Thanks to all of you who joined Tim Whitaker and me for an important conversation about white Christian nationalism, Christian Zionism, and how they are impacting Donald Trump’s foreign policy in his second term. This topic has gained greater salience since Trump, together with Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu, launched an illegal, dangerous, and costly war of choice against Iran two weeks ago.
The topics Tim and I discussed included:
Christian Zionism, and why evangelical Christians are obsessed with Israel and the Middle East (for more on this and the topic above, see Tim’s video)
How Christian Zionists — including Pastor John Hagee of Christians United for Israel — view war against Iran
Reports that US military leaders have justified the war using apocalyptic Christian theology, prompting Members of Congress to seek an investigation
US Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee, Tucker Carlson, and antisemitism
Secretary of War Pete Hegseth, his pastor Doug Wilson, and how Christian nationalism may be impacting the US-Israeli war against Iran
US Senate candidate James Talarico (D-TX), his progressive Christian ethos, and the backlash against him from some Christian nationalists — check out one of Tim’s podcasts with Talarico here
As always, I’d love to hear your thoughts!
This is a tremendously consequential time for American democracy, Israel-Palestine, and the broader Middle East. I’m working hard at The Debrief to inform and enlighten, bringing you analysis and incisive discussions that you won’t find elsewhere. If you value this work, would you consider becoming a paid subscriber or making a one-time donation?
I’d be so grateful. Thanks!
For more of The Debrief’s content on the Iran war, check out the podcast archive.
I put out a 10-minute explainer on the day Israel and the US launched the war against Iran; had a great conversation on THE LEFT HOOK with Wajahat Ali; spoke with former Deputy Head of Israel’s National Security Council Eran Etzion about Netanyahu’s motivations for war; and and talked to former director of the Middle East Program at the Wilson Center Merissa Khurma about the war’s regional consequences.
There’s much more coming up over the next week, including a conversation with former Israeli Knesset Speaker Avrum Burg on Sunday at 11:30am Eastern.
Additional details on upcoming events coming your way shortly.
Warm regards,
Debra
