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#399 – Jared Kushner: Israel, Palestine, Hamas, Gaza, Iran, and the Middle East

Lex Fridman Podcast

Wed Oct 11 2023



Israeli-Palestinian Conflict:

  • Hamas launches attacks on Israel.
  • Tragedy resulting in loss of innocent lives.
  • International community should support Israel and condemn Hamas.
  • Iran supports Hamas and destabilizes the region.

Jared Kushner's Perspective:

  • Believes Hamas is responsible for Palestinian suffering.
  • Emphasizes need to eliminate or degrade Hamas' military capabilities.
  • Highlights progress made during Trump administration, including strengthening relationships with allies and achieving peace through Abraham Accords.
  • Criticizes Biden administration for reversing policies and providing funding to Iran without conditions.

Current Situation and Trajectories:

  • Escalating violence between Israel and Gaza, potential ground invasion by Israeli forces.
  • End state: security for Israel, improved lives for Palestinians through economic development.
  • Trusting relationships among leaders crucial for progress towards peace.
  • Avoid divisions that hinder progress, work towards unity among regional allies.

Leadership and Benjamin Netanyahu:

  • Netanyahu seen as historic figure understanding security issues and global relations.
  • Leadership crucial in ensuring Israel's security objectives met while avoiding unnecessary risks.

Support for Palestine Online:

  • Widespread online support but many may not fully understand complexities of conflict.
  • Important to recognize Hamas poses threat to both Israel's security and well-being of Palestinians themselves.

Hope for Future Peace Efforts:

  • Focus on restoring security in Israel before further normalization efforts with countries like Saudi Arabia.

Russian Collusion Accusations:

  • Accused of colluding with Russia after President Trump won the election in 2016.
  • Media and opposition took accusations seriously, leading to special counsel investigations and testimonies before committees.
  • Faced intense criticism and attacks from various media outlets and politicians.
  • Psychological strength maintained by having confidence in innocence and focusing on what could be controlled.
  • Support from family, friends, and spouse played a significant role in staying strong during challenging times.

Efficiency of Government Regulation:

  • Neil Ferguson's book "The Great Degeneration" highlighted inefficiencies in government regulation.
  • Regulations often put in place to address past crises rather than future problems.
  • Trump administration focused on deregulation, eliminating regulations for every new one implemented.
  • Private sector project management skills brought into government to improve efficiency.

Psychological Resilience:

  • Maintaining a calm mind despite intense attacks requires discipline and focus on what can be controlled.
  • Recognizing that personal actions are more important than external circumstances helps maintain optimism.
  • Having support from loved ones plays a crucial role in psychological resilience.
  • Learning from low points provides opportunities for growth and becoming better equipped to handle challenges.

Importance of Love:

  • Love and support from spouse Ivanka helped navigate through difficult times.
  • Witnessing her elegance under pressure served as an inspiration to stay positive and focused on goals.

Jersey Diners:

  • Jersey diners hold a unique charm with their late-night atmosphere, friendly staff, and comforting food options.
  • Symbolize both melancholy feelings and moments of joy, capturing the essence of life's struggles and joys.

Jared Kushner: Israel, Palestine, Hamas, Gaza, Iran, and the Middle East:

  • Jared Kushner is a former Senior Advisor to President Donald Trump.
  • He played a role in negotiating peace agreements between Israel and Arab countries.
  • Vision 2030: A plan developed by Mohammed bin Salman (MBS), the Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia, to modernize the economy and society of Saudi Arabia.
  • MBS is described as high energy, smart, well-read, and a nationalist with a deep understanding of the tribal nature of the region.
  • Kushner's approach to problem-solving involves setting big audacious goals and taking on new ideas that seem obvious in retrospect.
  • The difficulty of achieving peace in the Middle East is attributed to structural issues and an incorrect incentive structure for negotiations.
  • The lack of rule of law, judicial system, property rights, and opportunities for Palestinians contribute to ongoing conflicts in the region.
  • Trust and betrayal are discussed in the context of personal experiences and lessons learned from difficult times.
  • Bad things happen in the world, but leaders should focus on creating safety and security for their people while giving them opportunities for a better life.

Abraham Accords:

  • The Abraham Accords are mentioned as important agreements between Israel and Arab countries negotiated during Kushner's time in office.
  • The normalization of relations between Israel and Arab nations is seen as a positive step towards stability and cooperation in the region.
  • Kushner emphasizes the importance of economic integration and security cooperation in creating a more peaceful Middle East.
  • He highlights the potential for innovation, progress, and positive influence that can come from an economically strong and technologically advanced Middle East.
  • The ongoing conflict between Israel and Palestine is mentioned as a significant hurdle to achieving lasting peace in the region.
  • The need for structural changes, such as rule of law, property rights, and opportunities for the Palestinian people, is emphasized as essential for long-term peace.
  • Kushner acknowledges the challenges and tensions surrounding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict but remains optimistic about the potential for progress and resolution.

China's Rise and US-China Relations:

  • China has been working towards reclaiming its position as the global leader from 1949 to 2049.
  • The book "The Hundred Year Marathon" by Michael Pillsbury explores this perspective and highlights China's strategic efforts.
  • Trump administration recognized the need for rebalancing global economic parity with China through tariffs and addressing unfair trade practices.

US-Russia Relations:

  • Trump administration sought collaboration with Russia on areas of mutual interest while addressing concerns about Ukraine.
  • Unpredictability played a role in negotiations, keeping both parties on their toes and preventing provocations.

US-North Korea Relations:

  • Trump administration prioritized direct engagement with North Korea to address the issue of denuclearization.
  • Unpredictability and willingness to take risks played a role in negotiations with Kim Jong-un.

Middle East Peace Process:

  • Jared Kushner focused on finding pragmatic solutions rather than dwelling on historical grievances during peace negotiations.
  • Key components included territorial contiguity, security arrangements, and access to religious sites.
  • The Abraham Accords highlighted the potential for economic ties and religious respect in the region.

Leadership Styles:

  • Trump's unpredictability allowed him to consume information directly, make pragmatic decisions, and deliver results.
  • He had a willingness to listen to different perspectives, engage in conversations even with adversaries, and take calculated risks.

China-US Trade Relations:

  • Trump administration aimed to address China's unfair trade practices through tariffs and negotiation tactics.
  • The objective was to create a more balanced economic relationship that protected American industries and intellectual property rights.

Behind the Scenes Approach:

  • Kushner chose a low-key approach and operated behind the scenes during his time in government.
  • This approach allowed him to have more maneuverability and build trust with people who shared information with him.
  • He believed that being behind the scenes gave him more ability to operate effectively.

Communication Style:

  • Kushner acknowledged that communicating is an important skill but felt that there were many better communicators in Washington.
  • He focused on getting things done rather than being a public speaker.
  • Despite not having much experience or considering himself a good communicator, he appreciated others who were willing to communicate on his behalf.

Advice for Success:

  • Work hard at everything you do and never stop learning.
  • Say yes more often and go out of your comfort zone.
  • Always strive to do your best and work hard at every task you take on.

Learning Process:

  • Kushner learned by talking to people who had been involved in different areas and asking them questions about their experiences and insights.
  • He also read extensively on various topics, using books as a guide for his learning process.
  • Ivanka Trump, Kushner's wife, played a role in providing book recommendations and advice.

Approach to Problem Solving:

  • Kushner took a first principles approach when tackling new problems.
  • Instead of relying solely on assumptions from prior experts, he asked questions and sought input from various sources.
  • He was pragmatic in his perspective and constantly iterated his plans based on new learnings.

Human Connection and Listening:

  • Kushner emphasized the importance of listening to people with differing opinions without calling them names or dismissing their views.
  • He believed that having conversations with those who disagree can lead to progress and understanding.

Hope for Human Civilization:

  • Kushner expressed hope in the potential for significant advancements in human civilization due to factors such as artificial intelligence, cheaper energy, medical breakthroughs, exploration, etc.
  • He believed that anything is possible if the right people focus on the right ideas and work towards making a positive impact.
  • Based on his own experiences, Kushner believed that people coming together to make a difference can succeed.