our world today. ScheerPost is committed to raising the voices of those marginalized by mainstream media and amplifying issues suppressed by the most powerful people and organizations in the world.^[[2] https://scheerpost.com/about-us-2/]

cross-posted from: https://lemmy.world/post/25926347

Video Description:

On this stream: live reaction, commentary, and on-the ground coverage from the Workers Strike Back conference in Seattle, WA! Event speakers include Jill stein, Kshama Sawant, Chris Hedges, Hassan Abdel Salam, Russell Dobular, Keaton Weiss, Nick Cruse, Omali Yeshitela, and more!

SPECIAL IN-STUDIO LIVESTREAM GUESTS include:

1. Kit Cabello
2. Nick Cruse
3. Omali Yeshitela
4. Blakely
5. Jenerational Change
6. Prof. Anthony Zenkus

About Channel:

the post-civilization left

Due Dissidence is a multimedia one-stop shop for left politics and gallows humor in written, audio, and video form.

cross-posted from: https://lemmy.world/post/25810110

cross-posted from: https://lemmy.world/post/22456731

We need to use our momentum from getting out the vote for Jill Stein's antiwar pro-worker campaign to fight the rich and their two parties. To end the wars and the genocide in Gaza. To fight against racism, sexism, and all forms of oppression. To organize protests and strike actions to win a $25/hour minimum wage, Medicare for All, quality affordable housing, and good union jobs for all.

Both Democrats and Republicans are a dead end for workers, the union movement, and the antiwar struggle. We urgently need a new, independent, antiwar, working-class party that can take on the billionaires & warmongers and BREAK the two-party system.

Register now for Workers Strike Back's February Organizing Conference SATURDAY, Feb 22 @ 10 am PT!^[[1] https://www.workersstrikeback.org/events/feb-2025-organizing-conference]

Link to signup for event: https://www.workersstrikeback.org/events/feb-2025-organizing-conference

Title Edit: To Be Announced -> Langston Hughes Performing Arts Center

Generated Summary Below:

Video Description:

Catherine Liu details how the professional managerial class (PMC) has betrayed workers for seats within the halls of oligarchic power.

Timestamps:

1. (0:00) Intro
2. (1:50) The PMC of yesterday
3. (7:16) Post-election debrief
4. (13:40) The culture wars
5. (19:32) How the PMC sells out workers
6. (25:03) Dems need to address the class issue
7. (32:37) The state of the Left
8. (44:00) The PMC has sex
9. (50:35) What can we do?
10. (54:57) Outro

Generated Summary:

This YouTube video features an interview with Catherine Liu, author of Virtue Hoarders: The Case Against the Professional Managerial Class. The main topic is a critique of the professional managerial class (PMC) and the Democratic Party, arguing that they are engaged in a class war against the working class, not against capitalism itself.

Key Points:

• The PMC vs. the Working Class: Liu argues that the PMC, comprised of academics, lawyers, and medical professionals, serves the interests of capital, often at the expense of the working class. They engage in "virtue signaling" rather than substantive policy changes to address inequality.
• Historical Context: The interview contrasts the PMC with the old capitalist class (Rockefellers, Carnegies, etc.), noting that academics in the past were more often aligned with workers' rights. The current PMC, however, is deeply intertwined with and serves the interests of capital.
• The 1970s Shift: A key turning point is identified in the 1970s, when the decline in manufacturing and the rise of the immaterial economy led to policies that harmed American workers. This coincided with the PMC's embrace of culture wars as a distraction from economic issues.
• Democratic Party Failure: The Democratic Party's inability to address the concerns of the working class is heavily criticized. Their focus on identity politics and their reliance on focus groups and polling are seen as detached from the realities of working-class life.
• The Left's Role: The interview discusses the fragmentation of the left, with accusations that identity politics have diverted attention from class issues. The PMC's appropriation of identity politics is seen as a tool to maintain power and control.
• The Rise of Trump: Trump's rise is attributed to the PMC's failures and their demonization of the working class. His appeal is seen as a rejection of the PMC's moralizing and perceived hypocrisy.
• A Path Forward?: While pessimistic about the Democratic Party's capacity for self-reflection, Liu expresses some hope in a potential resurgence of anti-authoritarian and egalitarian sentiments within the American populace. She emphasizes the need for a left-driven community focused on bread-and-butter issues and a rejection of the PMC's focus on identity politics.

Highlights:

• Liu's sharp and insightful critique of the PMC and the Democratic Party.
• The historical analysis tracing the shift in the relationship between academics and the working class.
• The discussion of the role of identity politics in obscuring class conflict.
• The exploration of the psychological and cultural factors contributing to the rise of Trump.
• The call for a renewed focus on economic justice and class solidarity.

About Channel:

Chris Hedges, Pulitzer Prize winning journalist, author and commentator provides compelling story telling, archive interviews & show content covering US foreign policy, economic realities and civil liberties in American society.

Generated Summary Below:

Video Description:

Marc Lamont Hill sits down with Chris Hedges, the Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist and former New York Times Middle East bureau chief, to break down America’s looming future under a toxic mix of corporate greed, religious extremism, and fascist politics. Hedges calls out the “Christian Right” for its deep ties to the billionaire class, claiming they're using "magic Jesus" to distract the masses from real economic collapse. The conversation goes deep into how the system is rigged against the working class, how “boutique activism” misses the point, and why the fight for true justice can’t be won without confronting economic inequality head-on. The explosive talk covers the dangerous rise of Christian nationalism, the genocide in Gaza, and why the left is too weak to stop the chaos ahead. You won't hear this anywhere else.

Chris Hedges is a Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist, author, and social critic. With a long career covering war and global injustice, Hedges brings his deep insights into the collapse of the American empire, economic inequality, and the rise of authoritarianism. He's the author of several books, including America: The Farewell Tour and Wages of Rebellion, and a fierce critic of both political parties.

#ChrisHedges #MarcLamontHill #ChristianRight #Fascism #EconomicJustice #GazaGenocide #LaborMovement #BillionaireClass #RadicalPolitics #SocialJustice #nightschool #officehours #mlh

Generated Summary:

Main Topic: The interview explores Chris Hedges' perspective on the state of American democracy, the role of the wealthy elite and the Christian right, and the potential rise of fascism. It also touches upon the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the state of journalism.

Key Points:

• Complicity of Both Parties: Hedges argues that both the Democratic and Republican parties are complicit in creating the current political climate, characterized by economic inequality and the erosion of democratic institutions. He views the two parties as essentially one, serving the interests of corporations and oligarchs.
• Rise of Oligarchy: Hedges contends that the US is no longer a democracy but an oligarchy, where corporations and billionaires control power. He sees the 2020 election as a battle between corporatists (Democrats) and oligarchs (Republicans), with the latter winning.
• Threat of Fascism: Hedges warns of the growing threat of fascism in the US, fueled by economic despair, the influence of the Christian right, and the cult-like following of Donald Trump. He draws parallels to historical fascist movements, emphasizing the role of magical thinking and the exploitation of social grievances.
• Failure of Liberalism: Hedges criticizes the failure of liberalism to address economic inequality and the needs of the working class, creating the conditions for the rise of right-wing populism. He argues that “wokeness,” when co-opted by corporations, serves as a distraction from genuine economic justice.
• Israeli-Palestinian Conflict: Hedges discusses the ongoing conflict, criticizing US complicity in Israeli actions and expressing pessimism about the prospects for peace. He highlights the generational shift in attitudes towards Israel, with younger generations showing less support.
• State of Journalism: Hedges reflects on his experience at the New York Times, criticizing the decline of investigative journalism and the increasing influence of commercial interests on news coverage.
• Need for Radical Resistance: Hedges calls for a more radical response to the current crisis, emphasizing the importance of rebuilding a militant labor movement and engaging in mass mobilization to challenge the power of the ruling class.

Highlights:

• Hedges' strong condemnation of both major political parties for their role in creating economic inequality and undermining democracy.
• His detailed analysis of the characteristics of fascism and its potential rise in the US.
• His insightful critique of the role of the Christian right and its relationship to the wealthy elite.
• His personal reflections on his experiences as a journalist and his opposition to the Iraq War.
• His passionate call for radical resistance and the rebuilding of a powerful labor movement.

About Channel:

Peace family!!!

This is your home for radical, independent thought. If you're tired of the mainstream feeding you the same narratives, it's time to step into the TRUTH. Every Monday-Friday at 9pm ET, join me for NIGHT SCHOOL where we break down the latest news with real talk and radical analysis for the people. On Sundays at 9pm ET, don't miss OFFICE HOURS, where I sit down with the brightest minds to dive deep into politics and pop culture.

This channel is where you can find my speeches, debates, interviews, and more—content you won't find anywhere else. Hit that subscribe button, turn on post notifications, and stay locked in.

The Fall of Assad and Its Implications

- The fall of Syrian president Bashar Assad marks the end of a 53-year dynasty that began with his father, fundamentally altering the geopolitical landscape of the Middle East.
- The rebel group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), led by Abu Muhammad al-Jolani, is supported by Turkey and was previously aligned with Al-Qaeda, indicating shifting alliances in the region.
- Turkey aims to prevent the establishment of an independent Kurdish state in Northern Syria, where Kurdish groups have formed an autonomous enclave.
- Israel's long-standing objective to destabilize the Syrian regime is highlighted as a potential factor in Assad's ousting, as Syria is a critical transit point for Iranian weapons and aid to Hezbollah.
- The Syrian regime has relied on support from Russia and Iran, with Russian airstrikes targeting rebel positions and Russian troops stationed in Syria, complicating the situation further.
- Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has publicly celebrated Assad's removal, asserting it as a significant achievement linked to Israel's military actions against Hezbollah and Iran.
- The geopolitical significance of Syria, with its links to Iraq's oil and its strategic position connecting various regional powers, underscores the potential ramifications of Assad's fall.
- The brutal suppression of a pro-democracy movement by Assad in 2011 led to a devastating civil war, resulting in over 500,000 deaths and millions displaced.
- The future of Syria raises critical questions about the HTS's intentions regarding Iran, the potential establishment of an Islamic state, and the fate of Syria's diverse minority groups.

Geopolitical Context and Historical Roots

- The discussion traces back to the Arab Spring, where widespread protests in Syria were met with violent repression by the Assad regime, igniting a civil war.
- A pivotal meeting between then Vice President Dick Cheney and Saudi intelligence head Prince Bandar in 2006 highlighted a strategy to target Syria as a weak link in countering Iranian influence in the region.
- The U.S. invasion of Iraq was initially thought to weaken Iran but instead strengthened its regional standing, prompting a shift in strategy towards Syria.
- The U.S. has been involved in training various rebel groups in Syria, an effort that has faced significant challenges and failures over the years.
- The narrative suggests a broader geopolitical shift where the Gulf States, particularly Saudi Arabia, sought to invert the power dynamics in the Middle East, elevating Sunni influence while isolating Iran.

Current Military and Economic State of Syria

- The Syrian military is currently in a dire state, with soldiers receiving meager salaries, leading to low morale and widespread corruption within the ranks.
- The economic collapse of Syria is evident, with significant loss of industrial and agricultural capabilities due to ongoing conflict and external occupation.
- Turkey's military incursions into Syria have further complicated the situation, as they have taken control of key industrial regions, exacerbating Syria's economic woes.
- The discussion highlights the lack of resources for the Syrian Army to effectively combat various militia groups, including HTS, which are better funded and equipped.
- The potential for a resurgence of ISIS is also a concern, particularly if Kurdish forces are pressured and unable to maintain control over detained militants.

Regional and Global Ramifications

- The implications of Assad's fall extend beyond Syria, affecting neighboring countries like Lebanon and Iraq, where sectarian tensions could escalate.
- The Kurdish population in Iraq faces threats from Turkish military actions aimed at eliminating perceived terrorist threats, further complicating regional stability.
- The Gulf States, particularly Saudi Arabia, may find themselves uneasy with the rise of Islamist movements in Syria, which could undermine their own regimes.
- The potential for renewed conflict in the region poses risks to U.S. interests, particularly as the dynamics of power shift with the rise of HTS and other militant groups.
- Jordan's stability is also at risk, as it grapples with its own internal divisions and the potential influx of refugees or militant threats from Syria.

The Role of Turkey and Israel

- Turkey has played a significant role in the Syrian conflict, providing support to various rebel groups while also pursuing its own national interests against Kurdish forces.
- Israel's military operations in Syria have aimed at curtailing Iranian influence and preventing arms transfers to Hezbollah, complicating the regional security landscape.
- The relationship between Turkey and Israel has evolved, with both nations seeking to navigate their interests amidst the changing dynamics in Syria.
- The rise of HTS poses a challenge to both Turkey and Israel, as the potential establishment of an Islamic state in Syria could destabilize their borders and security.
- The economic implications of the conflict are profound, as the control of oil fields and agricultural resources remains a focal point for both regional and international actors.

Future Scenarios and Conflict Potential

- The discussion raises concerns about the potential for a broader conflict involving Iran, as U.S. and Israeli interests may push for military action to reassert dominance in the region.
- The likelihood of a war with Iran is perceived as high, driven by geopolitical interests rather than the actual capabilities or intentions of Iran itself.
- The potential for escalating violence in Syria could lead to humanitarian crises, with millions affected by ongoing conflict and instability.
- The fragmentation of Syria could result in a power vacuum that extremist groups may exploit, leading to further regional instability.
- The long-term outlook for Syria remains bleak, as the combination of internal strife, external pressures, and economic collapse creates an environment ripe for ongoing conflict.

Covering US foreign policy, economic realities, and civil liberties in American society.

About: Chris Hedges, Pulitzer Prize winning journalist, author and commentator provides compelling story telling, archive interviews & show content covering US foreign policy, economic realities and civil liberties in American society.

The American material life is taken for granted. Things just appear. There is no consideration for what country the Empire destroyed to fuel their cars, which people are earning pennies inside sweatshops for their clothes or how many children’s hands touched the lithium in their phone batteries fresh out of the mine. The U.S. Empire makes sure these realities are out of the public consciousness and only the shiny, finished products end up in the public view, no questions asked. Matt Kennard, founder of the independent investigative outlet Declassified UK, joins host Chris Hedges on this episode of The Chris Hedges Report to talk about his book, “The Racket: A Rogue Reporter vs The American Empire.”

Covering US foreign policy, economic realities, and civil liberties in American society.

The ed-tech apparatus's insidious functions are seldom discussed. The surveillance and accumulation of child data by these companies serves the ultimate goal of the industry: to make a "psychographic profile of individuals from the cradle to the grave." These companies work with intelligence agencies, law enforcement and more to "predict" student crime before it happens, "monitoring" their mental health for danger.

Covering US foreign policy, economic realities, and civil liberties in American society.

Ask me a question about the election and what's to come here.

Covering US foreign policy, economic realities, and civil liberties in American society.

Covering US foreign policy, economic realities, and civil liberties in American society.

Ask Chris your questions regarding the rapidly escalating conflict in the Middle East here, and feel free to leave us a super chat to help support The Chris Hedges Report.

Key Points:

1. Two-State Illusion: The concept of a two-state solution has often been a facade, masking the reality of ongoing oppression and control over Palestinian territories. This highlights the need for genuine dialogue aimed at equality rather than mere political arrangements.
2. Local vs. Global Politics: Arab regimes’ collaboration with Israel, despite public dissent, reveals a complex relationship shaped by self-interest and external pressures, emphasizing the fragility of these regimes amid rising public discontent.
3. Cultural Resistance: The importance of culture in social movements cannot be understated; historical examples show that art and expression are crucial in challenging oppressive systems and fostering solidarity.
4. Humanitarian Catastrophe: The dire conditions in Gaza are a stark reminder of the human cost of political conflicts, necessitating urgent humanitarian interventions and global awareness.
5. UN’s Role: The UN’s inability to effectively address the Israeli-Palestinian conflict demonstrates the challenges of international governance when major powers have vested interests, calling into question the efficacy of such institutions.
6. Historical Context Matters: Understanding the historical context of Israel’s formation and its impact on Palestinian lives is crucial for any meaningful resolution to the conflict, reinforcing the narrative of dispossession and resistance.
7. Escalating Conflicts: The potential for a broader Middle Eastern conflict driven by U.S. and Israeli interests poses a significant threat to global stability, raising concerns about military escalation and its consequences.

cross-posted from: https://lemmy.world/post/20152885

Independent, Unencumbered Analysis and Investigative Reporting, Captive to No Dogma or Faction.

Follow Chris Hedges' Reporting here: https://chrishedges.substack.com/

@ChrisLynnHedges

Our political class does not govern. It entertains. It plays its assigned role in our fictitious democracy, howling with outrage to constituents and selling them out. Only a few will call them out, such as comedian @jimmy_dore.

Watch my full interview with Jimmy now:

https://youtu.be/s2JUR9WVIq4

[Video link below]

Screenshot:

Direct video link: https://video.twimg.com/amplify_video/1834686223803387904/vid/avc1/720x1280/CBQ0rlqxweM8j2bg.mp4

Source: https://x.com/ChrisLynnHedges/status/1834686409883762974

Alt. link: https://invidious.privacyredirect.com/watch?v=s2JUR9WVIq4

In his 2010 book, Death of the Liberal Class, Chris Hedges wrote “The fate of the liberal class is tragic. It has been annihilated by the corporate state it supported, while it willingly silenced radical thinkers and iconoclasts who could have rescued it.”

There has been no time in American politics where this phenomenon has been more clear than today. In this episode of The Chris Hedges Report, host Chris Hedges talks to comedian Jimmy Dore about his reporting at the 2024 Democratic National Convention. The pair find the event illustrative of the past few decades of liberalism in American society, namely that its entire concept is not “reality based.”

The values the liberal class arguably once cherished have been completely abandoned by today’s neoliberal Democratic Party, and its contradictions ring loud and clear in everything involving Kamala Harris’s campaign to the media’s coverage of it. While on the one hand, the Democratic Party rhetorically clings to its past as the party of progressivism and inclusion, Kamala Harris boasted at the DNC about wanting to make the US military the “most lethal fighting force in the world.”

Not many people capture the hypocrisy and demise of the liberal class as well as comedian and host of The Jimmy Dore Show, Jimmy Dore. While Dore felt the 2016 DNC was an event filled with hope and revolutionary energy after the emergence of Bernie Sanders, he described this year in more unfortunate terms: “I was just surrounded by zombie, brain-dead, brainwashed delegates who didn't care. They treated going to the convention like they were going to prom.

And it was, honestly, it was downright depressing.”Once a believer in the “Bernie or Bust” movement, Dore has become more radicalized since the fall of the progressive movement within the Democratic Party. While he’s not sure any solution is possible, he believes revolution is the only answer:

“And so it's going to take a real revolution and it's going to have to look something like what happened up in Canada during COVID with the truckers and something that Christian Smalls did on Staten Island. [He] was a black guy who organized a bunch of Trump voters against the establishment [and] Amazon. And so it's going to have to come from the ground up like that. We're going to have to shut down capitalism to…have even a chance to take over our government and bring it back to the people.”

@ChrisLynnHedges

Kamala’s policy record is abysmal. Mainstream media is meant to divert your attention away from her record — a major reason why so many are falling for her vapid campaign.

[Video, link below]

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Direct video link: https://video.twimg.com/amplify_video/1828129715145842692/vid/avc1/1080x1920/2WJ8qI6CvPmKyg-o.mp4

Source: https://x.com/ChrisLynnHedges/status/1828129883333238908

Three months into Israel’s bombardment of Gaza, the atrocities the IDF has committed against Palestinians are too numerous to name. Israel is staging a prolonged assault on the Palestinian people’s very means of existence—destroying homes, hospitals, sanitation infrastructure, food and water sources, schools, and more. To understand the genocidal campaign unfolding before our eyes, we must examine the roots of Israeli society. Israel is a settler colonial state whose existence depends on the elimination of Palestinians. Accordingly, Israel is a deeply militarized society whose citizens are raised in an environment of historical revisionism and indoctrination that whitewashes Israel’s crimes while cultivating a deep-seated racism against Palestinians. Miko Peled, former IDF Special Forces and author of The General’s Son: Journey of an Israeli in Palestine, joins The Chris Hedges Report for a frank conversation on the distortions of history and reality at the foundations of Israeli identity.

Edit: screenshot was fixed

@ChrisLynnHedges

National strikes are the most effective weapon at bringing down any government.

[Video, link below]

Screenshot:

Direct video link: https://video.twimg.com/amplify_video/1822357915204030464/vid/avc1/720x1280/EKFe1Hs3a66GyLd1.mp4

Source: https://x.com/ChrisLynnHedges/status/1822358018769699035