Who Is Driving US Foreign Policy? Scahill and Gandikota Discuss US-Israel-Iran Dynamics

In this episode of Al Jazeera's Reframe, host Varsha Gandikota-Nellutla engages investigative journalist Jeremy Scahill in a critical analysis of current United States foreign policy decisions regarding the Middle East. The discussion centers on the escalating tensions and potential war between the US-Israel alliance and Iran. Gandikota-Nellutla questions why former President Trump abandoned his campaign pledge to end 'forever wars,' suggesting a shift in strategic priorities. Scahill explores the hypothesis that Israel is now the primary driver of US foreign policy in the region, rather than American national interests alone. Furthermore, the conversation delves into the growing privatization of modern warfare, examining how private military contractors and the arms industry profit from prolonged conflicts. They analyze who stands to gain financially from the billions of dollars spent on military operations and arms deals. Scahill, known for his works on mercenary armies like Blackwater, provides context on the intersection of corporate profit and military intervention. The episode serves as a deep dive into the geopolitical and economic motivations behind recent escalations, challenging mainstream narratives about US diplomatic and military strategies in the region.