In his novel, The Thorn and the Carnation, Yahya Sinwar’s character Ibrahim challenged his cousin Mahmoud, who said the Palestinians had to surrender lest they be wiped out entirely.
Perfect clarity. Send to every person in Congress, not that those elected people are any better than Israelis. God, I hate this country. The world would be halfway decent without the U.S. and Israel.
I think 15 months in, we do need to hear this, I keep asking myself "why isn't this stopping?" "how can they still ignore us?" and the only answer I can come up with is that we have not yet critically mobilized ourselves. We could be looking at a year of the same, or we could be looking at a year of something different entirely, and it is up to us.
But how many pro- Palestine protesters or journalists will be silenced or imprisoned by our states in support of Israel and by passing acts which erode our freedoms ? I also really think Zionism has embedded itself so deeply in the West without most of us realising it.
I don't think the primary concern is what happens to people outside of the line of fire of western empire, there is an existential threat which is currently robbing people of their land, their lives, and the future, do we pass the buck to the next generation? Are you waiting for a more moral fight to "pop up" before it becomes worth participating in history?
There is no more moral a fight, but the fight is also for our freedoms and against the foreign involvement in our politics which filters through to our media and law enforcement as well.
What does it mean, precisely, to "critically mobilize ourselves"? Whenever the left talks about solutions, we inevitably land on some variation of "we need a mass movement," but then we get vague about the specifics. How big does this mass need to be? And when it gets to the "right" size, what actions are we expecting it to take?
Tens of millions worldwide agree with the goals of the Palestine liberation movement. Why aren't the people we already have enough to get anything done? It makes me wonder if "we need a mass movement" is a real solution or just a platitude people share when they don't have an actionable strategy to suggest.
What I would love to see is a realization that the left shouldn't be so anti-capitalist that we fail to realize we need money to do almost anything in this current system. Create and organize worker coops instead of non-profit orgs that bleed money and can't hire you after your Zionist boss fires you for calling it a genocide.
I think we need to get unions to mobilise more in support of this cause and the medical/ healthcare groups. Strike action may be the only thing our governments will listen to along with Boycott and Divestment hurting companies in their profits. Capitalism I think is the cause and not the solution.
Carol, did you rest well? Have you eaten? Because how is the suggestion that we need to build our movements irking you so? You got more heat for me than your enemies?
So you're just going to sidestep my questions about the apparent lack of efficacy in pursuing that goal with no real follow-up strategy? Man, people really do hate when you point out the Emperor's lack of clothes.
It seems we have nothing to lose but our illusions. So thanks a lot for that ;-)
2 nitpicks:
The survey linked is from March/April is on "antisemitism" and effectively useless.
[First they prime antisemitism a couple of times, then ask "How important do you think it is for the United States to support Israel in the aftermath of October 7?". Hard to even parse this question.]
It is difficult to find recent surveys, that is interesting in itself. The US population in general seems to slowly but surely sour on the war/genocide with younger people leading the way.
Is there a technical report on the use of a nuclear weapon in Syria? The reason I'm skeptical is that I understand it would spread tens of kilograms of radioactive material around for anyone with a $10 Geiger counter to register in a viral video? Conversely, the Israeli air force is routinely throwing around tons of conventional explosives and deliberately targeted undefended weapon storage facilities for secondary explosions. After 2024 I wouldn't put much past them, but let's stay empirical at the anti-empire project ;-)
2 more positive(?) contributions:
2024 really hit me how siloed we have become. There are people who have watched videos of the genocide (mostly younger generations on "social media"), and those who never have (mostly older people who watch news media and get token glimpses of the war couched in upside-down language). These two groups have less and less in common and are of course themselves split 10 ways before heaven.
2024 also showed the evolution of warfare. Cheap guided missiles and drones are closing the gap between the rich and poor nations. To end on a happy note, I'm becoming unsure if we are the last generation anywhere to gather in sport stadiums and not look on the sky with dread? Yet another reason that the genocide is hardly in the best interest of the Western ruling classes, stupid bastards...
Agreed about the silos. I feel I've been living and breathing this stuff every day for the last 15 months (attending protests, rallies, meetings, talks, writing emails, reading about it, watching films, listening to podcasts, etc.). I've hardly undertaken any activities that haven't been to do with Palestine. I have neighbours and associates for whom it doesn't register at all. I've tried to talk to and educate as many people in my circle as I can though.
I agree with your assessment but don't lose heart. The US has basically no manufacturing capabilities outside of expensive weapons systems (which are only produced on a boutique, cost plus basis) and certain bulk low tech productions, the dollar system, and a massive but increasingly obviously 100 percent untrustworthy media system. It and Israel evidently does control a lot of its ostensibly "democratic" and otherwise clients through particular financial levers and blackmail, which is why we see absurdities like what happened in South Korea and Romania, but far more painfully in Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Syria. But the macro trends are sharply in the West's disfavor, possibly even in the Americas and West Asia.
I don't believe Russia/China/Iran/Hezbollah/Global South are naive about what the West is capable of. They've been facing the pointy end of Western actions for many decades and I see far too much intelligent administration and raising of public consciousness, carefully shepherded over decades, for me to think that they don't have properly plotted out plans B, C, D, and E. They wanted to play nice for as long as possible while building up their strengths, but I think they will act decisively when they deem it necessary.
Like the Lebanese circa 1984 or Iraqis circa 2012, it may be less a matter of trying to fix or even take down the current system, than preparing grounds for what comes next, whether we like it or not.
Thank you Justin, so much clarity. To Johan Bartholomeus, I don't think it is defeatist, just reality! Like Susan Abulhawa said being optimistic is also resistance!
A clear-eyed assessment of what we face at the dawn of 2025. Seeing a thousand people in the streets of my small city in December 2023 gave me hope. It's now 150. But it IS 150, week-in, week-out. And we see lots of heartfelt signs of sympathy - hands on hearts, V-signs and waves. Those signs of support and fundamental hatred for the genocidal Zionist regime were few 20 years ago. The Palestinians have been resisting for a century. We have to learn from them, dispensing with all illusions that Zionism and Western imperialism are anything but monstrous and anti-human. Eyes on the prize! It's distant, but we have no other course.
To add maybe my own illusion: I expected most legacy media to omit, lie and print straight propaganda. But not all. Not as blatantly as they have been doing. I would have guessed some voices still get through, at least over time as the genocide unfolds. I'm surprised by the extend they are willing to sacrifice their last bit of credibility in order to hold that line ("but Hamas", "self-defense", "unverified", etc.), just to control discourse and make parts of it inexpressible.
And I am surprised that it works - who would have thought they still had that power? Yes, they cannot control the images and social media content, but they managed to create a taboo around Gaza and proved themselves as capable disciplinary tool against anybody in the public sphere.
Particularly shocking: Gaza should have lead to a huge international anti-war movement, and it obviously has, except it does not feel like it. By compartmentalizing, ignoring, condemning, the goddamn legacy media manages to keep the topic at the fringes.
Between all the functions tv and newspaper cannot uphold anymore, public control apparently still works.
The west reveals itself as death cult, and dead media raises as necromancers. I am not even sure how figurative that is. It's bone-chilling.
All is True. But the fact remains that Israel is nothing without the US. And the US was a Conscienceless nation even during the Ww2. Carpet bombing and the use of Chemicals, including destruction by paraffin and Sulphur. Even Nuclear bombs and depleted Uranium. When a genocidal nation such as Israel has the backing of such a conscienceless Super Power. Like any bully having the support of the Principal, would act regardless of opinion of the whole world. We have to acknowledge that the US is still the primary Superpower and That Russia the one only contestant is being heavily taxed and is being exhausted at the expense of the US citizens. The British, the NATO alliance Nations and the EU which are at the same time being turned into Vassal States. Under these circumstances what the Pro Palestinians States could accomplish is hardly making any difference to the Palestinian Status quo. The people of Palestine continue to suffer and Die and Allah to them is the only recourse and Hope. Trump is in-the absurd hope of people like us who suffer with people of Palestine is the only recourse. But even before He assumes Power the Zionists from National Parties have ganged up to pressure Him to follow their Narrative. Will the People who voted for Him stand by Him? I doubt it for the Americans have lost the courage to fight for Justice. I pray for the intervention of GOD.
the neo cons rule the usa, they obviousky are never stopping, i thik they think war will solve americas debt problems, economic problems and social problems, so trump will obviously look for the opportunioty to over throw the government of iran, as always. i think he knpws russia s too big. they are geniuses at isolating their targets and picking them off one by one so next yeman, venezuala bolivia and cuba. iran is possible. they never stop. so we are probably heading to world war as the rest of the world realizes they will never stop. the only real hope now is nato fractures and bric gets better organized but the intervenning years will be horrible. the no cons have unleashed crimes against civilization and have done a decent job white washing it to the western majority. it will get very very ugly. the neo cons never stop
Justin, very accurate and voicing the random thoughts many of us who appreciate your thoughts, struggle with. A friend asked as a New Year message (in reference to the Palestinians): Is God helpless or useless?(My friend was an anti-apartheid activist and pastor during SA apartheid era). What you have written evokes in me those feelings of helplessness and uselessness. It is however facing reality that can lead to different actions and who knows what that can achieve?
I don't think the primary concern is what happens to people outside of the line of fire of western empire, there is an existential threat which is currently robbing people of their land, their lives, and the future, do we pass the buck to the next generation? Are you waiting for a more moral fight to "pop up" before it becomes worth participating in history?
We can learn a lot from past movements. Vietnam Anti War Movement, Black Panthers, Zapatistas, Cuba. We keep experimenting, see what works.
Educate the community about BDS. Host Teach Ins. Pop up speaker boxes in community, Guerilla Radio Stations, Mail fact checking info to everyone in your town or city, Book Clubs. Mutual Aid' for Palestine, for arrestees for activism, direct action, deliver, fund or provide capacity building. There are heaps of things we can do. What we can't do is nothing because we feel overwhelmed. Love and solidarity ❤️🔥
Perfect clarity. Send to every person in Congress, not that those elected people are any better than Israelis. God, I hate this country. The world would be halfway decent without the U.S. and Israel.
FAR MORE THAN HALF WAY, Rob.
I think 15 months in, we do need to hear this, I keep asking myself "why isn't this stopping?" "how can they still ignore us?" and the only answer I can come up with is that we have not yet critically mobilized ourselves. We could be looking at a year of the same, or we could be looking at a year of something different entirely, and it is up to us.
But how many pro- Palestine protesters or journalists will be silenced or imprisoned by our states in support of Israel and by passing acts which erode our freedoms ? I also really think Zionism has embedded itself so deeply in the West without most of us realising it.
I don't think the primary concern is what happens to people outside of the line of fire of western empire, there is an existential threat which is currently robbing people of their land, their lives, and the future, do we pass the buck to the next generation? Are you waiting for a more moral fight to "pop up" before it becomes worth participating in history?
There is no more moral a fight, but the fight is also for our freedoms and against the foreign involvement in our politics which filters through to our media and law enforcement as well.
I accept the grim reality for what it is, but I don't stand for defeatism.
What does it mean, precisely, to "critically mobilize ourselves"? Whenever the left talks about solutions, we inevitably land on some variation of "we need a mass movement," but then we get vague about the specifics. How big does this mass need to be? And when it gets to the "right" size, what actions are we expecting it to take?
Tens of millions worldwide agree with the goals of the Palestine liberation movement. Why aren't the people we already have enough to get anything done? It makes me wonder if "we need a mass movement" is a real solution or just a platitude people share when they don't have an actionable strategy to suggest.
What I would love to see is a realization that the left shouldn't be so anti-capitalist that we fail to realize we need money to do almost anything in this current system. Create and organize worker coops instead of non-profit orgs that bleed money and can't hire you after your Zionist boss fires you for calling it a genocide.
I think we need to get unions to mobilise more in support of this cause and the medical/ healthcare groups. Strike action may be the only thing our governments will listen to along with Boycott and Divestment hurting companies in their profits. Capitalism I think is the cause and not the solution.
Carol, did you rest well? Have you eaten? Because how is the suggestion that we need to build our movements irking you so? You got more heat for me than your enemies?
So you're just going to sidestep my questions about the apparent lack of efficacy in pursuing that goal with no real follow-up strategy? Man, people really do hate when you point out the Emperor's lack of clothes.
It seems we have nothing to lose but our illusions. So thanks a lot for that ;-)
2 nitpicks:
The survey linked is from March/April is on "antisemitism" and effectively useless.
[First they prime antisemitism a couple of times, then ask "How important do you think it is for the United States to support Israel in the aftermath of October 7?". Hard to even parse this question.]
It is difficult to find recent surveys, that is interesting in itself. The US population in general seems to slowly but surely sour on the war/genocide with younger people leading the way.
Is there a technical report on the use of a nuclear weapon in Syria? The reason I'm skeptical is that I understand it would spread tens of kilograms of radioactive material around for anyone with a $10 Geiger counter to register in a viral video? Conversely, the Israeli air force is routinely throwing around tons of conventional explosives and deliberately targeted undefended weapon storage facilities for secondary explosions. After 2024 I wouldn't put much past them, but let's stay empirical at the anti-empire project ;-)
2 more positive(?) contributions:
2024 really hit me how siloed we have become. There are people who have watched videos of the genocide (mostly younger generations on "social media"), and those who never have (mostly older people who watch news media and get token glimpses of the war couched in upside-down language). These two groups have less and less in common and are of course themselves split 10 ways before heaven.
2024 also showed the evolution of warfare. Cheap guided missiles and drones are closing the gap between the rich and poor nations. To end on a happy note, I'm becoming unsure if we are the last generation anywhere to gather in sport stadiums and not look on the sky with dread? Yet another reason that the genocide is hardly in the best interest of the Western ruling classes, stupid bastards...
Regarding the suggestion that it was a nuclear weapon, Professor Ted Pistol explains in this video why he thinks it was a conventional weapon:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0UGsBLDwhHg
Agreed about the silos. I feel I've been living and breathing this stuff every day for the last 15 months (attending protests, rallies, meetings, talks, writing emails, reading about it, watching films, listening to podcasts, etc.). I've hardly undertaken any activities that haven't been to do with Palestine. I have neighbours and associates for whom it doesn't register at all. I've tried to talk to and educate as many people in my circle as I can though.
Correction: Ted Postol
Hans-Benjamin Braun has rebutted Ted Postol: https://x.com/ben68638515/status/1873864915787629034?s=46
I agree with your assessment but don't lose heart. The US has basically no manufacturing capabilities outside of expensive weapons systems (which are only produced on a boutique, cost plus basis) and certain bulk low tech productions, the dollar system, and a massive but increasingly obviously 100 percent untrustworthy media system. It and Israel evidently does control a lot of its ostensibly "democratic" and otherwise clients through particular financial levers and blackmail, which is why we see absurdities like what happened in South Korea and Romania, but far more painfully in Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Syria. But the macro trends are sharply in the West's disfavor, possibly even in the Americas and West Asia.
I don't believe Russia/China/Iran/Hezbollah/Global South are naive about what the West is capable of. They've been facing the pointy end of Western actions for many decades and I see far too much intelligent administration and raising of public consciousness, carefully shepherded over decades, for me to think that they don't have properly plotted out plans B, C, D, and E. They wanted to play nice for as long as possible while building up their strengths, but I think they will act decisively when they deem it necessary.
Like the Lebanese circa 1984 or Iraqis circa 2012, it may be less a matter of trying to fix or even take down the current system, than preparing grounds for what comes next, whether we like it or not.
In preparation for what comes next will be repression, which will only hasten what comes next.
Thank you Justin, so much clarity. To Johan Bartholomeus, I don't think it is defeatist, just reality! Like Susan Abulhawa said being optimistic is also resistance!
Fml, grim.
(Reality, not this article.)
A clear-eyed assessment of what we face at the dawn of 2025. Seeing a thousand people in the streets of my small city in December 2023 gave me hope. It's now 150. But it IS 150, week-in, week-out. And we see lots of heartfelt signs of sympathy - hands on hearts, V-signs and waves. Those signs of support and fundamental hatred for the genocidal Zionist regime were few 20 years ago. The Palestinians have been resisting for a century. We have to learn from them, dispensing with all illusions that Zionism and Western imperialism are anything but monstrous and anti-human. Eyes on the prize! It's distant, but we have no other course.
To add maybe my own illusion: I expected most legacy media to omit, lie and print straight propaganda. But not all. Not as blatantly as they have been doing. I would have guessed some voices still get through, at least over time as the genocide unfolds. I'm surprised by the extend they are willing to sacrifice their last bit of credibility in order to hold that line ("but Hamas", "self-defense", "unverified", etc.), just to control discourse and make parts of it inexpressible.
And I am surprised that it works - who would have thought they still had that power? Yes, they cannot control the images and social media content, but they managed to create a taboo around Gaza and proved themselves as capable disciplinary tool against anybody in the public sphere.
Particularly shocking: Gaza should have lead to a huge international anti-war movement, and it obviously has, except it does not feel like it. By compartmentalizing, ignoring, condemning, the goddamn legacy media manages to keep the topic at the fringes.
Between all the functions tv and newspaper cannot uphold anymore, public control apparently still works.
The west reveals itself as death cult, and dead media raises as necromancers. I am not even sure how figurative that is. It's bone-chilling.
All is True. But the fact remains that Israel is nothing without the US. And the US was a Conscienceless nation even during the Ww2. Carpet bombing and the use of Chemicals, including destruction by paraffin and Sulphur. Even Nuclear bombs and depleted Uranium. When a genocidal nation such as Israel has the backing of such a conscienceless Super Power. Like any bully having the support of the Principal, would act regardless of opinion of the whole world. We have to acknowledge that the US is still the primary Superpower and That Russia the one only contestant is being heavily taxed and is being exhausted at the expense of the US citizens. The British, the NATO alliance Nations and the EU which are at the same time being turned into Vassal States. Under these circumstances what the Pro Palestinians States could accomplish is hardly making any difference to the Palestinian Status quo. The people of Palestine continue to suffer and Die and Allah to them is the only recourse and Hope. Trump is in-the absurd hope of people like us who suffer with people of Palestine is the only recourse. But even before He assumes Power the Zionists from National Parties have ganged up to pressure Him to follow their Narrative. Will the People who voted for Him stand by Him? I doubt it for the Americans have lost the courage to fight for Justice. I pray for the intervention of GOD.
Germany's FM says F*ck the voters to the sound of crickets - No one need pretend Democracy exist
Homelessness in American up 18% in 2024. https://www.kenklippenstein.com/p/america-in-two-headlines . What happens in Israel will come home to the USA soon enough, the empire always comes home.
We don't need more massive mansions, we need massive numbers of loving homes --- and people!
the neo cons rule the usa, they obviousky are never stopping, i thik they think war will solve americas debt problems, economic problems and social problems, so trump will obviously look for the opportunioty to over throw the government of iran, as always. i think he knpws russia s too big. they are geniuses at isolating their targets and picking them off one by one so next yeman, venezuala bolivia and cuba. iran is possible. they never stop. so we are probably heading to world war as the rest of the world realizes they will never stop. the only real hope now is nato fractures and bric gets better organized but the intervenning years will be horrible. the no cons have unleashed crimes against civilization and have done a decent job white washing it to the western majority. it will get very very ugly. the neo cons never stop
Justin, very accurate and voicing the random thoughts many of us who appreciate your thoughts, struggle with. A friend asked as a New Year message (in reference to the Palestinians): Is God helpless or useless?(My friend was an anti-apartheid activist and pastor during SA apartheid era). What you have written evokes in me those feelings of helplessness and uselessness. It is however facing reality that can lead to different actions and who knows what that can achieve?
A dark view, a bit defeatist even maybe. I'd say : hang in there, friend
I don't think the primary concern is what happens to people outside of the line of fire of western empire, there is an existential threat which is currently robbing people of their land, their lives, and the future, do we pass the buck to the next generation? Are you waiting for a more moral fight to "pop up" before it becomes worth participating in history?
A brilliant and necessary exposition, thank you.
It's really bleak, heavy, overwhelming.
We can learn a lot from past movements. Vietnam Anti War Movement, Black Panthers, Zapatistas, Cuba. We keep experimenting, see what works.
Educate the community about BDS. Host Teach Ins. Pop up speaker boxes in community, Guerilla Radio Stations, Mail fact checking info to everyone in your town or city, Book Clubs. Mutual Aid' for Palestine, for arrestees for activism, direct action, deliver, fund or provide capacity building. There are heaps of things we can do. What we can't do is nothing because we feel overwhelmed. Love and solidarity ❤️🔥