Israel and Palestine: Is Peace Possible?
Podcast episode
I speak with Jeremy Hammond, independent journalist and author of the book Obstacle to Peace: The US Role in the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict. We go over some of the history underlying the conflict, untangle some of the myths, and ask the question: When state actors on both sides thrive on continued violence, and are themselves obstacles to peace, is there any hope for peace, and what can ordinary people do to help bring it about?
My own 2 cents? If ordinary people (you know, the ones who stand to lose the most in these situations) are to have any positive impact at all, it's going to require abandoning the dangerous fantasy that the states we live under have our best interests at heart or that they represent us in any meaningful way.
Jeremy's website is here, and his book can be found here.
His debate with Alan Futerman is here.
The interview with Scott Horton that we mention is here.
The public statement from scholars warning of potential genocide in Gaza is here.
An excellent interview, even though I know lots about the history of Palestine , there were new insights. A clear message about how our shamefully governments not only allow, but actively encourage this genocide is beyond words. I pray for peace and have done for years, it just seems to get further away. Maybe this will be a tipping pint and bring about the change those on the side of humanity want.
Peace can at least be possible for individuals willing to leave the region and travel to where peace already exists. https://substack.com/@hippies/note/c-42318437
Peace between the various groups and states seems increasingly unlikely, at least for generations to come. There's really not much evidence from the last 75 years to suggest that kind of peace is possible.
What might regular people do?
1) Write to systematically demolish the fantasy that peace between the states is possible within any reasonable time frame. The purpose of this would be to...
2) Persuade individuals on all sides who no longer wish to be part of the horror show that their best bet is to simply leave the region, and make their way to where peace already exists. Those who need our help in leaving should receive it.
We can't save those determined to fight. We can help save those who are ready for peace.