On the Issues with Alon Ben-Meir

Dear Friends,

Welcome back for a new episode of my podcast "On the Issues." Thank you for your continued support, and I continue to welcome your thoughts and views. For those who have not yet had the opportunity to subscribe, you can do so on Soundcloud, iTunes, Stitcher, and Google Podcasts. All new episodes are released bi-weekly on Tuesdays at noon. Subscribe on your favorite podcast app to be sure to always get the latest episodes.

My guest today is Moshe Ma’oz, Professor Emeritus of Islamic and Middle Eastern Studies at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, and a previous Director of the university’s Harry S. Truman Research Institute for the Advancement of Peace.

Professor Ma’oz is renowned for his expertise in Arab and Middle East affairs, and has published extensively on Islam and on the history and politics of the Middle East. He is a leading expert on Syria. Professor Ma’oz has been a visiting professor, scholar, and fellow at many leading universities and institutions around the world. He has served as an advisor on Arab Affairs for Israel’s Knesset, and was a member of official advisory committees that counseled the late Prime Ministers Shimon Peres and Yitzhak Rabin. 

In today's episode, we discuss the new Israeli government and the prospects for any advancement of Israeli-Palestinian peace negotiations under this coalition, as well as what role the Biden administration can play, if any, in such a process. In addition, we discuss the concept of a confederation as a potential solution to the conflict, including the issue of settlements, Jerusalem, national security, and the role of Jordan in such a solution. 

As always, I continue to welcome your thoughts and comments.

All the best,
Alon