Podcast Summary: "Why is MAGA Splitting over Israel?"
Podcast: The World with Richard Engel and Yalda Hakim
Hosts: Yalda Hakim (Sky News) and Richard Engel (NBC)
Release Date: July 23, 2025
Episode Title: Why is MAGA Splitting over Israel?
Introduction
In this episode of The World, Yalda Hakim and Richard Engel delve deep into the current geopolitical tensions surrounding Israel, particularly focusing on the internal divisions within the MAGA (Make America Great Again) movement regarding support for Israel. The discussion spans multiple hot-button issues, including the war in Gaza, the fragile situation in Syria, the plight of women in Afghanistan, the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, and the financial strains on NATO countries.
The Humanitarian Crisis in Gaza
Yalda opens the discussion by highlighting the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza, pointing out that "the suffering of civilians has reached new depths" (00:05). She emphasizes that the UK's call, along with 24 other nations, for an immediate end to the war underscores the unprecedented severity of the crisis.
Richard corroborates this by noting the desperation among civilians: "They are desperately hungry. Children are crying all the time for food. People are making impossible choices to risk their lives to try and find food" (00:24).
Yalda adds that the Israeli government's actions are "doing untold damage to Israel's standing in the world" (00:32), setting the stage for a broader discussion on Israel's international relations.
Current Events in Syria and the Rise of Ahmed Al Sharar
The hosts transition to discussing the volatile situation in Syria, where Ahmed Al Sharar, a former Al Qaeda leader, has emerged as the new leader after the fall of Bashar al Assad's regime. Yalda recounts their firsthand experience in Damascus during the regime's collapse:
"They were starting to see this nation that dealt with a civil war for over a decade... starting to unravel" (04:47).
Richard provides a historical context, tracing the expansionist actions of Israel since 1948 and connecting them to the current unrest in Syria. He explains how Israel's relationship with the Druze community—a religious minority allied with Israel—has led to military interventions in Syria to protect their allies, thereby complicating regional stability.
Notable Quote:
"It is expanding again, and it is also moving Palestinians out of their homes on a regular basis."
— Richard Engel (02:59)
Impact on Israel's Standing and International Relations
Yalda and Richard discuss how Israel's aggressive actions in Gaza and beyond are affecting its global reputation. The destruction in Gaza, particularly at aid distribution points, has drawn condemnation from traditionally allied nations like the UK, Australia, Japan, and France. Yalda highlights statements from global leaders describing the situation as a "horror show" and "sickening" (22:33).
Richard adds that the Israeli actions might inadvertently foster more antisemitism globally, as expressed concerns within the Jewish community itself. He notes:
"Israelis initially were saying, oh, we need to do these actions in Gaza to protect ourselves... but some are now worried that these actions are actually leading to more antisemitism."
— Richard Engel (22:33)
Ceasefire Efforts and Future Projections
The conversation moves to the ongoing efforts to secure a ceasefire in Gaza. Yalda mentions that a ceasefire is expected within a week, questioning the long-term solutions post-ceasefire:
"What happens next in terms of a ceasefire...what comes next?"
— Yalda Hakim (29:28)
Richard expresses skepticism about the ceasefire's ability to address deeper issues, predicting that regional dynamics, especially in Syria, will continue to destabilize the Middle East.
The Situation of Women and Girls in Afghanistan
Shifting focus, Yalda brings attention to the repression in Afghanistan under Taliban rule. She discusses the severe restrictions placed on women, including bans on education and public life, and the recent arrests of women protesting against the compulsory wearing of the hijab (27:17).
Richard reflects on his personal experiences in Afghanistan, emphasizing the cruel reversion of women's rights after two decades of progress:
"It's worse than not having had the rights at all... here, you give these rights, you get to practice with them a little bit, and then we're going to take them away."
— Richard Engel (31:11)
The Conflict in Ukraine and NATO Defense Spending
Yalda and Richard briefly touch upon the escalating conflict in Ukraine, anticipating a significant summer offensive and discussing the critical role of U.S. military support (33:17).
Richard makes a long-term prediction regarding NATO countries' commitment to increasing their defense spending to 5% of GDP, questioning the financial feasibility and suggesting potential collective European taxation to meet these obligations:
"My prediction is they're either going to have to have some federal European tax... I wouldn't be surprised if down the line there's some European collective tax to pay for all of that."
— Richard Engel (34:18)
MAGA Evangelicals Splintering over Israel
A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to exploring the division within the MAGA movement, particularly among evangelical Christians, regarding unwavering support for Israel. Yalda outlines recent developments where prominent MAGA figures, such as Mike Huckabee and Marjorie Taylor Greene, have voiced criticism against Israel due to:
- Increased violence against Palestinian Christians in the West Bank.
- An Israeli airstrike hitting Gaza's only Catholic church.
Notable Quote:
"We saw Benjamin Netanyahu come out and call the Pope to express Israel's regret for the strikes."
— Yalda Hakim (26:29)
Richard explains that evangelical support for Israel is deeply rooted in prophetic beliefs, aiming to fulfill biblical prophecies. However, recent violence and perceived injustices have led some to question and distance themselves from the traditional pro-Israel stance, creating a significant political rift.
The Path Forward: Predictions and Conclusions
As the episode nears its conclusion, Yalda and Richard share their predictions for the near future:
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Syria: Yalda believes the situation remains precarious, with ongoing conflicts undermining any peace efforts (33:17).
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Ukraine: Anticipates continued intense militarization and potential shifts in control depending on U.S. support (33:32).
Richard reiterates his earlier prediction about NATO's financial strains, highlighting the potential need for collective European funding mechanisms.
Yalda wraps up by reiterating the global implications of these conflicts and emphasizing the importance of sustained international attention and intervention.
Notable Quotes with Timestamps
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Yalda Hakim:
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Richard Engel:
- "They are desperately hungry. Children are crying all the time for food." (00:24)
- "Israelis initially were saying... but some are now worried that these actions are actually leading to more antisemitism." (22:33)
- "If Syria falls back into civil war... the Syrian people will be the most unfortunate people in the world." (19:51)
Conclusion
In this episode, Yalda Hakim and Richard Engel provide a comprehensive analysis of the complex geopolitical landscape involving Israel, Syria, Afghanistan, Ukraine, and NATO. They shed light on the human cost of these conflicts, the shifting dynamics within political movements like MAGA, and the broader implications for international relations and global stability. The discussion underscores the intricate interplay between historical grievances, minority alliances, and contemporary political agendas shaping the current state of the Middle East and beyond.
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