By Natashia Hajee
As a class we have spoken numerous times on how to resolve the conflict and if there is a possibility for a two-state solution. Today we discussed non-violence and how it is possibly the only viable option when discussing this conflict. Recently, five people were killed in Itamar, an action that was reprimanded by both the Israelis and the Palestinians. There is no way in which to justify these deaths however it seems this incident has regressed peace negotiations even further.
Representatives of the Middle East Quartet met last week in Tel Aviv and Ramallah to discuss some reconciliation, however apparently the differences between the two are far too great to make any progress. What puzzles me about this statement is that I do not understand why this seems to be shocking? Has it not been there differences that have forced other negotiations to fail or reach an impasse. What is necessary in such a situation is that despite the differences, in order to prevent further incidents like Itamar, they must find some way to negotiate some peace. And for once...STICK TO IT.
During these meetings the French minister, an EU representative claimed that the Palestinian state is a definite possibility and should not be ruled out completely, it is simply not its time at present. This goes to show that there is a move to recognize Palestine, however due to all the misfortunes it would be unwise to pursue this thought further.
Since Itamar, Netanyahu has refrained from mentioning anything to do with peace talks, be it privately or publicly. All he has mentioned is the discussion of security, which will most likely be intensified.
The meeting with the Quartet had discussions that were slightly different than before due to the fact that the Israelis seemed to be more flexible in their positions. This is something to observe optimistically, the Israelis are becoming aware that there are flaws in their negotiations and are finding compromises in order to progress further.
According to haaretz.com the Palestinians took a different approach, one that was more guarded and perhaps cold. Erekat was involved in these discussions, in which he criticized the international community once more for not intervening and pressuring Israel. Erekat also demanded 1967 borders with some extra land being swapped.
In this article it seems that the Palestinians are less willing to negotiate and compromise, instead they are demanding what they have wanted for a long time. The Israelis have chosen to fight for a democratic peace because they are worried with the turmoil surrounding the Middle East. Israel does not want these revolutions to cross through its borders or Palestine's.
Although the Israelis seem progressive, there is much to be debated with the Itamar attacks and the fact that Netanyahu seems to be struggling with peace talks. The issue at hand within these negotiations seems to be that they all take the initial steps to start talking but they just go around in circles refusing to compromise what they both think is equally theirs.
The article reads that the Quartet is 'giving up hope'... I believe it is more than just the Quartet, it is Israel, it is Palestine, it is everyone who is advocating for peace in the region. What needs to happen is some sort of action which boosts the confidence of everyone in that region, perhaps creating a push for peace.
Link:
http://www.haaretz.com/print-edition/news/quartet-giving-up-hope-of-renewing-israeli-palestinian-talks-1.349672
By Natashia Hajee
Looking through articles on Haaretz led me to one that discusses how the world looks at Israel in the same light as Apartheid-era South Africa. The world has been extremely critical of Israel recently and the UN issue clearly shows that the Israel is losing its popularity. They are being looked at as the bully in the room, but nations are not as scared as they used to be.
The article at hand discusses how the bulldozing of homes does not only affect the Palestinians, it affects all that live in the region. "Stealing land and illegal construction, evacuating a few buildings and rebuilding them, the state's report to the High Court of Justice that by the end of the year it would evacuate all outposts built on private Palestinian land - all this is not new. These events repeat themselves like the periodic table." The problem within Israel is that Netanyahu is facing freezing construction in the territories, the real-estate bubble, the housing shortage and the sky-rocketing prices. All of these issues are threatening Netanyahu's power position within Israel.
The article realizes that the world does not care about Israel's internal problems, instead they are simply looking at Israel as the only democratic state in the Middle East, which is continuing to occupy land, which in turn creates more conflict within the region.
The conflict is looked at as Apartheid. Israel as the oppressor. The world is looking to events in Bil'in and the destruction within the occupied lands, the removal of Palestinians from their homes, the violence from settlers, and the death toll. All of these issues lead the world to ignore all of Israel's accomplishments and their internal conflicts which should also be important. The problem is the bad far outweighs the good.
Considering that it is Israel Apartheid Week this article is extremely relevant. The world has begun to look more critically at Israel and are voicing these opinions. It is not fair that Israel is solely looked at as the negative force and that no one is paying attention to the other issues within the state. Having said this it is unrealistic to assume that the world would be focused on anything else. The media feasts on the negative issues within the world, you rarely see accomplishments making the headlines. It is death, destruction, and injustice that will attract the attention of most media outlets, as well as the viewing audience. While Niva Lanir makes a good argument about how the world is ignoring Israel, the author is also belittling the issues at hand.
Link: http://www.haaretz.com/print-edition/opinion/world-looks-at-israel-as-it-looked-at-apartheid-era-south-africa-1.348047
Looking through articles on Haaretz led me to one that discusses how the world looks at Israel in the same light as Apartheid-era South Africa. The world has been extremely critical of Israel recently and the UN issue clearly shows that the Israel is losing its popularity. They are being looked at as the bully in the room, but nations are not as scared as they used to be.
The article at hand discusses how the bulldozing of homes does not only affect the Palestinians, it affects all that live in the region. "Stealing land and illegal construction, evacuating a few buildings and rebuilding them, the state's report to the High Court of Justice that by the end of the year it would evacuate all outposts built on private Palestinian land - all this is not new. These events repeat themselves like the periodic table." The problem within Israel is that Netanyahu is facing freezing construction in the territories, the real-estate bubble, the housing shortage and the sky-rocketing prices. All of these issues are threatening Netanyahu's power position within Israel.
The article realizes that the world does not care about Israel's internal problems, instead they are simply looking at Israel as the only democratic state in the Middle East, which is continuing to occupy land, which in turn creates more conflict within the region.
The conflict is looked at as Apartheid. Israel as the oppressor. The world is looking to events in Bil'in and the destruction within the occupied lands, the removal of Palestinians from their homes, the violence from settlers, and the death toll. All of these issues lead the world to ignore all of Israel's accomplishments and their internal conflicts which should also be important. The problem is the bad far outweighs the good.
Considering that it is Israel Apartheid Week this article is extremely relevant. The world has begun to look more critically at Israel and are voicing these opinions. It is not fair that Israel is solely looked at as the negative force and that no one is paying attention to the other issues within the state. Having said this it is unrealistic to assume that the world would be focused on anything else. The media feasts on the negative issues within the world, you rarely see accomplishments making the headlines. It is death, destruction, and injustice that will attract the attention of most media outlets, as well as the viewing audience. While Niva Lanir makes a good argument about how the world is ignoring Israel, the author is also belittling the issues at hand.
Link: http://www.haaretz.com/print-edition/opinion/world-looks-at-israel-as-it-looked-at-apartheid-era-south-africa-1.348047
By: Lisa and Natasha
We recently came across this video on the PLO that aired as a 6 part programme on Al Jazeera, both online and on their regular TV broadcast. It's quite relevant for the purposes of this class as it explains the organizational development of the PLO since the Nakba onwards.
Enjoy!
By: Lisa Fiorilli
In the past few days, some interesting op-eds have appeared in Al Jazeera that I wanted to bring out. Obviously, though the news has been dominated with the incoherent ramblings of Libyan ruler Gaddafi, some interesting pieces have appeared that contemplate some very relevant contemporary issues.
The first one is called "Is the West Bank next?", written by MJ Rosenberg, and it touches upon the likelihood that the popular uprisings going around the region will inevitably spread to the West Bank. Rosenberg draws out some interesting parallels: the 19th century Belgium (Israel) and the Congo (Palestinians), where "no consultations with the natives were even contemplated". He advocates that in order to avoid the inevitable prolonged battle that will arise if there is an uprising in the occupied territories, the Israeli government must negotiate a withdrawal right now and not wait for a disaster to occur. What's interesting about this is that he brings about the discourse of 'colonialism' and he asserts that Israeli officials are acting like they are prepared to relinquish Ariel, Hebron and other current Israeli cities to retain control over the West Bank.
Rosenberg provided a second editorial, also in Al Jazeera, that demonstrates the importance of the Israeli lobby in its most important ally, USA. He laments the unwavering political support to Israeli's tremendous aid package at the expense of more vital domestic social programs. He raises the question of how this issue has become the death knell of politicians who want to question it, and also touches upon the fact that this issue has become almost non-negotiable. This is unthinkable once one realizes the magnitude of the aid and the cuts that are often proposed to social programs. What if some of this money was divested to social security, Welfare and education programs?
A very interesting Israeli perspective on the Arab uprisings and the need for Israel to avoid suppressing it with force appeared in Haaretz recently. Menachem Klein asserts that "the writing is on the wall", now that there is a relevant example of how non-violent protests have shook the seemingly most entrenched of dictators from their post. His opinion is that Israel must avoid violence at all costs, unless it wants to be the next Gaddafi or Ahmadinejad. This was quite an interesting take as the author admits that all that is needed is a 'small spark' which is a departure from most editorials that seem to invoke fear of what will occur if Palestinians revolt. Also, he makes mention of a theme that has come across repeatedly in the discussion of the First Intifada, the demographics of Palestinian that make it similar to the demographics of Egypt.
A final article that caught our attention this week appeared in Concordia's very own The Link. The article, written by Aaron Lankoff, examines the need for academic institutions to abandon their institutional links with the Israeli regime, which he characterizes as exhibiting "apartheid" policies. Instead of appealing to the political ties to the region, he appeals on a more personal level: as students. He gives an account of the life of a Palestinian student, Ashraf, who faces checkpoints, arbitrary arrests on his way to school, and this is a stirring call to adopt non-violent opposition to Israel.
This is just a small portion of some of the more interesting editorials that have appeared in recent days. What would happen if the Palestinians would rise up? Would they adopt a more violent approach? Or a non-violent one that appeared in the 1st intifada?
Also, are boycotts effective?
http://english.aljazeera.net/indepth/opinion/2011/02/2011222211617377989.html
http://english.aljazeera.net/indepth/opinion/2011/03/201135115850632729.html#
http://www.haaretz.com/print-edition/opinion/israel-can-t-use-force-against-the-next-palestinian-uprising-1.347811
http://thelinknewspaper.ca/article/1109
By Natashia and Lisa
* Tuesday, March 8
Demonstration: Solidarity with Palestinian Women! BDS contingent in the International Women’s Day march
6pm, Cabot Square (corner of Atwater and Ste-Catherine)
Look for the contingent with Palestinian flags and the BDS banner. Bring your own flags, signs, and noisemakers!
* Ongoing, March 7-11
Exhibition: Palestine, People, and History
Concordia University, Library Building Atrium, 1400 de Maisonneuve west
The exhibition will encompass Palestine's history and culture. Life in Palestine will be presented dating from pre-1948 to current life under Apartheid. A comprehensive presentation to help one understand the current situation and how one can help.
A space will be dedicated to run documentary films with scheduled times, schedule TBA.
* Wednesday, March 9
Keynote Speaker: Ali Abunimah (journalist and author, founder of Electronic Intifada)
“One Country: A Bold Proposal to end the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict”
6:30pm
McGill University, Bronfman building, 1001 Sherbrooke west, room 151
http://aliabunimah.posterous.com/
* Thursday, March 10
Panel discussion: From Revolt to Change: Are the cases of Egypt and Tunisia a first step towards justice and self-determination in the region?
Speakers: Rachad Antonius, Harun Bouazzi
6:30pm
UQAM (exact details to come)
* Sunday, March 13
Concert: Artists Against Apartheid
Featuring: Fabrice Koffy (spoken-word)Kaie Kellough (spoken-word/sound art)The Narcicyst (spoken-word/solo hip-hop)Remi Kanazi (spoken-word)Jason 'Blackbird' Selman (spoken-word / trumpet) Meryem Saci / Nantali Indongo (vocal/poetry duet)
Venue TBA
* Monday, March 14
Workshop: Canadian Campaign Against the Racist Jewish National Fund (JNF)
Presented by Independent Jewish Voices - Montreal
4:00pm
Location TBA
www.independentjewishvoices.ca
* Monday, March 14
Film Screening with Cinema Politica: “This Palestinian Life” and “Israel vs. Israel”
Two documentary films focused on Palestinian and Israeli resistance to apartheid policies
7:00pm
Concordia University, 1455 de Maisonneuve west, room H-110
http://www.cinemapolitica.org/node/2181
Link: http://canadaboatgaza.org/cms/en/Events/View/11-03-08/Israeli_Apartheid_Week_-_MONTREAL.aspx
* Tuesday, March 8
Demonstration: Solidarity with Palestinian Women! BDS contingent in the International Women’s Day march
6pm, Cabot Square (corner of Atwater and Ste-Catherine)
Look for the contingent with Palestinian flags and the BDS banner. Bring your own flags, signs, and noisemakers!
* Ongoing, March 7-11
Exhibition: Palestine, People, and History
Concordia University, Library Building Atrium, 1400 de Maisonneuve west
The exhibition will encompass Palestine's history and culture. Life in Palestine will be presented dating from pre-1948 to current life under Apartheid. A comprehensive presentation to help one understand the current situation and how one can help.
A space will be dedicated to run documentary films with scheduled times, schedule TBA.
* Wednesday, March 9
Keynote Speaker: Ali Abunimah (journalist and author, founder of Electronic Intifada)
“One Country: A Bold Proposal to end the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict”
6:30pm
McGill University, Bronfman building, 1001 Sherbrooke west, room 151
http://aliabunimah.posterous.com/
* Thursday, March 10
Panel discussion: From Revolt to Change: Are the cases of Egypt and Tunisia a first step towards justice and self-determination in the region?
Speakers: Rachad Antonius, Harun Bouazzi
6:30pm
UQAM (exact details to come)
* Sunday, March 13
Concert: Artists Against Apartheid
Featuring: Fabrice Koffy (spoken-word)Kaie Kellough (spoken-word/sound art)The Narcicyst (spoken-word/solo hip-hop)Remi Kanazi (spoken-word)Jason 'Blackbird' Selman (spoken-word / trumpet) Meryem Saci / Nantali Indongo (vocal/poetry duet)
Venue TBA
* Monday, March 14
Workshop: Canadian Campaign Against the Racist Jewish National Fund (JNF)
Presented by Independent Jewish Voices - Montreal
4:00pm
Location TBA
www.independentjewishvoices.ca
* Monday, March 14
Film Screening with Cinema Politica: “This Palestinian Life” and “Israel vs. Israel”
Two documentary films focused on Palestinian and Israeli resistance to apartheid policies
7:00pm
Concordia University, 1455 de Maisonneuve west, room H-110
http://www.cinemapolitica.org/node/2181
Link: http://canadaboatgaza.org/cms/en/Events/View/11-03-08/Israeli_Apartheid_Week_-_MONTREAL.aspx
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