US policy is leading to a wider war: Jeffrey Sachs on Middle East tensions | UpFront

Marc Lamont Hill discusses US policy in the Middle East and the risks of escalation with renowned scholar Jeffrey Sachs.

Six months into Israel’s war on Gaza, fears of a wider conflict in the Middle East are mounting. On April 13, Iran launched more than 300 drones and missiles towards Israel in an unprecedented attack. The strike came after Israel’s April 1 bombing of the Iranian consulate in Damascus, Syria that killed two top generals.

Israel vowed retaliation and, less than a week later, reportedly launched a drone strike on Isfahan, in central Iran. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said the United States has “not been involved in any offensive operations”. But the US government has announced new sanctions on Iran, including on its drone production, and urged de-escalation.

So what lies ahead? And is the US doing enough to avert a wider regional conflict?

On UpFront this week, Marc Lamont Hill talks to Columbia University Professor and Special Advisor to the United Nations Jeffrey Sachs about US foreign policy and rising tensions in the Middle East.

[MomoSarjoo-dqvs]

Israel has to face accountability for Gaza genocide

[RedClaw]

How and when has Israel ever been a "peace loving" nation? How is what Israel has done to the Palestinians for over 76 years NOT terrorism?

[colberthunter]

When your government is controlled by a country in the middle east you have already lost the argument.

[emmanuelk.tambwe]

US has an arrogance of another kind...

[siddiqachowdhury]

Just wondering what was Iran to do, given that Israel is killing Iranians whenever it feels like? Isreal alone is attacking other countries in the region and committing genocide in Palestine, yet no one holding Israel accountable? Jewish people who are calling for a ceasefire are also being arrested in some European countries, it is just sickening.

[mffa]

Jeffrey Sachs a truthful and a principled man.

[lbrhodes]

This was before the US vetoed the admission of Palestine to the UN.

[nimeshpatel]

Great to see Mark Lamont Hill back on television.

[julianselvaraj]

Marc Lamont and Prof. Sachs - Master Class!

[TheMplsboy]

I wish this conversation was held after the us veto at the un meeting but this was still an amazing conversation I hope J. Sachs can come back for another episode.

[oleeb]

Prof. Sachs is 100% right except for one thing. It isn’t just young people around the world that are aghast. I’m 65 and I am absolutely horrified and repelled by the murderous attack upon the civilian population of Gaza and in the West Bank.

[cyrusparsa]

U.S just blocked the UN resolution to recognize Palestinian membership!!! Nobody is talking about that!!

[ybqtdet]

The US has never wanted or agreed to a two state policy.that is why after 70years we are in this dilemma.

[garzila]

The US talks from both sides of their mouth.

[yufish]

Can we vote for this man as president of USA?

[faizthaha]

"Professor Jeffrey Sachs" We Salute you for your excellent comments ! We need remarkable people like you ! ❤

[Jehntosh]

Excellent Professor Sachs. I agree with all you said. Another great interview Mr Hill.

[hekma]

Genocide in Gaza will never be forgotten for generations to come…the worst holocaust in the human history

[lalodaniels]

I first heard of Jeffery Sachs from the PBS documentary Commanding Heights, back when I was a teenager. Learning about his career motivated me to get a degree in economics. This man is a genius, and people should listen to him.

[Wondering-oynr]

Excellent interview, Mark! Challenging questions which Prof Sachs was well equipped to handle. No animosity, just respectful, joint truth-seeking, This is how journalism should be done. Kudos!