Starr Forum: The Israel Lobby and US Foreign Policy

John Mearsheimer (Wendell Harrison Professor of Political Science, University of Chicago) and Stephen Walt (Robert and Renee Belfer Professor of International Affairs, Kennedy School of Government at Harvard) talk about their recent book, The Israel Lobby and U.S. Foreign Policy. Joining the discussion is Bruce Riedel (Senior Fellow, Saban Center for Middle East Policy, Brookings Institution.)
Event recorded on Wednesday, October 03, 2007
The MIT Center for International Studies (CIS) is a world premier, university-based research and education center. Learn more at cis.mit.edu/
The MIT Starr Forum is a flagship public event series hosted by CIS. Learn more at cis.mit.edu/events-seminars/a...

[@ewaoconnor7013]

I studied the Israel-Palestine conflict extensively for my master's thesis. It made me depressed, and I concluded that the conflict will never end because there is a lot of hatred on both sides. When I saw the maps of the proposed Palestinian state, I understood why Palestinians rejected them. Also, if you look at the water resources in the Palestinian Territories, you'll see why Israel doesn't want to give up control of those areas. Prof. Mearsheimer and his colleagues are brave for speaking out because the Israeli lobby is very good at silencing people. Luckily, their power is not unlimited.

[@leonardgould6657]

THIS IS RIDICULOUS! As a CANADIAN 🇨🇦 🍁 and citizen of British North America!, whose forefathers waded ashore on the Beaches of Normandy!, I strenuously criticize Mearsheimer'sx simplistic, and dumbed-down lack of understanding! -After reading Mearsheimer's pro-Russian oro-Putin@, pro-CZARIST RUS. FOREIGN POLICY, I'm beginning to see him! MEARSHEIMER!, - as a complete simpleton! ANTI-UKRAINE! ANTI-ISRAEL!, PRO-PUTIN!, PRO-RUSSIAN KAKISTOCRACY!-, in short, a good square-head German😮!

[@adrias818]

are you sure they don't have unlimited power

[@ewaoconnor7013]

@@adrias818 Israeli lobby in the US is extremely well organised and they pay much more than Arab lobby for example. They are powerful partly because Evangelical Christians support them unconditionally

[@naciramaevals650]

I came across your comment from 6 months ago, and I’m extremely curious to get an honest take from someone who has studied this issue extensively, what are your thoughts on the situation in Gaza today ? What’s your thoughts on the final outcome of this conflict?

[@ewaoconnor7013]

@@naciramaevals650 From an international law perspective, there is a "risk of genocide in Gaza." Lawyers can't confirm it yet as they await the international court's decision, a process that may take years. You may have heard Israeli political leaders openly calling for genocide. Most Israelis support the war in its current form. Israelis opposing the war are in minority and risk their lives if they express their views openly. Most Western countries, especially the US, unconditionally support Israel and provide weapons. The US has blocked all UN resolutions to resolve the conflict for decades. While most Americans desire an immediate ceasefire, their government ignores this. Like anyone wanting peace, I hope these nations can coexist peacefully to prevent more children from dying and suffering. Unfortunately, there seems to be little political will in Israel or the US to end the conflict. If there's a peace proposal, it might be unfair and it will likely be rejected by Palestinians. 💔 A miracle is needed. Ireland achieved one decades ago so maybe there’s some hope

[@samreynolds3789]

2022 , NOTHING has CHANGED !!

[@evangel1737]

Even though this is 8yrs old; filling in all the details we don’t get in the U.S. is great 👍 it truly helps in being enlightened on What was taking place behind the scenes. Informing my discretions is ‘Much appreciated in 2024 and its time there was a State of Palestinian

[@carromboard3451]

A great debate that should be heard by all. This was streamed 8 years ago and how true it still applies today. I would conclude that the lobby group has increased in power through misinformation via social media. However, on the other hand it has suffered a serious blow from the history and truths that had been blanketed for 50 years. The question of this special relationship between the US and Israel will continue to come under intense scrutiny.

[@mns8732]

Has Israeli policy changed since the esteemed institution MIT sponsored this discussion? A resounding No. It's has worsened, indeed.

[@zrefaat]

Great discussion, unfortunately I don’t think anything will change 😢

[@jortalportal2834]

In ancient Israel - God Almighty did not allow Israel or its leaders - to repeatedly sin. Your prediction that nothing will change - flies in the face of prophesy - that says everything will change. Revelation 3:7-13 is one of the most important scriptures in the Bible. It warns against apostate Jewish people, and tells us that they worship Satan. Pretty serious condemnation by Jesus! But if you think about it - everything Jesus said is true, and Jesus was extremely critical of the Jewish religious leaders. He asked some of them, "How will you escape Hell?" and both Jesus and John the Baptist called the Pharisees "brood of vipers" which is a way of calling them the son of the devil. Israel is being exposed, judged and punishment will follow. Everything will change. You're watching it change - live on television.

[@shmeegle663]

Great video 👍🏽

[@jamesrobinson9460]

RESOLVED: That the annual $3.8 billion going to the State of Israel, be given instead to a congressional/governmental fund to finance government candidates and office holders based on a Merit System, which is in turn based on moral, ethical, and fairness standards.

[@righthandpath6507]

You should run for office with those views.

[@macalister8881]

They get 80 billion a year

[@jortalportal2834]

Cong. Maxine Waters does not even come to work. Her office is shut down, and they don't return calls. Democrats do not show up, don't do anything, and spend 100% of their time attacking Republicans who don't do anything. Our Congress is 100% corrupt.

[@Profile.4]

It's all over. If you're watching this, improve yourself and go enjoy your life, get prepared but enjoy it. There's nothing more to be done.

[@TJ-zc5mr]

It shows you how powerful the lobby is as after every argument put forward the speaker had to reassure everyone they are not anti Semitic. Its sad that criticizing Israel's policies is always equated with anti Semitism.

[@thatisabsolutelykooooge2211]

Labeling and gaslighting is always an evil persons strategy to win an argument. Problem is some people fall for it. Gotta use it against them.

[@macskipper1558]

@@danco.9883 l

[@aristedecomgmailcom]

They didn't have to. They wanted to, if they did, because some anti-Semites do make those arguments.

[@nshimiyimanamugishaemmanue8904]

Wwwwwwwwwwwzźzźźzźzzzzzźźzzźzzźzźzzzźźzzzzźzźzzzz

[@talon5985]

Starts @ 3:21

[@AmersOnlyGiglinFMRWHCh]

Please see description area too please. For Gary Smollett Case | I don't have to say anything about Jodi Foster - KZbin

[@andylippmann32]

That was the suggestion in 2015 - nothing recommended happened... :/

[@mirkovic]

This book came out almost 8 years ago and not one comment - great read considering this guys are not liberals....

[@rvz77]

Thats the reason why it is a great read.

[@looknah5145]

@@rvz77 to the office with black 🖤 quotes from movies from quick quotes for Instagram highlights quick to eat at hell's redeemer church in quick ⁉️ quotes quotes about quick ⁉️ quick ⁉️ to get quotes from quick question ⁉️ quotes quick ⁉️ quick ⁉️ quotes from quick ⁉️ quotes quotes quick ⁉️⁉️ 1

[@lizgichora6472]

Thank you.

[@rexorexo2630]

Why do some people discuss this issue without keeping in mind that Israel as an occupier, and the Palestinians as occupied are not equals?!!! The Palestinians can't accomplish peace because of Israel's atrocities. Why does Israel refuse and oppose to the International community presence in the Holy Land on both sides as observers?!!! Israel has always put obstacles to the peace process simply because there isn't any intention of peace on their part -actions speaks louder than words-. Look at the facts without being biased. The Palestinians have always respected and abide by International Law which grants them the right to resist their occupier and defend themselves, and the right of self determination. Israel has no respect for the International Law, and never abides by it. The ethnic cleansing continues. Enough is enough. Somebody stop the MONSTERS.

[@stuartewoldt1513]

That there is only 114 comments is very troubling

[@philipzaccheus8398]

Informative information for knowledge seekers listening is an important asset laying ground for knowledge for leading WHO,WHY and intentions!!!???. Continue listening for better knowledge understanding the lasting good conclutions

[@ritchybinoo9150]

A majority of U.S politicians have their two seeds firmly gripped in the palm of a foreign lobby! The grip tightens or loosens depending on how much one is detestful or complacent to israeli crimes against humanity!

[@Raydensheraj]

Like Diaper Don and Russia?

[@williewonka6694]

Long ago it became impossible to talk about US policy in the Middle East without someone getting labeled.

[@alexmay1754]

I did not know that Israel backed the US invasion of Iraq in 2003. I always thought it was Bush solely coming under the bad influence of the PNAC. If true this changes a lot of things. Israel has far too much influence on US foreign Policy - that is well known - but if Israel pushed US to invade Iraq - this is really a step too far. US needs to look at itself - and Israel too. Whilst I support Israel strongly and their right to defend themselves - I question what their true motives were in supporting Regime change in Iraq in 2003.

[@ChollieD]

(Five years later...) Israel's motive in supporting regime change in Iraq is no mystery. Saddam Hussein and the Baathists vigorously supported the Intifada, and posted $10K and greater monetary awards to the families of Palestinian "martyrs". They also allowed the use of Iraq as a base for various pro-Palestinian terrorist organizations. IOW, it was simply in Israel's self-interest to want for their removal from power. The fact that they didn't care how many Americans died, or how much American treasure expended, in the process is where I get peeved. It's seemingly always fine for Americans to die for Israel, according to the Israel lobby. I don't hate them, and I think if there was a genuine existential threat to Israel we should fight to end it, but I beg to differ with their apparently blasé attitude to American casualties.

[@mortef]

@@ChollieD As soon as the israeli terrorist groups Haganah, Irgun and the Stern gang got legitimized, they took their political tool called 'terror', and started their push for "the war on terror" that we all know today. By international law on the other hand, the palestinian resistance against the illegal occupation is by definition not terror like what israel is doing.

[@mohammadalqahtani9509]

@@ChollieD The only terrorist state in the region is what is called 🇮🇱.

[@blank1778]

Fun fact more nations participated in the gulf war than ww2 and influenced the later war in iraq

[@howardgootkin4216]

Israel did not back the US invasion of Iraq. In fact, the Israeli military was so critical of of Bush, that the then Prime Minister Ariel Sharon to shut up out of fear of alienating Bush. You have to take anything these guys say about Israel with a great deal of skepticism.

[@alanbstard4]

unnecessary disclaimer at start, only increases suspicion. Also inaccurate as they do run media and foreign policy

[@davidnorth3411]

Anti corrupting a govt through speaking clearly without held thoughts of found truths .

[@narkelnaru2710]

This is what an opinion changing conversation looks like. Fantastic. Most importantly, *everyone* seems to think (based on the applause) that the denial of Palestinian rights is reprehensible. And Mr. Reidel doesn't say *which part* of the 3% of the land swaps was a part of the 97% land swaps. Would anyone think that it related to Jerusalem ? Would anyone think that was a worthwhile trade for the Palestinians ? I am a fan of Mr. Reidel's. But I think his evasion on that item is a problem in how he represents his opinions, probably across other opinions too. A very late thank you, but thank you for this post.

[@debtasmoney4958]

Israel does not belong to the Isreali! The Jews are written in Revelation 2:9 and 3:9. Satan rule the world through DECEPTION: Revelation 12:9. Our MESSIAH YAHWEH BEN YAHWEH came to His people in 1979 and built a Moral safe environment. He was arrested by the FBI and put in prison for crimes He did not commit. Using the media to constantly discredit Him can be found on the Internet: COINTELPRO, during Edgar Hoover Leadership about the Black MESSIAH! This great evil has put America and the world in the Great Tribulation, which been in America. America can not escape from their many crimes against YAHWEH'S people and humanity and nature. Look what they are promoting: TRANSGENDERISM, viruses and experimental drugs called: vaccines. How many Americans know about "Murder by Injection by Eustace Mullins" or Medical Apartheid by Harriet A Washington? Evilness is killing Americans and they do know it.

[@jnammar]

I was born in Palestine and believe it is the Holy land for all peaceful humans.

[@johnhirtle4300]

And zionists are anything but peaceful.

[@josephrohland5604]

Nah...it's just another spit of land like anywhere else in the world. BDS Israel for crimes against humanity. END ZIONISM.

[@philipzaccheus8398]

RIGHT is Mighty Might necessary for all humans.!!!??

[@oswinhaas]

My goodness! How can one be even the slightest bit critical of an Israel lobby of any kind with a moustache à la Adolf Hitler?

[@stratcastor8988]

My amplifier at the HIGHEST VOLUMN n yet still very soft...who's that sound man?????? Pls! Dont fall asleep or pls Quit what u dont know about sound.....

[@lA-tv1qt]

1:02:30

[@lebladful]

You seem giving soft copy of what really they are

[@stevensica89]

Walt sure made the Israel Lobby woman, the first questioner, look stupid when he answered her questions.

[@yoshkebenstadapandora1181]

May God judge Israel.

[@Rizkinmylife]

Weird why i keep watching this type of vids...

[@Profile.4]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/m2ndhqhqqZdgf5o

[@CondorFlyingHigh]

Because they are so godamn interesting maybe?

[@slappy8941]

It's your antischlomotism!

[@pauldellavilla7346]

G%%t u

[@thaddeusreynold7520]

@@sofianeAr7 yuh b.

[@TJ-zc5mr]

Also don't believe the guy when he says that al qaeedas agenda is against the existence of the state of israel. If that was the case 9/11 would have happened in Jerusalem and not NYC. And israel does get unconditional support ffinancial and military from the US and for him to not see this is to miss the point. Also he doesn't elaborate why Yaseer Arafat refused the deal and Ehud Barack was so eager to accept. The lady from AIPAC seemed rather angry and true to form made their point about AIPAC lobbyists.

[@chinwikorchi3516]

Tank.americans.tank.

[@raven113p6]

Some of you folks commenting are nutcases....

[@thepeacefulbearbeer]

Most*

[@vincenzochessa9373]

Pre 1967 borders? You are out of your mind

[@kicunya12]

Agree. It should be one truly democratic, secular, multi-ethnic state of Palestine and Israel. Or simply Palestine for short.

[@aliliban5343]

M

[@leebarry5686]

These professors are biased but still have some conscience of a human

[@worldpeacepatriot9448]

The survival of the human species as well as the other life forms on our world is at stake ! Nations , countries , states , empires , tribes , etc ; have risen and fallen and most today no longer exist except perhaps for some vestigel cultural , language and religious remains ! Our human species are merely peoples and persons who live and exist on our world albeit only temporarily just as nations and empires of the past ! In a broader cosmic perspective will our species rise and evolve to a more noble unity and solidarity of ourselves and abandon all these narrow national and tribal self interests our leaders so energetically espouse to our potential demise or can we abandon such limiting perceptions of ourselves and realize our common humanity as ONE ?

[@garegingrigorian2179]

G

[@abdullaabdulla3788]

Bangladesh Muslim Shahabuddin Noakhali BBC

[@behrouzrezahatami6935]

His understanding is too shallow to be called As PhD or expert of the subject. I would waste my time listening him. Rather I would listen Christin fair.

[@namaan123]

Lol, I wonder why

[@jamesrobinson9460]

There is NO LEGITIMATE BASIS for the EXISTENCE of the State of Israel: SHOULD ISRAEL EXIST? Daniel 9:24-27 says: "70 weeks (490 years, beginning in 457 B.C.), are determined upon thy people and upon thy holy city, to finish the transgression, and to make an end of sins, and to make reconciliation for iniquity, and to bring in everlasting righteousness, and seal up the vision and the prophecy, and to anoint the most Holy (Jesus, The Messiah). Know therefore and understand that from the going forth of the commandment to restore and build Jerusalem (in 457 B.C.) unto Messiah, the prince shall be 7 weeks, and threescore and 2 weeks (69 weeks, or 483 years, unto the year 27 A.D.): the street shall be built again, and the wall, even in troublous times. And after 7 weeks, and threescore and 2 weeks (69 weeks, or 483 years, plus 3.5 years), shall Messiah be cut off, but not for himself…And he shall confirm the covenant with many for one week (7 years, from 27 A.D. through 34 A.D.), and in the mist of the week (or in mid-30 A.D.), he shall cause the sacrifice and the oblation to cease, and from the overspreading of abominations, he shall make it desolate…." When the apostate Jews killed the Apostle Steven, in 34 A.D., (Acts 7:57-59), the covenant with ancient Israel ended.

[@Lolaaestereo]

The Israeli lobbying is a terrorist organisation who buys our foreign policy and silence anyone who criticises them #freepalestine

[@cedarpoplar]

Yo talk too much. Show me prove

[@lizgichora6472]

Thank you; defending the right of Israel to defend herself, and aide support when in security threat whilst encouraging the right of a two state solution for Palestine to thrive. Thank you for an eloquent debate.

[@fpxpGetReal]

How is it the narrative is never about the right of Palestine to exist and the actual fact of Palestine being wiped off the face of the map? The only conclusion one can come to is the Palestinian state as a democracy encompassing al Palestinians,be they Muslims,Jews Christian or atheists,this in the light of the horrendous UNDEMOCRATIC treatment of Palestinians in their own lands.

[@jamesrobinson9460]

EVERYBODY IS A MUSLIM, A CHRISTIAN, AND A JEW - because it is the same thing! Daniel 9:24-27. #UnitarianIslam

[@tammys8711]

There is no "Christian" without Jesus. Was he a lunatic who didn't act, but rather just had the will of man acted upon Him? His death was a sacrificial atonement to reconcile man with God. The only thing those religions have in common is that every human is a fallen man, equally in need of forgiveness and reconciliation. Without forgiveness and the humility that brings us to the knowledge that we need it, all is vanity. Like the current state of a world adrift in 2022.

[@jamesrobinson9460]

@@tammys8711 If ignorance was bliss, you would be living in ecstasy!

[@jedidiahsojourner1917]

@@jamesrobinson9460 have you ever been advised to not smoke that stuff.?

[@jedidiahsojourner1917]

Hey " robinson", you're fun to watch but who are you if and when you get sober?

[@jamesrobinson9460]

@@jedidiahsojourner1917 You are an INSANE, ignorant, stupid, dumb devil! You try to project onto me what you are: a damn demonic fool!

[@jamesrobinson9460]

WE’RE BACK! When I was Caliph Umar, we “conquered Damascus in 635, Jerusalem in 637, Babylon in 641, and Alexandria in 642, adding lands in Syria, Egypt, Persia and North Africa. We introduced the Islamic calendar, conducted a public census, and started the construction of public facilities. We also established the departments of military, education, jails, taxation, police, public treasury, and regulations on how regional rulers should interact with their citizens. We organized the military, and appointed judges. “Knowledge of the Quran became more widespread. We used a policy of religious toleration so that our newfound subjects would remain loyal; e.g. we did not force conversion to Islam. This attracted especially the People of the Book, Christians and Jews, who had recently been under the suppressive reign of the Byzantines; they were allowed to worship in their own religion in exchange for acceptance of Muslim governance and a special tax. “During our reign, justice was enforced everywhere and we proved to be a model administration of justice. Our empire became the second largest in the world, second only to China.” Today, it is time for our Second Caliphate.

[@thekaiser4333]

Well, that didn't go so well. Your Caliph Al Baghdadi and your second Caliphate failed miserably.

[@thekaiser4333]

kutekzr

[@jamesmabry7180]

you can't stop fighting each other long enough to ever establish another caliphate. i don't think "you're back"

[@fpxpGetReal]

@@thekaiser4333 lol 😂 are you from the lobby? Or maybe a wannabe member of “the lobby UK/US”

[@thekaiser4333]

@@fpxpGetReal - That is none of your business. However, the second Caliphate failed miserably.

[@jamesrobinson9460]

My Brothers and Sisters in the Struggle: Palestine will be liberated. The USA will be liberated. The world will be liberated from the oppressors - the evil-doers! Daniel 9:24-27. The #SecondComing, the #ChildrenOfGod

[@jamesrobinson9460]

The #SecondComing began in 1998. #UnitarianIslam is Coming!

[@jamesrobinson9460]

#BREAKING: Jacob, aka Israel, is ALIVE and well. You know him - because he incarnated as Caliph Umar, 634-644 AD, and Thomas Jefferson in 1743. He is here as a messenger of the Most High; and to wrap up the era from Adam to this current era, called the #SecondComing, beginning in 1998.

[@josephrohland5604]

Nah...If the Bible is true, the Second Coming occurred in the first century just as Jesus promised in the Bible. The Bible is Ancient Israel's story. That's no one alive today. BDS Israel today for crimes against humanity, Hymie.

[@jamesrobinson9460]

Did you know that Prophet Muhammad was Thomas Jefferson’s son-in-law? It is when Jefferson was incarnate as Caliph Umar (until 644 A.D.) The Prophet married Umar’s daughter, Hafsa.

[@jedidiahsojourner1917]

Umar's daughter was the town pump.

[@jamesrobinson9460]

#ThomasJefferson - was MUSLIM in a previous life. He was Caliph from 634-644 A.D. Once a Muslim - always a Muslim! He is also the reincarnation of Jacob (aka, Israel).

[@TheDefector007]

"We are Not a Christian state" wow, than why the US Dollar say "In God we believe" I grew up in atheist country, and I'm thankful to God who found me and Jesus who saved me!

[@kicunya12]

It doesn't say "In God we believe". Plus separation of church and state enshrined in the US constitution. Trying to change it is breaking the very fabric of the US.

[@righthandpath6507]

America needs to be more like The Lord Jesus and Israel less like Judas.

[@Kwame-yw9kz]

Free Palestine 🇵🇸

[@jamesrobinson9460]

WE ARE THE REAL JEWS! And we follow in the footsteps of Moses (Prophet Muhammad), Jesus, the prophets, and the righteous! Daniel 9:24-27.

[@BabbaYagga]

Another lie is that US spends more money on help to Israel than to any other country. US is saving huge amount of money because of Israel. 1. Without Israel US would need 5 carrier strike groups in the region of Hurmuz straights, Persian Golf and Eastern Mediterranean. The total cost would be 3- 5 times that of the "support" to Israel. 2. Israel has provided the US with more valuable intelligence than all of the US allies combined. During Vietnam war, Israel has given US the intact MIG fighter jet, which was thoroughly studied by the US air force and the experience used to destroying all of enemy's fighters without losing a single of US's own. 3. Israel has destroyed Iraq's nuclear reactor. Without that, Iraq would have become a nuclear power and US would not have been able to conduct the first golf war. 4. Israel has given the US the entire newest Soviet radar, with immense benefit to the US. 5. More recently Israel has destroyed Syria's secret nuclear reactor. With obvious advantage to the US. 6. During Iraq war and US occupation, Israeli technology has saved 1000s of US lives explosive devices provided by Iran. 6. Israel is the best source of intelligence about terrorist Islamic groups and has saved countless lives in US and Europe by providing advanced warnings about terrorist attacks. 7. Israel's activity in Iran helps keeping the US safe. Much of the current help provided by Israel will be known only after 25 years, because it is classified. A total expense of US "help" to Israel over the last 50 years is $150 billion. (Most of this money went to US weapon manufacturers). At the same time US has used 2 trillion helping Iraq. The estimated total cost of war in Afghanistan is over 6 trillion. Some of it are expenses that still will come in the next 30 years. (including benefits to wounded and otherwise hurt veterans). Not a single US soldier fought for Israel. On the other hand US spends billions every year on bases in South Korea and in Japan. US gave $85 billion gift to Taliban just a year ago. That's more than 1/2 of what US gave to Israel over 50 years. Currently US has already committed $80 billion help to Ukraine. A country of zero geostrategic value to the US. A corrupt oligarchy where most money is stolen by the corrupt politicians and officials. While giving "help" to Israel, US also contributes military help to Egypt, Jordan and until recently to Lebanon. Additionally US supports the Palestinian terrorist organizations and other "Palestinian" anti-Israeli organization. Under Hussein Obama, US has given Iran $150. The same Iran that vows to destroy Israel and the US. Israel would be much better off without the US "help" if US would also stop all its help to Egypt, Jordan, and above if US and it's European vassals would stop all help to the so called "Palestinians".

[@a.aa.a1204]

Israelians don’t exist anyways, I only know Palestinians

[@ideapad2092]

Sure foo