Democracy Now! 2026-03-13 Friday - democracy-now Recap

Podcast: democracy-now

Published: 2026-03-13

Duration: 59 min

Guests: Gidon Levy, Leila Yunes, Jeffrey Sachs

Summary

The episode addresses the escalating U.S.-Israeli conflict with Iran, its regional and global implications, and the humanitarian crises it has caused.

What Happened

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared a new Middle East amid the ongoing U.S.-Israeli war on Iran, which has destabilized the region and resulted in significant humanitarian fallout. Israeli forces have expanded their assault on Lebanon, striking central Beirut and doubling the size of evacuation zones in southern Lebanon. Haaretz journalist Gidon Levy criticized the lack of anti-war voices in Israel and highlighted the overwhelming public and media support for the war.

The United Nations warns that 3.2 million people have been displaced in Iran, with many fleeing to rural areas in the north. Massive explosions in Tehran have caused further destruction, with airstrikes targeting areas near demonstrations. Iranian Supreme Leader Mashtabah Khameni has called for Middle Eastern nations to block U.S. military bases, following the assassination of his father, Ali Khamenei.

In the Gulf region, 14 civilians have been killed by Iranian drone strikes, and Saudi Arabia has intercepted multiple Iranian drones. The conflict has driven oil prices to nearly $100 a barrel, prompting the International Energy Agency to release oil from reserves. Former President Trump commented on the situation, noting that higher oil prices could benefit the U.S. as a major oil producer.

Leila Yunes reported from Beirut on the dire conditions faced by displaced people in Lebanon, where Israel's bombings have killed nearly 700 people in two weeks. She described the challenging circumstances in evacuation shelters and the lack of safe places for people to flee.

Gidon Levy discussed the Israeli media's lack of critical coverage of the war, highlighting the overwhelming public support for the conflict and the media's pro-government stance. He also noted the displacement of millions as a result of Israeli military actions.

Economist Jeffrey Sachs criticized the U.S.-Israeli actions as an assault on the UN Charter, arguing that the war has no legal justification and risks global economic and political stability. He emphasized the aggressive nature of U.S. and Israeli policies in the region.

The episode concludes with a focus on the broader impact of the conflict, including the potential for World War III and the economic repercussions of rising oil prices. The discussion highlights the urgent need for international intervention and a reevaluation of current strategies.

Key Insights

• Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's declaration of a 'new Middle East' amid the U.S.-Israeli war on Iran has destabilized the region, leading to significant humanitarian fallout and nearly 700 deaths in Lebanon from Israeli bombings in just two weeks.
• The United Nations reports that 3.2 million people have been displaced in Iran due to the conflict, with rural areas in the north becoming temporary refuges, while massive explosions in Tehran exacerbate the crisis.
• Economist Jeffrey Sachs argues that the U.S.-Israeli military actions in the Middle East violate the UN Charter, lacking legal justification and posing threats to global economic and political stability, a perspective often overshadowed by media support for the war.
• Oil prices nearing $100 a barrel due to the conflict in the Gulf region have prompted the International Energy Agency to release reserves, highlighting the global economic ripple effects and contrasting former President Trump's view that high oil prices might benefit the U.S. as a major producer.

Key Questions Answered

What did Gidon Levy say about the Israeli media on Democracy Now?

Gidon Levy criticized the Israeli media for acting as an extension of the military establishment, with 93% public support for the war and no critical coverage of its implications.

How has the U.S.-Israeli war on Iran affected global oil prices according to Democracy Now?

The conflict has pushed oil prices to nearly $100 a barrel, with the International Energy Agency releasing reserves to stabilize the market amid rising tensions.

What does Jeffrey Sachs say about the U.S.-Israeli actions in Iran?

Jeffrey Sachs argues that the U.S.-Israeli military actions are a blatant violation of the UN Charter, risking global war and economic instability without legal justification.