Staff Reports
In a recent interview at Rice University’s Baker Institute for Public Policy’s 30th-anniversary gala, Hillary Clinton expressed her belief that a cease-fire between Israel and Hamas is “not possible.” Clinton argued that calling for a cease-fire would only strengthen Hamas as they would use the time to rebuild their armaments and prepare for a future assault by Israel. While Clinton’s remarks were made in the context of the escalating conflict in the Middle East, her statement also reflects a broader concern about the challenges facing the United States on multiple fronts.
Clinton highlighted the numerous urgent crises that the United States currently faces, stating that the country must be prepared to deal with both internal and external threats simultaneously. She emphasized the need for unity within the country, suggesting that the divisiveness among Americans is undermining their ability to effectively address external challenges. This not-so-subtle dig at Trump supporters is characteristic of Clinton’s ongoing efforts to portray them as a major problem within the United States.
In a conversation with @NorahODonnell, Secretary Hillary Clinton on those calling for a ceasefire:
“People who are calling for a ceasefire now do not understand Hamas, that is not possible. It would be such a gift to Hamas because they would spend whatever time there was a… pic.twitter.com/cCcL1JusCU
— Yashar Ali 🐘 (@yashar) October 30, 2023
Meanwhile, former Secretary of State James Baker III expressed his concerns about the dangerous times the world is currently going through. He pointed out the challenge of having to deal with conflicts in both Europe and the Middle East, while also facing the adversarial stance of China. Baker’s comments highlighted the complex global landscape and the need for strategic thinking and action.
In addition to these remarks, Baker criticized House Republicans who are calling to end funding for Ukraine. He called this stance “absolutely crazy” and joked that those who support it are likely on a first-name basis with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Clinton found this comment amusing, which seems to suggest her agreement with Baker’s sentiment.
On a separate note, Joe Biden’s call to bundle Israel and Ukraine aid together has faced opposition. The House is set to vote on a stand-alone Israel aid bill, which breaks Biden’s proposal. This vote is seen as a disagreement within the Democratic Party, with Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell backing the bundled approach. Biden’s comparison of Hamas to Putin drew criticism from the Kremlin, which deemed his remarks “unacceptable” and called for responsible rhetoric from world leaders.
Overall, Clinton’s assertion that a cease-fire between Israel and Hamas is “not possible” reflects her understanding of the situation in the Middle East and her concern for the broader challenges facing the United States. Her comments carry weight due to her experience as Secretary of State, although her dig at Trump supporters suggests her partisan biases. Meanwhile, Baker’s concerns about the current global landscape and his criticism of House Republicans add depth to the conversation about international relations and political divisions within the United States.
