“Trump is Netanyahu’s poodle, he plays him like a fiddle”: Avi Shlaim

3 months ago 63

"Trump is Netanyahu's poodle, he plays him like a fiddle": Avi Shlaim, Emeritus Professor of International Relations, Oxford University, to Karan Thapar for The Wire. ......................................... One of Israel’s most highly regarded and world-renowned professors of history and international relations, Avi Shlaim, says that Donald Trump is “Netanyahu’s poodle”, adding that Netanyahu “plays him like a fiddle”. Prof. Shlaim says that Donald Trump is the only American President who is gullible enough to become part of Netanyahu’s plan for regime change in Iran. However, Prof. Shlaim believes that regime change is almost impossible to achieve from the air and what is far more likely is that the regime will survive and if Mojtaba Khamenei remains the supreme leader he is likely to be more ruthless and a hardliner. Prof. Shlaim also believes that the regime only needs to survive to, in effect, win, whereas America if it doesn’t win has, in effect, lost. Prof. Shlaim has spoken with context and detail and if you want to understand all the different issues that arise out of the present US-Israel-Iran war and if you want answers to the questions that many people have been asking for the last twenty days than I recommend you see this interview. Prof. Shlaim has explained things simply, clearly and very effectively. He has a very clear view that runs right through the interview and it’s a very easy interview to follow. You will learn a lot from it. This is particularly true of those who haven’t followed the war or understood the issues involved closely. This is your best opportunity to find out. To help you, I give below the list of the main questions put to Prof. Shlaim. Here they are:- 1) Let me start with a personal question. How do you, an Israeli citizen, who has served in the Israeli defence forces, view the US-Israeli war on Iran? 2) The second key question is about the legality of what America and Israel have done. Prime Minister Starmer initially refused permission for US bases in Britain to be used for the war because he was advised it was illegal. However, he was sharply criticized by Tony Blair who believes Britain owes this to its closest ally. In your eyes, was Starmer right or was Blair right? 3) On February 28th, the very first day of the war, Ayatollah Khamenei was killed. Was this understandable and justified or outright cold-blooded murder? 4) For decades Iranians have been chanting ‘death to Israel’ and ‘death to America’. They refer to the two countries as the Great Satan and the Little Satan. Is Iran an existential threat to Israel? 5) Does President Trump have a clear idea why he’s embarked on this war? Sometimes he says it’s to ensure Iran doesn’t build nuclear weapons even though he’s boasted that Iran’s nuclear programme was obliterated last year. Sometimes he says it’s to eliminate Iran’s ballistic missiles. On other occasions, he says it’s regime change. And he’s even said it’s pre-emptive in case Iran strikes America first. So what should we believe? 6) For its part Iran has shown surprising resilience and its also effectively widened the war by not just targeting American bases in the Gulf but airports, hotels, energy installations, data centres and, occasionally, residential complexes. Did America and Israel underestimate Iran’s resilience and its capacity to retaliate? Join The Wire's Youtube Membership and get exclusive content, member-only emojis, live interaction with The Wire's founders, editors and reporters and much more. Memberships to The Wire Crew start at Rs 89/month. https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChWtJey46brNr7qHQpN6KLQ/join

The Vision and Mission of Upilink News - Empowering Informed Citizens

Welcome to Upilink News, your gateway to unbiased news, investigative journalism, and a platform free from government censorship. At Upilink, we believe in the power of information to empower citizens, fostering a well-informed society capable of making informed decisions.

Our platform, hosted at www.news.upilink.in, is meticulously curated to provide users with a reliable source of news, steering clear of propaganda and ensuring the delivery of objective reporting.

The Need for Upilink News

In an era where information is abundant but often tainted with bias and misinformation, the need for a trustworthy news source has never been more critical. Upilink News recognizes this necessity and strives to fill the gap by offering a carefully curated selection of news from diverse, reputable sources.

Our commitment to unbiased reporting and investigative journalism distinguishes us as a beacon of truth in the digital news landscape.

Our Unique Approach

What sets Upilink News apart is our meticulous selection process for news sources.

We prioritize transparency, accountability, and reliability in our curation, ensuring that only the most credible and unbiased reports make it to our platform.

Our team of experienced journalists and fact-checkers work tirelessly to sift through the noise and present users with news that stands up to scrutiny.

The Role of Investigative Journalism

Investigative journalism is at the heart of Upilink News. We understand that a well-functioning democracy relies on an informed citizenry, and investigative reporting plays a pivotal role in uncovering the truth. By supporting and promoting investigative journalism, we aim to contribute to a more transparent and accountable society.

Sustaining Upilink News - Your Support Matters

Free Access for All

At Upilink News, we firmly believe that access to information should be a fundamental right for everyone. Therefore, our platform is entirely free to use, allowing users from all walks of life to stay informed without any financial barrier.

Donations - Fueling Independent Journalism

To sustain our commitment to unbiased reporting and investigative journalism, we rely on the generosity of our users. Your donations go directly towards supporting our team, maintaining our infrastructure, and enabling us to continually improve and expand our coverage.

By contributing, you become a vital part of the Upilink community, driving the mission to keep information free and accessible.

Advertisement - Balancing Sustainability

In addition to donations, we embrace advertisements as a means of generating revenue to support Upilink News.

In conclusion, Upilink News is more than just a news aggregator; it's a commitment to empowering citizens through unbiased information.

Join us in our mission, explore the diverse and credible news on our platform, and consider supporting us through donations. Together, let's build a community that values truth, transparency, and the power of an informed citizenry.