Foreign Affairs with Diplomat David Hunter and Rhett

Join us for Rhett and retired U.S. Diplomat David Hunter for another hard hitting look at politics on the world's stage. 

1)  Hamas Returning More Israeli Hostage Bodies:  This week, Hamas returned five  more Israeli  hostage bodies, and Israel allowed heavy earth moving equipment for Hamas and Red Cross to conduct further searches.  As part of the deal,  Israel returned Palestinian prisoner bodies, many showing signs of torture.  What do you make of all this? 

  

2)  Report By US Department Of State's Inspector General On Israeli Military's Human Rights Violations:  The Department of State Inspector General just  issued a confidential report --- written about Oct 8th but leaked out  Oct 30th, --- saying  Israeli forces carried out many hundreds of possible human rights violations in Gaza since 2023.  What will be the consequences? 

3) Is The Israeli Government In Crisis?:  In August 2024,  nine  IDF's prison guards (from Unit 100)  raped a Palestinian prisoner in the prison courtyard in front of other prisoners, and it was videotaped.  Now it has been revealed that Israeli Maj. General heading Military Advocate General department 'leaked to the Israeli press' that incriminating video.  Israeli far right leaders scream this act of 'leaking' was a blood libel  against the IDF reservist 'heroes'  who committed the crime.   What do you think?

4) A  New Trump "Law of War" Doctrine?:  The Trump administration is now claiming  it's attacks on alleged drug boats in the Caribbean are not really 'acts of war' since the 1973 War Powers Act notification of Congress only applies when US service members risk  coming into harms way.  If our troops using drones or missiles don't have risk of harm, there is no 'active military conflict'  so Congress doesn't need to approve such action.  Is that correct?

5)  Trump Announces Nuclear Testing?:  Last week, Trump announced the US would re-start nuclear weapons testing.  Does this mean he is planning resumption of underground nuclear explosions?  Wouldn't this violate the Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty?   Why is he doing this now?

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