399 Jared Kushner

Jared Kushner

Former Senior Advisor to the President of the United States

Jared Corey Kushner is an American businessman, investor, and former government official. He is the son-in-law of former president Donald Trump through his marriage to Ivanka Trump, and served as a senior advisor to Trump from 2017 to 2021. He was...

Source: Wikipedia

  • Born: 1981 , Livingston, NJ
  • Spouse: Ivanka Trump (m. 2009)
  • Education: NYU School of Law (2007), NYU Stern School of Business (2007), Harvard University (1999–2003), and more
  • Height: 6′ 3″
  • Siblings: Joshua Kushner, Dara Kushner, and Nicole Kushner
  • Parents: Charles Kushner and Seryl Kushner
  • Organizations founded: Affinity Partners and Observer Media

The Main Arguments

  • Hamas as a Terrorist Organization: Kushner emphasizes that Hamas is a terrorist group that poses a threat to both Israeli and Palestinian lives. This framing is crucial as it justifies Israel's military actions and shapes public perception of the conflict.

  • Iran's Role in the Conflict: He discusses Iran's support for Hamas and other militant groups, portraying it as a destabilizing force in the Middle East. Kushner calls for a unified international response to counter Iran's influence, highlighting the geopolitical complexities of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

  • Historical Context of Hamas: Kushner provides a brief history of Hamas, linking its origins to the Muslim Brotherhood and critiquing its governance in Gaza since 2006. He argues that Hamas prioritizes military objectives over the welfare of Palestinians, exacerbating their suffering.

  • The Abraham Accords: He reflects on the Abraham Accords as a transformative diplomatic achievement that could foster peace in the region. Kushner expresses concern that ongoing violence could undermine these efforts, emphasizing the need for sustained diplomatic relations.

  • Critique of the Biden Administration: Kushner critiques the current U.S. administration's approach to the Middle East, suggesting it has weakened U.S. influence and emboldened adversaries like Iran. He argues that a return to Trump's policies would have been more effective in preventing the current crisis.

  • Need for Security and Governance in Gaza: He argues that achieving peace requires the demilitarization of Hamas and improved governance in Gaza, suggesting that international support should be contingent on reforms that prioritize Palestinian welfare.

  • Future of Israeli-Saudi Relations: Kushner discusses the potential for normalization between Israel and Saudi Arabia, indicating that while current violence complicates these efforts, the underlying interests of both nations remain aligned.

Notable Quotes

  • On the Nature of the Attack: "This is a terror attack on the scale of which we have not seen, and it's been incredibly hard for a lot of people to comprehend." This quote underscores the unprecedented nature of the violence and its impact on public perception.

  • On Hamas's Governance: "Under Hamas' leadership in Gaza, the people who have suffered the most are the Palestinian people." This statement highlights the detrimental effects of Hamas's actions on the population it claims to represent.

  • On Iran's Influence: "Iran is funding Hezbollah, Hamas... they were funding the Houthis." This quote illustrates the broader geopolitical implications of the conflict, emphasizing Iran's role as a destabilizing force.

  • On the Abraham Accords: "What President Trump did was he slaughtered a lot of the sacred cows of these false barriers that people had erected." This reflects Kushner's belief in the transformative potential of the Accords for Middle Eastern relations.

  • On the Biden Administration's Policies: "They stopped enforcing the sanctions against Iran probably to get the oil prices lower." This critique suggests that Kushner believes the current administration's approach has led to negative consequences for U.S. interests.

  • On the Future of Gaza: "If you do want to have peace there, Hamas has to be either eliminated or severely degraded in terms of their military capabilities." This encapsulates Kushner's stance on the necessary conditions for peace.

  • On Trust in Negotiation: "It's really trust between people in power... that's what I believe makes progress and keeps people safe." This highlights the importance of personal relationships in international diplomacy.

Relevant Topics or Themes

  • Terrorism and Security: The episode delves into the nature of terrorism, particularly focusing on Hamas and its impact on Israeli security. Kushner's arguments frame the conflict as one of existential threat, necessitating a strong military response.

  • Geopolitical Dynamics: The discussion touches on the broader geopolitical landscape, particularly the role of Iran and its proxies in the region. Kushner's insights suggest that understanding these dynamics is crucial for any peace process.

  • Historical Narratives: Kushner emphasizes the importance of historical context in understanding the current conflict, particularly the evolution of Hamas and its governance in Gaza. This theme highlights how historical grievances can shape contemporary politics.

  • International Relations and Diplomacy: The episode explores the intricacies of international diplomacy, particularly through the lens of the Abraham Accords. Kushner's experiences illustrate the challenges and opportunities in negotiating peace in a complex region.

  • U.S. Foreign Policy: Kushner critiques the Biden administration's approach to the Middle East, contrasting it with Trump's policies. This theme raises questions about the effectiveness of U.S. foreign policy and its implications for regional stability.

  • Humanitarian Concerns: While Kushner focuses on security, he also acknowledges the humanitarian plight of Palestinians under Hamas rule. This dual focus on security and humanitarian issues reflects the complexity of the conflict.

  • Future Prospects for Peace: The conversation speculates on the future of Israeli-Palestinian relations, particularly in light of the recent violence. Kushner's insights suggest that achieving peace will require significant changes in governance and security dynamics.

  • Personal Relationships in Diplomacy: Kushner discusses the importance of trust and personal relationships in negotiations, emphasizing that understanding the motivations of leaders is key to successful diplomacy.

  • Learning Process and Adaptability: Kushner shares his approach to learning and problem-solving, emphasizing the importance of asking questions, seeking advice, and being open to new ideas. This theme highlights the value of adaptability in addressing complex issues.

  • Hope for the Future: Kushner expresses optimism about the potential for human advancement and cooperation, suggesting that focusing on shared goals can lead to significant progress. This theme connects to broader societal issues of collaboration and understanding across divides.