The IRA were seen as terrorists and many of the acts they committed were pure brutal Terror. Likewise the ANC in South Africa - Thatcher saw Mandela as a terrorist. Both the IRA and ANC were the product of one community being oppressed and abused for decades if not centuries, by the community that had all the power, wealth - and conventional military. Both situations were only resolved when the oppressed community was finally recognised, heard and it’s grievances addressed. Ever more brutal oppression only escalated the violence. Bloody Sunday, Sharpeville.
The most moving account of Gaza, and the current crisis in particular, that I've read. I've always found it hard to understand why Israel is never held to the same standard as other countries by the "civilised" world. Maybe it's collective guilt for the holocaust, given that was the spur for implementing Balfour's proposal. Israel was created as a sanctuary for an abused people, but neither they nor the powers who had enabled Israel's creation ever stopped seeing them as victims. But as is so often the case, the abused becomes the next generation's abuser, perpetuating the cycle.
Very moving your memories at this tortured land. We attend, in a horrible wait, trough our screens and cell phones, to a total destruction of a population. Once again.
The IRA were seen as terrorists and many of the acts they committed were pure brutal Terror. Likewise the ANC in South Africa - Thatcher saw Mandela as a terrorist. Both the IRA and ANC were the product of one community being oppressed and abused for decades if not centuries, by the community that had all the power, wealth - and conventional military. Both situations were only resolved when the oppressed community was finally recognised, heard and it’s grievances addressed. Ever more brutal oppression only escalated the violence. Bloody Sunday, Sharpeville.
So it is with Palestine and Israel.
Absolutely agree, Robin
Thanks Matt for your moving recollections, clear analysis and political fury.
It’s hard to channel one’s rage and dread in the face of a descent into barbarism.
All the knee jerk flag waving is disheartening when mediation is so desperately needed.
Thank you Matt - a very powerful reminder of what everyone seems hell-bent on ignoring.
I feel huge unease at the ongoing events there and the lack of forthright counter to the prospect of prolonged and intensive violence.
The most moving account of Gaza, and the current crisis in particular, that I've read. I've always found it hard to understand why Israel is never held to the same standard as other countries by the "civilised" world. Maybe it's collective guilt for the holocaust, given that was the spur for implementing Balfour's proposal. Israel was created as a sanctuary for an abused people, but neither they nor the powers who had enabled Israel's creation ever stopped seeing them as victims. But as is so often the case, the abused becomes the next generation's abuser, perpetuating the cycle.
Thanks Rick. And yes, that’s what has happened…
Very moving your memories at this tortured land. We attend, in a horrible wait, trough our screens and cell phones, to a total destruction of a population. Once again.