peaceofpecanpie-blog

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Goodbye, for now.

Going into this semester, I had a weak background in international relations which made me nervous about taking this course. However, I was pleasantly surprised as to what I have been able to learn and understand. I enjoyed learning about the historical context of Israel and Palestine. This helped frame the current issues they have today. It is not as easy to say Israel is the bad guy and the Palestine is the good guy. It is insanely complicated and unfortunate. The Tumblr posts help me dive into the issues surrounding Israel beyond Palestine. For example, I did not know that Iran wants to destroy the state of Israel, and that Iran is involved in Syria which gives them access to the Golan Heights. This jeopardizes the security of Israel, which I find to be fascinating. I thought the main issue that divided the region was religion but it has roots in colonization, colonialism, land purchases, and the legitimate fear of being destroyed.  Like I stated in class, I would like to know more about the issues in the last 15 years that have essentially given us the current Israeli administration and relationship with Palestine. Political parties and historical information aside, understanding modern politics would be just as interesting and beneficial. I would have liked to engage in the texts more than through lectures. My thoughts are with those that are struggling under this political and religious conflict. I pray for those in charge that they remember the people are not pawns but people with families and rights that require basic human needs. I have enjoyed this course and am grateful to have been in your classroom. Thank you.

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#Balfour

Palestine is requesting that the United Kingdom apologize for the 1917 Balfour declaration. Staying true to their colors, the UK of course has denied the request and will be celebrating the bicentennial of the signing of the declaration. Palestine is threatening to take the case to the international court. The document essentially handed over land to Israel that was not originally Britain’s. As an outsider, I understand how important the historical nature and pain this declaration has caused, however, it feels unproductive. The international community is well aware of the Palestine’s land circumstances. It is wise of Britain not to acknowledge any wrongdoing as they are quite fond of Israel. I contend that Britain’s colonization of the region led to the current Palestinian situation.  This would unsettle the waters and give Palestine the recognition that would provide them with support to establish their state and inadvertently condemn the actions of Israel. Initial progress does not always require an apology, but requires active participants that are willing to listen and compromise. 

http://www.middleeasteye.net/news/uk-rejects-request-apologise-balfour-declaration-palestinian-ambassador-1350297354

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Sports stuff and some borders

http://www.aljazeera.com/news/2017/04/israel-lobbying-fifa-prevent-ban-settlement-teams-170420105045514.html

Soft power is at work as Palestinian Authority wants FIFA to implement sanctions on Israel in order for Israel to relocate off of illegal settlements. They argue that FIFA is “normalizing Israel’s claim to Palestinian territories in occupied in 1967”.  That is an amazing defense they have as of now.  The PA is using the authority of a corporate entity that provides entertainment to come up with a borders solution. While I do not think FIFA will have to ability the make any great political change, I do believe in the soft power of diplomacy and money. It is said that 1/10th of the 1% are the only ones who have the ability to make change. As an international company that has financial backers “sponsors” from Coco-Cola to Visa. That is where the real power and influence. At the end of the day, who do the coco-cola and visa companies target and listen to? Customers? So I contend there is some give and take, however, is interesting how contested land even comes up in sports teams negotiations.

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Taking a seat...

Hamas has made a statement declaring they will not wage war against Israel any time soon. This is significant as we are discussing negotiations in our mock Peace Summit. Recently, Hamas claimed that the Israel followed through with the assassination of a terror chief. At the time, they incited claims of retaliation, however, Hamas leader Khalil al-Hayya has chosen not to reiterate these claims as of today. Not surprisingly, Hamas is pointing the finger at the Palestinian Authority for failing the Palestinians in the Gaza Strip. Gaza’s only power plant stopped working due to inadequate fuel sources. Hamas has dug in its heels and requiring Abbas to help the Gaza strip in seeking infrastructural advancements. They are concerned about medical resources from the plant that will go unmanufactured for the Gaza people in Gaza. During discussions, Hamas and the Palestinian Authority are standing as a single front, yet, in reality this is not the case. I think it would be interesting if during discussions if Israel would bring up how the Palestinian Authority needs to extend a helping hand to Hamas. The class has opened the conversation up to Hamas as if they are a negotiating entity.

http://www.timesofisrael.com/top-hamas-leader-says-group-not-seeking-war-with-israel/

In other news not pertaining to the prisoner crisis:

During Iran’s annual military march there were banners declaring “Death of Israel” all in an effort to promote the development of new missiles. President Hassan Rouhani claims that they are not actively seeking a war but they are being cautious by ramping up their weaponry. So where did this massive weapon come from? Russia. Here we go again. The current relationships that Russia is building appears to be contradictory to what would be in their best interest. What concerns me is Russia is out to make a profit in the Middle East. This is not a great surprise as our world is dominated by power struggles. As we advance as a society via technology humans remain stuck in our barbaric roots of violence and dominance. Israel is concerned with this weapon advancement that this will affect their ability to maintain control in the territory. As Hamas has determined they are not actively pursuing military action, but will if they are triggered. It appears that Hamas is stepping up and staking claim in Palestine. 

http://www.timesofisrael.com/iran-shows-off-new-air-defense-systems-declares-death-to-israel/

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Mother of All Bombs

Today, it was reported that during last week’s Syrian airstrikes 18 Syrian fighters were accidentally killed. This information was quickly overshadowed with the headline, “Mother of All Bombs dropped on an ISIS cell in Afghanistan”. Last week Dr. Kohen asked if the United States will enter into war during the first year of Trump presidency and only a couple of people raised their hands. Today, we discussed how pertinent it is to understand culture and build relationships in order for negotiations to begin and compromise to actually happen. What we have seen in the last couple of weeks that the United States is not answering ISIS with diplomatic speeches, conversations, and meetings but with military power. We are meeting human atrocity with human atrocity. One of President Trump’s campaigning points was the imminent security threat of ISIS and the “other”. We see him proactively satisfying this campaign promise. I conclude with the concept that the United States is not far evolved than Israel and Palestine. Israel campaigns on the topic of security threats and will at all cost prevent incursion of any kind with military power. They meet human atrocity with human atrocity. It appears that military measures are easy, and listening and responding appropriately is too difficult. I am left disheartened, disappointed, and scared that our nation now has a great propensity to wage a military campaign (boots on the ground) in the Middle East.

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Back at it again...

https://www.google.com/amp/www.al-monitor.com/pulse/en/originals/2017/04/hamas-revenge-leader-assassination-israel-gaza.amp.html A Hamas leader was assassinated last month and has been under investigation. There has been plenty of speculation as to who is involved, and Hamas was quick to blame Israel. However, the Palestinian Authority and Israel have been working to break up Hamas cells in the West Bank. Recently, I posted about how Hamas executed a couple of their members as they were convicted of treason​. The article indicated that this was a possible response to the assassination in order to calm Hamas supporters as Hamas as yet to take action against Israel. It is fascinating that Hamas is issuing a new charter that would follow the 1967 borders. Many think their inaction against Israel and internal political movement is Hamas trying to barter with the international community. In the past I have commented frequently on Hamas’ access to the table and it appears they are making great strides into trying to accomplish international acceptance. This is especially interesting as the Palestine Authority appears not to be allies with Hamas. If the PA does not show support of the terrorists organization then their mission It will be interesting to follow Hamas as they wrangle their internal members. To say they will no longer abide by the charter’s commentary on destroying Israel will probably not gain support from their followers. The Hamas supporters could choose to follow another pro-Palestinian faction. Our last readings indicated that one of the major issues that derails peace talks is domestic instability that comes to form in elections.

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Israel could not care less

Dr. Kohen has said previously that plenty of discussion between Israel and Palestine happen behind closed doors. The example the Gilad Shalit prisoner exchange between Israel and Hamas. The BBC reported that Hamas convicted three men of treason and were sentenced to death. Hamas is responsible for multiple executions since taking control over Gaza in 2006. I do not have all of the information from how or why they were convicted or whether these three men tried to destabilize the Hamas regime, however, as the Human Rights Watch stated this is an act of weakness. My previous post was about Hamas’ leaked document and how they were accepting of the 1967 borders and thus recognizing the existence of Israel. Back channels of communication are happening as we speak and relationships are being built between political parties and countries. Hamas is making strides into building a relationship with Israel but executing for possibly collaborating with Israel immediately deteriorates basic levels of communication, weakens Hamas grasp on the Palestine Authority, and their access to the table. Isn't that their actual objective​? Today, we established that Israel is the only entity with genuine power, and they are the only one's who can grant Palestine access to the table. In other words, Hamas is only weakening their ability to build a relationship with Palestine and Israel could not care less. http://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-39513190

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Hamas, 1967 borders, and Israel walk into a bar...

A leaked document from Hamas stated that they would accept the 1967 borders with Jerusalem but would continue to recognize the state of Israel. However, by accepting the 1967 borders they are in fact acknowledging the existence of Israel. The document states that they are not against Jews but against the occupation and the Zionist movement. They state, “Anti-Semitism and oppressing Jews is a phenomenon linked to European history and is not found in Arabs’ and Muslims’ history and heritage”. This feels like a compromise. As they would like the right to return they are allowing for Israel to remain on the land. Which is surprising to say the least. Hamas is playing into the game and in doing so asking for a seat at the table.This morning Dr. Kohen established that peace is a compromise between losers and no one wins under these circumstances. Where does Hamas fall in this equation? Because of their relationship with Fatah do they get to weigh in? They were not even allowed to legally participate in elections and unable to access the table. Who and what legitimizes their power: weapons, money, threats, Fatah?

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Bibi kept his promise

Bibi kept his promise. In February, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu promised that the illegal settlement of Amona that he evicted would soon have a new settlement to call home.  The promise turned into a vote that passed unanimously. The settlement will be in Emek Shiloh near Ramallah in the West Bank. While this looks great for Netanyahu’s constituents it clashes with the United States and President Donald Trump’s request for there be a halt to the settlements. Of course, as settlements increase this inhibits the possibilities of a two state solution. There is not stability in building illegal settlements. It continues to disperse the Israeli people and weakens the strength of the Palestinians. I am more interested in how the Palestinians will react? Will they be up in arms or choose a more diplomatic approach. When is enough enough? What is frustrating is that this only continues to divide the people and make the conflict personal! One cannot put the blame on individual people for the actions of the country, yet, they are following suite by following their government. 

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It takes a village...

It is nearly impossible to get 30 students from similar geographical, social, and economic circumstances to agree on the legal and moral rights of Israel and it is absolutely impossible for the world powers to agree on the legal and moral rights of Israel. Boris Johnson, the UK foreign secretary, is condemning the United Nations Human Rights council for their criticism of Israel’s bombing of Hezbollah in the Golan Heights. He believes the council needs to back off of Israel and focus on the crisis in Syria and working on holding Assad’s regime accountable for the atrocities committed against the people of Syria. The Golan Heights contains Hezbollah and Iranian militants. They have stated that their goals are to destroy the state of Israel, and the Israel has responded with military action. It would behoove the parties to determine whether Israel’s actions are a form of war and therefore establish their legal rights to protecting their citizens and their land. This does not condone their military actions but provides a framework of legitimizing the issue facing Israel and the human rights concerns pertaining to Hezbollah. It would also behoove the UK not to redirect the human rights council away from Israel, because they are doing their job of holding powerful countries accountable for their actions. Finally, the UK has made a shift in their diplomacy and have followed the Trump Train. Trump claims that the UK intelligence community was spying on Trump during the election. Yet, Johnson is throwing his avid support behind Trump. This is frustrating because Trump is not our friend. So it takes village to put Israel and Palestine back together again. 

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Accountable Shmoutable

I feel like the concept of accountability is lost during this crazy time. The UN Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA) released a report claiming that Israel has established an apartheid in relation to Palestine. While it has already been knocked by the Israeli government, the UN Secretariat has distanced themselves from the report, and the United States’ UN Ambassador has called for the report to be withdrawn. Sure, labeling someone a racist will definitely cause them to deny that accusation. In the case for Israel the UN’s claim of racism is legitimate. What is serious is that the UN is even stepping away from this claim? Why? It has to be money and power. If the UN can keep peace with Israel that is one last country in the Middle East that needs to be on the black list. If the UN does not step away they could lose millions of dollars of funding from the Super Powers and Trump’s America. The United States likes to spread the democracy and human rights violations are A-OK. Here we remain with no accountability, and I can only assume the report is on its way out the door.

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Let’s just say the Road Map to Peace remains defunct. One of the major points of contention was Palestinian Authority’s relationship with Hamas. Recently, Iran hosted the International Conference in Support of Palestinian Intifada. It involved 20 countries, members of Hamas and Islamic Jihad, as well as Islamic scholars. Israel and Saudi Arabia are concerned about Iran’s power expansion consider Iran’s relationship with Syria and Russia. Essentially, Hamas is the least of Palestine and Israel’s worries. This group met in order to promote the destruction of the Israeli state. In order for there to be real progress to be made the Palestine needs to not build relationships with radical states and organizations that want to destroy their only way of seeking an independent state. Is it possible for all of these organizations and states waging a war against Israel in order to create an independent Palestinian state? Isn’t interesting the Iran is combating ISIS but promoting Hamas?

Promises, Promises...

Israel appears to always be in a precarious situation and not always by their own doing. Yesterday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu met with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Israel wanted to receive verbal confirmation that Russia would prevent Iran (an ally to Syria) from encroaching on Israel’s northern border. Russia has stated that it will not allow for there to be an upsurge of Iranian terrorism (Hezbollah or Shiite militias) from taking control of Israeli’s borders. This is all well, however, Iran has supplied Syria with a significant amount of military might. After their involvement with the Syrian conflict, what would stop Iran from sending their troops into Israel? Currently, Hezbollah and other Iranian Shiite militias have established themselves in Golan Heights as the Golan Liberation Brigade in order to bring the territory under Iranian control. Yet, Israel would be ready to send more airstrikes into Syria in order to combat the Iranian soldiers.

Israel appears to always be on the defensive and will make offensive attacks if it is in their best interests. Today during our summit, Palestine and Israel were unable to hear each other. They were making similar arguments but because of the imposed divide they could not listen to what the other group was saying. This gives insight to the issues between Palestine and Israel. They are so caught up in what the other is saying or refuses to say and ignores their common ground.

Russia is in support of Syria therefore in support of Iranian forces. However, Russia is making promises that a Israeli incursion is not on the horizon. At the end of the day, who is Russia going to throw their support behind – Syria. Who is Syria going to throw their support behind – Iran. Who is going to support Russia – possibly the United States? Who is going to have Israel’s back when all else fails – nuclear war? Drama aside, when a country has terrorist groups on multiple borders with the military might that is suppressing radical militants in Syria, a Palestinian constitution and recognition feels like small potatoes. Where is the imminent threat? Palestine? Hezbollah? Hamas? Iran? Russia?

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Promises, Promises...

Israel appears to always be in a precarious situation and not always by their own doing. Yesterday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu met with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Israel wanted to receive verbal confirmation that Russia would prevent Iran (an ally to Syria) from encroaching on Israel’s northern border. Russia has stated that it will not allow for there to be an upsurge of Iranian terrorism (Hezbollah or Shiite militias) from taking control of Israeli’s borders. This is all well, however, Iran has supplied Syria with a significant amount of military might. After their involvement with the Syrian conflict, what would stop Iran from sending their troops into Israel? Currently, Hezbollah and other Iranian Shiite militias have established themselves in Golan Heights as the Golan Liberation Brigade in order to bring the territory under Iranian control. Yet, Israel would be ready to send more airstrikes into Syria in order to combat the Iranian soldiers.

Israel appears to always be on the defensive and will make offensive attacks if it is in their best interests. Today during our summit, Palestine and Israel were unable to hear each other. They were making similar arguments but because of the imposed divide they could not listen to what the other group was saying. This gives insight to the issues between Palestine and Israel. They are so caught up in what the other is saying or refuses to say and ignores their common ground.

Russia is in support of Syria therefore in support of Iranian forces. However, Russia is making promises that a Israeli incursion is not on the horizon. At the end of the day, who is Russia going to throw their support behind -- Syria. Who is Syria going to throw their support behind -- Iran. Who is going to support Russia -- possibly the United States? Who is going to have Israel’s back when all else fails -- nuclear war? Drama aside, when a country has terrorist groups on multiple borders with the military might that is suppressing radical militants in Syria, a Palestinian constitution and recognition feels like small potatoes. Where is the imminent threat? Palestine? Hezbollah? Hamas? Iran? Russia?

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Another Ban on the Books

Recently there was an article that articulated that president Trump’s use of his twitter platform is the beginning of authoritarianism. In the past he has called to restrict forms of free-speech in order to prevent feelings from being hurt (American Flag Incident). Well, it appears the Israeli leadership is just as fragile. They just released a bill that will block the entry of people who call for an Israeli boycott. They feel that the boy-cotters will “destroy Israel as a Jewish state altogether” by supporting the independence of Palestine. I feel like the United States is greatly connected to Israel because both states hold onto the similar ideology of democracy. However, this legislation does in fact inhibit free expression of the people. How is a nation supposed to develop if it is unable to take criticism? Haaretz correspondent Allison Kaplan Sommer argues that this does not allow young people to participate in the conversation. She is exactly right. This generates more animosity between Israelis and Palestinians for future generations and stagnates the conflict. Progress does not happen overnight or in one generation but docking the conversation by limiting movement and expression will only encourage violence, stress, and radicalism within both countries. In class it was discussed that the state of Israel would in fact forgo their democracy in order to maintain a Jewish state. The first way authoritarianism begins is by making falsehoods a focal point and creating bans on movement and expression, and shutting off the outside world by closing their borders. 

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Promises Unkept

The settlement of Amona was recently evacuated and demolished because it was illegally on Palestinian land. This article details how Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had promised the evacuees a new settlement in Judea and Samaria. Netanyahu has yet to fulfill his promises and the people of Amona are on a hunger strike until their needs have been met. Avihai Boaron stated, “Today we are saying, ‘enough. We want to return to normal life as quickly as possible.” This statement was painful to read knowing that there 1.5 million Palestinian refugees and 263,500 internally displaced Palestinians. It would be unfair to blame the individual, but he is experiencing something his Arab neighbors have been dwelling in for decades. Netanyahu’s inaction could be due to his conversations with Trump. While he might be inconsistent with upholding his promises, however, what is consistent is that Israel is using its own people as political pawns. The state of Israel needs the rest of Palestine in order to advance the needs of their people, yet, the inaction appears to show Netanyahu in unfavorable light. This is important to think about when we support our counties no matter what they do and do not do. What happens when the system stops working in your favor?

http://www.jpost.com/Israel-News/Hunger-striking-settlers-Netanyahu-must-keep-pledge-to-build-new-settlement-483013

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I been thinking about Keith Ellison’s losing the chair of the DNC due to allegation of anti-Semitism. Anywhere I look most of the article titles include “allegations of anti-Semitism”, and I had to look around for the base of the allegations. It is cited that he was a member of Nation of Islam, he spoke poorly of Judaism to students, and he has voted against legislation that supported the Iron Dome and “has rejected the movement to boycott, sanction and divest from Israel and expressed support for the two-state-solution, he sought to accommodate a more sympathetic reading of the UN’s Goldstone report on the 2009 Gaza war that Israel, Jewish groups and most of the Congress rejected as a one-sided attack on Israel.” He claims that he was not a member and that he has mixed feelings on Israel. Just because he does not have a firm stance on Israel does that mean he is anti-sematic? Was it too dramatic of the media and Tom Perez supporters to label him as such? He remains on the DNC committee; how does this effect the DNC narrative of standing against the tensions in our country with the current administration?

http://www.haaretz.com/us-news/1.770845

Threats to Jewish Institutions in the US

Although it is not something that is frequently brought to student’s attention at UNL or in Nebraska in general, anti-Semitism is alive and well in the US. Since the start of 2017 there have been bomb threats at Jewish institutions throughout the States, 89 to be specific, at 72 locations in 30 different states. Just last Wednesday Vice President Mike Pence visited a Jewish cemetery in St. Louis that had over 200 tombstones vandalized. In San Francisco today the Anti-Defamation League’s Regional Office was forced to evacuate after a bomb threat was called in. Just last week the ADL’s NY headquarters was also targeted. It is a misconception that anti-Semitism exists today only in Middle East or other parts of the world, even in the US it exists. The recent Race for DNC Chairman between Keith Ellison and Tom Perez was a heated one in which Ellison lost after receiving serious criticism for being anti-Semitic. However, despite the small group in the US, many in the US like those who rallied together and volunteered to clean up the St. Louis cemetery will not tolerate these acts against the Jewish people and will continue to stand with both Jews in the US and the State of Israel.

http://www.jpost.com/Diaspora/ADL-receives-second-bomb-threat-at-San-Francisco-office-482793

http://www.cnn.com/2017/02/22/politics/mike-pence-anti-semitism-cemetery/index.html

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Levianthan

http://www.jta.org/2017/02/23/news-opinion/israel-middle-east/texas-firm-launching-development-of-israels-massive-gas-field

This article details an oil deal with a Texan-oil developer Noble Energy and Israel’s Leviathan. The people were not happy with the deal as it will drive up prices, and increase oil exports. How the deal came to be is fascinating. The Anti-Trust Authority did not support the plan and resigned as a result. Benjamin Netanyahu took over his position and passed the monopoly oil based upon the matter of national security. There is nothing more valuable than oil and the power it possesses. This deal does not appear to be democratic in nature. Would someone freely resign over one deal? It is true that the deal advances the authority of the state of Israel and will benefit PM Netanyahu. Netanyahu tweeted, “This is a day of good news for the Israeli economy and Israeli citizens,” he tweeted. “The process will provide gas supply to Israel, and will advance cooperation with regional states.” Regional states ie. The United States. This deal took place under the Obama administration with a private corporation, yet, I am incredibly pessimistic about the United States relationship with Israel especially under the new administration it feels dangerous. Will this deal really help the people?