The David Hunter Perspective - 2023-11-08

Read on for today's agenda below prepared by David (thank you very much). - Retired US Diplomat to 5 different nations  David Hunter shares his knowledge, passion, interest, and experience.

1)Secretary of State Blinken Travels to the Middle East: For almost five days this last week, Secretary of State Blinken traveled again to Middle East countries, including Israel, Palestine, Jordan, Iraq and Turkey. At each of these stops, his focus was the Israel-Gaza War. What did he accomplish in his trip?

2)Does the US Have Any Obligation to Defend Israel? We all assume Israel has the right to 'self defense' when attacked. And that might include from threats from Hezbulah in Lebanon. But if this 'second front' opens in Israel's current war, should the US join in this fight with jets flying off its aircraft carriers? After all, Hamas and Hezbulah haven't attacked US troops or ships. We don't have a collective security agreement with Israel. So what would be the basis for direct US involvement?

3Chinese Premier Li Keqiang Dies of Heart Attack?: Li Keqiang who ruled as Chinese Premier (the #2 position in China) from 2013-2023, stepped down in March 2023. Li Keqiang was seen as progressive, supporting Chinese market expansion. But he quietly opposed Pres. Xi's consolidation of state power and focus on empowering the state run industry sector. Some Chinese say he was assassinated by President Xi? What do you think?