Breaking News #8: When Narrative Doesn't Matter | The Israeli Strategy of Total War
November 9, 2023·19 comments·In Brief
People traditionally look at war as something that is fought on a battlefield. And that is certainly true. But it is also fought in the world of narrative. The stories that are told by both the combatants in a war and other parties outside the war with a vested interest in its outcome can play a major role in how it plays out. In this episode, we look at the current Israel Hamas war through a narrative lens and how that is impacting the conflict.
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Comments
I wish you nothing but the best - and hate it that you are fearful for your safety.
I don’t agree. Even after all the shit that has happened here. But I reckon the dangers to me, writ large, are the same, if not worse, in the US (which is where I assume most of the people on this forum live).
The extremes on a left-right dimension here in France are no worse than in the US. At least here there is still a fairly broad sense that you should participate in a functioning democracy.
Plus where else am I going to find such good food.
I understand where you’re coming from. As a white (Eastern European) Muslim living in the states, I often have to reassure white Americans that I don’t condone the killing of innocent civilians on October 7th, even though I generally support the Palestinian cause.
My kids go to private muslim school. The increased security since Oct. 7th is insane.
I live down the block from a private Jewish school. The increased security since Oct. 7th is insane.
Fanning the flames of hate might help with clicks and elections, but regular people trying to live a normal life deal the backlash.
Anti-semites are definitely happy using this war as cover for their bigotry and the same goes for Islamophobes since 9/11 and the war on terror.
I’ve heard the bigotry firsthand. Most people assume I’m just a white guy, so when their guard is down, they really let loose. Growing up around Balkan people has made me somewhat immune to hearing ignorant remarks about others, so I’m not surprised. I do feel like there is a much higher threat of violence (to jews/muslim) tied to these ignorant feelings and that’s what’s scary.
Quoted from a post above ----
If I were were you I would be looking to get out of France
There is a very important, very real-world point that most discussions about this subject (like this one) miss, even as we all acknowledge our ability to see the narrative in which others are swimming.
I am a Jew. Never been to Israel. My family came to America, the Golden Land, family left Europe at different times (dad’s family after pogroms what is now Ukraine in late 1800s, mom’s from Austria in mid 1930s). I went to one of those Ivy League schools (Penn, which was heavily Jewish in the late 80s). I now live in Europe, interestingly enough, in France, which has a significant Arab and Muslim population.
The equation of Israel as a political entity with the entirety of Judaism, the knee-jerk anti-colonial arguments, the misreading of history – all of which are shortcuts born of either ignorance or spite – have demonstrably spurred anti-Semitism around the world.
Add to this the now pervasive intolerance of and resistance to sensible discussion.
It is a deeply disturbing and frankly scary time to be a Jew.
I should not have to conditionally justify my existence or beliefs by having to acknowledge that Bibi has made the situation a thousand times worse (which I believe as well).
I should not have to conditionally justify my existence or beliefs by having to acknowledge that the plight of innocent Palestinians is harrowing and counter to what Judaism stands for (which I do).
I have watched people who are acquaintances and even friends display that ignorance (call it slacktivism), or maybe they really believe that they are saying. It’s not my place to judge and I can’t know their intentions. But I see them regularly travel in anti-Semitic tropes and display a view of the world that only includes the convenient truths. I try to have a conversation about that with them. They don’t want to hear it.
I regularly feel under threat, psychologically and occasionally physically.
And in that context, I find it increasingly difficult to maintain a full heart, which is also antithetical to the teachings of my religion.
I am reminded of this article by Yonatan Zunger about tolerance.
It is hard for me to be tolerant in the face of intolerance.
I appreciate the thoughtfulness with which you’ve discussed the situation, @bhunt. I don’t know what your personal opinion is, but I am grateful that there is someone who has the courage to speak on both an intellectual and moral dimension.
Pure and simple- Biden is witholding military aid approved by Congress or curry favor with the heavy Muslim population in two key swing states.
Israel can’t not finish this job.
Israel appears close to crossing a Real World line with the Biden administration over Rafah.
Real threat or kabuki theater?
https://www.cnn.com/2024/05/08/politics/joe-biden-interview-cnntv/index.html
just letting @lpusateri and @Tanya know you incepted this… in Breaking News #9 I found myself making all of these Rolling Stones notes to myself. You two are apparently why! Probably for the better I didn’t define who was who and just stuck to song references, but this - thank you.
It is staggering to me that they sell themselves. The little boy in me says, “Say it isn’t so!!!”
Both outright corruption (bribes) and its legal cousins (lobbying, campaign contributions) have an enormously high ROI. It’s always staggering to me how cheaply politicians sell themselves.
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