Paul, its so obviously true that it hard to understand how anyone can even contemplate that they can bomb their way to peace. I hope we get a different Story next Oct 7.
Excellent, and I wish I shared your hope for the future.
I’m neither Jewish nor Muslim and my knowledge of the historical conflict is limited. So what follows is strictly FWIW—possibly it’s somewhat representative of someone trying to make sense of it all.
As near as I can tell, Israelis and Palestinians are locked into separate narratives that obviate peaceful resolution and render the situation there intractable. Palestinians are still fighting the 1948 war, while the Israeli right wields what it sees as divine exceptionalism like a satanic cudgel. It doesn’t help that both are in the grip of abominable leadership that is authoritarian, theocratic, corrupt, racist, and violent. Plus, neither is remotely interested in a two-state solution. I’m lost as to how anyone who calls themselves liberal or progressive can take sides.
For the United States, this conflict has become our Chinatown—anything we do is counterproductive. Perhaps matters have reached the point where we should simply walk away from the whole godawful mess* and let all of them shift for themselves. Certainly, as a nation we should rethink an alliance with any country that has turned as far to the right as Israel has. Maybe the prospect of Israel taking on Iran by itself will light a fire under a cowed and moribund Israeli left/center left. I’m not holding my breath, though.
* In my dreams, America sees its role as taking the lead in delivering humanitarian aid to Gaza. One can hope.
Absolutely the best piece I have read about Israel and Palestine. The best. Thank you. I love the metaphor of looking at right angles.
Thanks so much.
Paul, its so obviously true that it hard to understand how anyone can even contemplate that they can bomb their way to peace. I hope we get a different Story next Oct 7.
And that needs to be pushed or at least supported by the majority of people
I doubt that peace is anyone’s objective.
What’s the alternative, never ending killings?
Until both Palestinians and Israelis turn to pragmatic leadership that wants peace, the situation is intractable.
In the grimdark present of the 21st century, there is only war…
Excellent, and I wish I shared your hope for the future.
I’m neither Jewish nor Muslim and my knowledge of the historical conflict is limited. So what follows is strictly FWIW—possibly it’s somewhat representative of someone trying to make sense of it all.
As near as I can tell, Israelis and Palestinians are locked into separate narratives that obviate peaceful resolution and render the situation there intractable. Palestinians are still fighting the 1948 war, while the Israeli right wields what it sees as divine exceptionalism like a satanic cudgel. It doesn’t help that both are in the grip of abominable leadership that is authoritarian, theocratic, corrupt, racist, and violent. Plus, neither is remotely interested in a two-state solution. I’m lost as to how anyone who calls themselves liberal or progressive can take sides.
For the United States, this conflict has become our Chinatown—anything we do is counterproductive. Perhaps matters have reached the point where we should simply walk away from the whole godawful mess* and let all of them shift for themselves. Certainly, as a nation we should rethink an alliance with any country that has turned as far to the right as Israel has. Maybe the prospect of Israel taking on Iran by itself will light a fire under a cowed and moribund Israeli left/center left. I’m not holding my breath, though.
* In my dreams, America sees its role as taking the lead in delivering humanitarian aid to Gaza. One can hope.