I don't believe in human constructed truths, just as I am weary of absolute relativism. The video is interesting for it allows two educated individuals to provide their opposite viewpoints without interruption. After hearing both arguments, I side with David Brog over Norman Finkelstein for the following reasons : 1. Finkelstein minimizes Jewish roots and existence in what centuries later became Palestine. 2. He becomes a Palestinian apologist during Israel's wars of existence against its multiple Arab neighbors. He glosses over the fact that the Arabs started all these wars but focuses on the refuge crisis brought about by these wars, blaming Israel for it and then shows more concern with returning lands seized by Israel, as per UN Resolution 242. On a side note, the UN was established in 1945 in part to end wars of expansion, using arbitrary colonial agreements to draw de facto national boundaries. The process was messy and triggered many bloody wars over the next 2 decades of decolonization, in lands that had only been defined by colonial powers. Clearly, nations of pre Europe considered their history of neighborhood conquests and the cost of waring in foreign colonial lands as the impetus to "freeze" the map of the world circa 1945. UN Resolution 242 of 1967 was a reflection of the tumultuous period of decolonization, testing the UN's credibility to successfully enforce recognized boundaries. Gaza and the West Bank, seized from Egypt and Jordan by Israel after the 1967 war was, upon common accord, transferred to the recently created PLO. Side note, the Palestinian identity did not become formally recognized by the Arab world until 1964 with the creation of the PLO. It followed many other decolonization liberation movements across the globe. More later (I do have a life)...
I gave you an upvote... Not because I fully agree with your analysis. I gave you a HUGE upvote for honoring your word to watch the video... the rarity of that is shocking... and also for taking the time to layout a very articulate well constructed counter argument. That took some effort and time to do that. Thank You... I will wait on your ""more later"" writing before commenting or asking questions. I agree with you... this does take time from ""life"" (lower case) to watch, think and reply about any consideration of truth... But searching for the Truth, living the Truth and sharing the Truth is the main purpose of ""LIFE"" (upper case) and the ONLY spiritual wealth we can take with us when we pass on. Now, I have to go outside and pet my High Horse!
To sum up my previous post, Israel was recognized in 1948 by the United Nations. Neighboring Arab clans and religious sects had also been recognized as independent nations only 3 years prior, in 1945. Palestine and Palestinians did not become an entity until 1964. Despite being members of the UN and thus parties to its Charter, the Arab states refused to recognize Israel, triggered multiple wars, lost all of them, then demanded Israel gives back the land they lost in war. In the meantime, Arab leaders decided to frame the conflict in period intellectualism, defining Arabs in the region before the State of Israel to be Palestinians and the land as Palestine. They could thus create a liberation movement (PLO) and demand recognition of their country which comprised Israel. Another issue I have with Finkelstein is not addressing the discussions Israel had with all regional Arabs about land rights and recognition that the PLO absolutely refused to partake in. Israel is the villain and villains don't compromise. One point I strongly agree with him is Israel's land encroachment over the past decades. Likud is allowing far right religious and nationalist parties to set up camps, turn them into kibbutz, then towns and soon enough are parts of a city's greater suburbs. As far as they're concerned, Palestine is Israel and it's a matter of time until Israel is recognized, from the river to the sea. They cite over half a century or wars against Israel as proof that Muslims only understand power. The discussions in the video are relating history to explain the Israeli Palestinian conflict. They fail to address the modern period, since the return of the Ayatollah to Iran and his determination to make Shia Islam the dominant religion of the Middle East. To win the hearts and minds of young Sunni Muslims accustomed to their parents and grand parents loosing wars against Israel, Khomeini promised death to the Jewish state and began funding the paramilitaries we all know today. The Palestinian Israeli conflict is no longer about land rights and a Palestinian state, it's about the historical power conflict between Shia and Sunni Islam, framing Sunni as weak and of commiting the absolute sin fir their willingness to recognize Israel on Muslim land.
Here is the Vid Link... YouTube - Click Here Yeah Norman might be a renowned Author etc etc ... but he misses a key point... which is from my pov... === Having no skin in this game since I am neither Jewish or Muslim .... I know of 1 rule on this earth ... "If you cannot protect it, it is NOT yours and soon someone will take it from you" Peace out
During my younger days, I was brainwashed by the Church. It said Jews were the chosen people. And when the Israelis won the 7 day battle, I was told God was with Israel. And I didn't understand why so many people hated the Jews. After looking at the broader history and getting to know Nakba and those things, I fully understand why many people hated the Jews.
I actually have no problems with the people, of any religions or believe. I live in a Jewish area surrounded by Muslims. I work with both. I was educated as a catholic by the vatican church so I believe in nothing. I have issues with violent criminals, rapist, pedos, child abusers and war lords. So the Israel state fits the bill perfectly.
I didn't read of any other nation killing 18 today because they bombed a market. Or putting bombs in pagers and blowing them up whilst around in public. Or stealing people houses because a god they are still waiting for told them it's their land. Nothing compares to Israel... Unless we want to talk about the Nazi, or Leopold II.