Ep 14. Charlie Rose - Zbigniew Brzezinski / Reaction to President Obama's Mideast Speech (May 19, 2011)

In season 5, episode 14 of the talk show "Charlie Rose," host Charlie Rose interviews Zbigniew Brzezinski, former National Security Adviser to President Jimmy Carter, as well as a panel of experts to discuss and analyze President Obama's recent speech on the Middle East.

The episode begins with Rose introducing the topic of President Obama's speech and outlining the issues it addressed, such as the ongoing conflict between Israel and Palestine, the popular uprisings in the Arab world, and the United States' role in promoting democracy and stability in the region. He then welcomes Brzezinski, who offers his perspective on the speech and the broader geopolitical context in the Middle East.

Brzezinski praises President Obama's speech as a "landmark address" that sets a new course for U.S. policy in the region. He argues that Obama's emphasis on the importance of democracy, human rights, and social justice is a welcome departure from the traditional U.S. focus on stability and security. Brzezinski also expresses hope that the speech will inspire positive changes in the Middle East and reduce the appeal of extremist ideologies.

The panel of experts includes Robin Wright, a journalist and political analyst specializing in the Middle East, and Vali Nasr, a professor of international relations and Middle Eastern studies at Tufts University. They offer their own insights into the speech and the challenges facing the region, including the complex dynamics between Israel and its neighbors, the rise of political Islam, and the ongoing violence in Syria.

Throughout the episode, Rose poses thoughtful and probing questions, pushing his guests to explain their viewpoints and defend their arguments. He also highlights the nuances and complexities of the issues at hand, rather than oversimplifying them or endorsing a particular viewpoint.

Overall, the episode provides a thoughtful and informative analysis of President Obama's speech and the broader issues in the Middle East. It offers a range of perspectives and insights, while avoiding simplistic or sensationalistic coverage. As such, it serves as a valuable resource for anyone seeking to understand the complexities of this important and volatile region.