HEATED Israel vs Palestine Debate with Bassem Youssef | PBD Podcast

Added: Jan 13, 2024

Transition to Comedy and Inspiration from Jon Stewart

Youssef's transition to comedy was inspired by watching Jon Stewart's show, which he found to be a source of political insight and humor. He admired Stewart's ability to use comedy to discuss serious political issues and wanted to create a similar show in Egypt. His dream became a reality in 2011 when he started making political satire videos that quickly went viral. This led to television offers and eventually his own show, which became a massive success in the Middle East.

Moving to the United States

Youssef faced numerous challenges in the Middle East, including censorship, arrests, and threats due to his political satire. In 2014, he was forced to leave Egypt after facing legal issues and threats from the government. He moved to the United States, where he initially struggled to establish himself as a comedian. He describes a period of "darkness" where he had to learn English stand-up comedy and refine his performance style.

Challenges in English Stand-Up Comedy

Youssef's transition to English stand-up comedy was met with initial difficulties, as he had to adapt to a new language and audience. He hired comedians to help him improve his delivery and performance, and it took him several years to feel confident in his English stand-up act. Despite the challenges, his perseverance paid off, and he began to gain traction in the English stand-up comedy scene.

Political Views and Controversy

Youssef discusses his political views and the controversy surrounding his stance on certain issues. He expresses his reluctance to perform in certain Middle Eastern countries, citing concerns about safety and political tensions. He also shares his perspective on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, stating that he would not perform in Israel due to his opposition to the state's policies.

Historical Context of the Conflict

Youssef discusses his personal experience of living in Iran and Germany before finally arriving in America. He emphasizes the deep connection people have to their land, explaining that many Palestinians choose to stay in Gaza despite the difficult living conditions because it is their homeland. He also highlights the disproportionate attention given to the Palestinian-Israeli conflict in the media compared to other conflicts in the Middle East, such as the civil wars in Yemen, Syria, and Iraq.

Role of Religion and Socioeconomics

The conversation delves into the role of religion in the conflict, with Youssef expressing concern about the impact of religious fundamentalism on the situation. He argues that the conflict is not just an Islamic issue but also an economic problem, pointing out the high unemployment rates and low GDP per capita in many Middle Eastern countries. He suggests that economic instability and lack of opportunity contribute to political upheaval and violence in the region.

Potential Solutions

Youssef discusses potential solutions to the conflict, including the idea of a two-state solution with modified borders and land swaps. He emphasizes the need for justice and economic prosperity for the Palestinian people, as well as the importance of addressing the root causes of the conflict. The conversation also touches on the need for fair elections and political stability in the region.

Debate and Disagreement

Throughout the podcast, Youssef and the host engage in a passionate and at times confrontational debate. They disagree on various points, including the pre-knowledge of the October 7th incident, the actions of Hamas, and the role of Israel in the conflict. The conversation becomes heated as they discuss the impact of the blockade on Gaza and the responsibility of Israel in the ongoing conflict.

The Root Cause of Conflict in the Middle East

Youssef emphasizes that the root cause of conflict in the Middle East is not simply due to bad people or economic issues, but rather the involvement of international powers such as the United States and Russia. He points out that the interference of these superpowers has contributed to the rise of various militant groups and warlords, leading to ongoing violence and instability in the region.

Impact of American Intervention

The guest discusses the impact of American intervention in the Middle East, particularly in countries like Afghanistan, Iraq, and Syria. He criticizes the support provided by the United States to groups such as the Taliban, which has led to further destabilization and conflict in the region. He also highlights the role of military contractors and the influence of the military-industrial complex in shaping American foreign policy.

Israel-Palestine Conflict

Youssef expresses concern about the ongoing violence and human rights abuses in the Israel-Palestine conflict. He emphasizes the need for justice and calls for an end to the killing and suffering of innocent civilians. He also addresses the conflation of Israel with Judaism, highlighting the voices of Jewish individuals who oppose the actions of the Israeli government and advocate for peace and justice in the region.

The Role of Fear and Security

The host and Youssef discuss the importance of security and safety, particularly in the context of American politics. They explore the idea that fear and security are top priorities for many individuals, especially in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic and the divisive political climate in the United States. Youssef emphasizes the need for a leader who can lower the temperature and prevent further conflict and division.

The Impact of Leadership

He also reflects on the leadership of former President Donald Trump, noting that despite his controversial policies, his administration did not lead to major conflicts or wars. Youssef suggests that Trump's business-oriented approach and willingness to challenge traditional foreign policy norms may have contributed to a lower level of international conflict during his presidency.

The Establishment of Israel

The conversation continues with a focus on the history of the Zionist movement and the establishment of Israel. Youssef provides a detailed account of the movement's origins in 1882 and the debates within the Jewish community about where to establish a homeland. He highlights the conflict between the rabbis and the secular Jewish movement, as well as the British government's offer of land in Uganda to the Jewish people. He also discusses the impact of the Balfour Declaration and the gradual increase in the Jewish population in Palestine.

The conversation then shifts to the present-day situation in Gaza, with the host and guest discussing the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas. Youssef criticizes the Israeli government for its treatment of the Palestinian people, describing Gaza as an "open-air prison" and highlighting the impact of the blockade on the population. He also raises concerns about the use of force by the Israeli military and the impact of the conflict on civilians.

The Role of Hamas and the Israeli Government

The conversation delves into the actions of Hamas and the Israeli government, with both the host and guest expressing their views on the role of these entities in the conflict. Youssef acknowledges that Hamas has engaged in acts of violence and terrorism, but also emphasizes the impact of the Israeli blockade on the people of Gaza. He criticizes the Israeli government for its treatment of the Palestinian population and its use of force in the conflict.

The host challenges Youssef's views, pointing out the role of Hamas in perpetuating the conflict and the need for demilitarization and deradicalization in Gaza. He also highlights the impact of Hamas's actions on the Israeli population, including the use of missiles and the need for the Iron Dome defense system. The conversation becomes heated as the host and guest debate the actions of both Hamas and the Israeli government, with Youssef emphasizing the need for justice and an end to the killing.

Islamophobia and Dialogue

The conversation touches on broader issues such as Islamophobia and the need for open dialogue and understanding. Youssef expresses concerns about the portrayal of Muslims as terrorists and the impact of negative stereotypes on the Muslim community. He emphasizes the importance of addressing these issues and promoting understanding and empathy.

The host acknowledges the need for open dialogue and understanding, but also challenges Youssef's views on the conflict and the actions of Hamas. He emphasizes the need for demilitarization and deradicalization in Gaza, as well as the impact of Hamas's actions on the Israeli population.

Conclusion

The conversation concludes with a call for open dialogue and understanding, with both the host and guest emphasizing the importance of addressing the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and promoting empathy and understanding. Youssef highlights the need for justice and an end to the killing, while the host emphasizes the need for demilitarization and deradicalization in Gaza. The conversation ends on a note of mutual respect, with both the host and guest expressing their willingness to engage in open dialogue and understanding.