Economic Update with Richard D. Wolff: The Crisis in the Middle East With Chris Hedges

Release Date: June 24, 2025

In this compelling episode of Economic Update with Richard D. Wolff, host Richard D. Wolff engages in a profound discussion with Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Chris Hedges. The conversation delves into the escalating tensions in the Middle East, particularly focusing on Israel's recent military actions against Iran and the dire humanitarian crisis unfolding in Gaza. Below is a detailed summary capturing the key points, discussions, insights, and conclusions from their dialogue.

1. Introduction

Richard D. Wolff opens the episode by introducing Chris Hedges, highlighting his extensive background as a foreign correspondent and author. Wolff emphasizes Hedges' expertise in Middle Eastern affairs, setting the stage for an in-depth analysis of the current crisis.

[00:20] Richard Wolff: "We're having a special program today... Chris Hedges, someone who's been on this program many times before and, and whose work you all know."

2. Israel's Preemptive Strike on Iran

The conversation begins with Chris Hedges addressing Israel's preemptive airstrikes against Iran, examining the motivations and potential repercussions of such actions.

[03:36] Chris Hedges: "This has long been the goal of Bibi Netanyahu going all the way back to the second Bush administration."

Hedges outlines three primary objectives Israel aims to achieve through these strikes:

1. Degrade Iran's Nuclear Capabilities: Although preliminary strikes have targeted structures, the effectiveness against deep underground facilities like Fardah remains uncertain without advanced weaponry from the U.S.
2. Regime Change in Iran: Hedges views this as an unrealistic aspiration, comparing it to previous unsuccessful attempts to destabilize Iran.
3. Distract from the Genocide in Gaza: By shifting global attention to the Iran-Israel conflict, Israel can continue its aggressive actions in Gaza with reduced international scrutiny.

3. Potential Regional Impacts

Hedges elaborates on the broader implications of the conflict, emphasizing the precarious balance of power in the region and the risks of escalation.

[03:36] Chris Hedges: "This is a very, very dangerous moment. It's a very dangerous gamble on the part of Israel and there are lots of ways this could go really, really wrong."

Key concerns include:

• Iran's Missile Arsenal: With an estimated 2,000 missiles, Iran's sustained missile attacks could overwhelm Israel's defenses over time.
• U.S. Involvement: Israel's reliance on U.S. support raises the stakes, potentially drawing America into a larger regional war.
• Alliances with Russia and China: Hedges warns of the possibility of these global powers becoming entangled in the conflict.

4. Long-term Concerns and U.S. Involvement

Discussing the long-term sustainability of Israel's military strategy, Hedges questions the viability of ongoing conflicts for a small nation like Israel.

[09:56] Chris Hedges: "They feel they can do whatever they want. They're not wrong about that."

He highlights Israel's dependency on U.S. military aid, noting that over 68-70% of its munitions are supplied by the United States. This dependency underscores the critical role U.S. involvement plays in sustaining Israel's military operations.

5. The Situation in Gaza

Hedges provides a harrowing account of the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, describing it as the culmination of a genocide orchestrated by Israel.

[23:15] Chris Hedges: "I think this is the last chapter of the genocide. Israel has no intention of lifting the blockade, which includes food."

Key points include:

• Blockade and Starvation: Gaza faces severe shortages of food, clean water, and medical supplies, exacerbated by active bombardment.
• Forced Displacement: Israel may facilitate the mass movement of Palestinians into the northern Sinai, despite Egyptian objections.
• Environmental and Health Collapse: With hospitals non-operational and fuel supplies dwindling, Gaza is on the brink of a complete societal collapse.

6. Internal Opposition in Israel

Exploring domestic sentiments within Israel, Hedges notes the presence of opposition to Netanyahu's policies but acknowledges the limited impact on the broader governmental stance.

[26:51] Chris Hedges: "There's heavy opposition in Netanyahu, but from opinion polls there's not much opposition to the genocide."

He attributes this sustained support to decades of indoctrination and the severe trauma experienced following events like the October 7th attacks, which have entrenched anti-Arab sentiments.

7. Historical Context and Settler Colonialism

Hedges draws parallels between Israel's actions and historical settler colonial projects, citing the extermination and displacement of indigenous populations.

[29:04] Chris Hedges: "It's the classic settler colonial model... the British did in India, it's what the British did in Kenya, it's what the French did in Algeria."

He contrasts the treatment of Palestinians with that of indigenous populations in other settler colonial contexts, emphasizing the systematic attempts to eradicate and displace Palestinians to achieve demographic dominance.

8. Conclusion

As the discussion wraps up, Wolff commends Hedges for his insightful analysis and courage in addressing such contentious issues.

[31:26] Richard Wolff: "I want to thank you enormously for sharing your history, your study, and your acute observations on that situation."

Hedges reiterates his concerns about the future, emphasizing the catastrophic potential of continued militaristic approaches by Israel and the implications for regional and global stability.

Key Takeaways

• Israel's Strategic Goals: The preemptive strikes against Iran are aimed at crippling nuclear capabilities, instigating regime change, and diverting attention from Gaza.
• Humanitarian Crisis in Gaza: The blockade and ongoing military operations are systematically dismantling Gaza’s infrastructure, leading to widespread starvation and disease.
• Risk of Regional Escalation: The conflict poses significant threats of broader regional warfare, especially if major powers like the U.S., Russia, or China become involved.
• Internal Dynamics in Israel: While there is some opposition to current policies, deep-seated societal tensions and indoctrination maintain widespread support for aggressive actions.
• Historical Patterns of Colonization: Israel's actions are reflective of historical settler colonialism, involving the eradication and displacement of indigenous populations to secure territorial dominance.

Notable Quotes

• Chris Hedges on Israel's Objectives:

  "First, they would like to degrade Iran's nuclear capabilities... number two, they would like regime change... They have a freer hand." [03:36]

• On the Dangers of Escalation:

  "This is a very, very dangerous moment. It's a very dangerous gamble on the part of Israel and there are lots of ways this could go really, really wrong." [03:36]

• Regarding Gaza’s Humanitarian Collapse:

  "There’s just nothing left. I mean, there’s no clean water... Hospitals are gone... The disease is rampant." [23:15]

• On Internal Opposition in Israel:

  "There's heavy opposition in Netanyahu, but from opinion polls there's not much opposition to the genocide." [26:51]

• Historical Parallel to Settler Colonialism:

  "It's the classic settler colonial model... the British did in India, it's what the British did in Kenya, it's what the French did in Algeria." [29:04]

This episode serves as a stark examination of the intertwined economic, political, and humanitarian crises in the Middle East, offering listeners a nuanced understanding of the complexities and far-reaching consequences of the ongoing conflicts.