Attribution: Ashvio, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Featuring the Fabulous Dadbots: Mark M., Dave S., Mark O., Dennis C., Paul C., and Geoff Carter
It does not minimize the barbarity and cruelty of the Hamas attack upon Israeli citizens to recognize that there is a chronic problem underlying the terrorist attack.
Gaza originated as a refugee camp for 200,000 Palestinians fleeing the ethnic cleansing of the 1948 war that founded Israel. Originally administered by Egypt, it was captured by Israel in the 1967 Six Day War. The Israeli Army occupied Gaza until 2005, when the terrorist group Hamas won an election to run the territory. At that point, under right wing Prime Minister Ariel Sharon, Israel dissolved its settlements within the territory and withdrew its military forces. It instituted a blockade which has persisted until the current day. (It is also notable that since Hamas took power within Gaza, no further elections have been held.).
Since the inception of the Israeli blockade, Hamas has instigated four violent conflicts with Israel. These have usually consisted of rocket attacks upon nearby Israeli communities, and have been met with violent, disproportionate reprisals by the Israeli Defense Force (IDF). In response to some actual incursions of commandos into Israeli land via tunnel, Israel responded by building some 40 miles of secure, high tech fencing to wall in the Gaza Strip. It was this wall that was breached by Hamas terrorists in last week’s invasion.
Approximately two million Palestinians are blockaded within the Gaza Strip. It is crowded and dirty, and virtually lacking natural resources. Food, electricity, and fuel must all be imported. Half of Gaza’s population is under the age of 19, meaning they have never known leadership other than Hamas, or a living situation other than the blockade.
Life is confined and hopeless for this population. They are essentially living in a prison and their sentence is life. The maximalist positions taken by both Hamas and the Israeli government ensure that political progress can never be made. The living situation can only get worse.
Israel also controls the West Bank territories. Palestinian leadership in the West Bank is the somewhat more moderate and cooperative Fatah faction of the Palestinian Liberation Organization (PLO). In response to large scale rioting and suicide bombing attacks in the late ‘90s and early 2000s (first and second Intifadah), Israel has walled off large sections of the West Bank. Yet it provocatively continues to encourage the creation of Israeli settlements within West Bank territory. Almost half a million settlers live in these settlements, on land which the Palestinians would claim if a “two state” solution could ever be reached.
Given the conditions of oppression and apartheid under which Palestinians live, it is not surprising that they would mount an organized attack upon their oppressors. Yet the level of viciousness and inhumane atrocities is still shocking!
The nation of Israel is prosperous and powerful, but in its 75th year of existence, it has yet to meaningfully address the existential threat of the huge Palestinian population on its borders. Israel’s approach has always been to double down on violent reprisal, to wall off its neighbors, and to project a bellicose attitude of deterrence. This reactive approach ignores the root cause of the violent terrorism, and deals only with the symptoms of violence.
The existential threat to Israel is not only the security threat posed by Hamas in Gaza and Hezbollah in Lebanon. It is the threat that maintaining a nation on a continual war footing, and by addressing Palestinians only via violence and oppression, the nature of Israel society is changing. We know that war– whether it’s war on the Nazis, war against terror, or the war on drugs–justifies creeping authoritarianism. Under the threat of war, citizens willingly give up their freedoms in return for what has often proven to be illusory security.
Israel is not alone in facing existential threats to the structure of its society. Here in the United States, we have ignored a threat to our own way of life. That is the threat posed by the flood of weapons of mass destruction–handguns and assault rifles.
Just as Israeli hardliners push violence and reprisal as their only solution to the Palestinian threat, American conservatives–funded and enabled by pro-gun interest groups– push the spread of more guns as the only answer to the gun violence that pervades the US.
We’re moving to a society where large scale public gatherings will become a thing of the past. Each of us can relate to a feeling of unease at the movies, in stores, at ballgames, and in church, where we are vulnerable to the latest unhinged mass shooter. Meanwhile, a virtual Holocaust of dreary everyday gun violence has created war zones in our cities.
Our politics and our institutions seem incapable of addressing guns and gun violence. In response to more and more mass shootings, we get liberalization of gun laws at the state level, and Supreme Court decisions which make gun regulation essentially illegal.
I live in dread of the day when I answer my phone to learn that a family member or friend is a victim of a mass shooter, or a stray bullet. I can relate to the Israeli mother or father who lives in fear that their own loved ones will fall victim to Palestinian terrorism.
Mark M.
Good history and connecting to the killing tools—so handy, so precise and they come in all shapes and sizes. My reactions:
- During the last bloodshed in this region, I asked: Why does Hamas/Palestine go ahead and recognize Israel as a state in return for some chunk of land, or whatever at the negotiating table? Seemed like a cheap thing to give up (words, not land). Not only would they (maybe) get something in return, it could be the beginning of the end, (chimerical Dave again). It’ll never happen with current Hamas leadership—they’ve observed so much death that only one mission is burned into their souls. Also, I’m unsure if Israel has the same stance—Palestine does not exist? I thought they at least recognized that. And of course the strip and West Bank and other pieces of cohabitation lend evidence to that. Not saying Israel is a benevolent ruler, but they are not out for genocide.
- Dismal pieces such as this could be written many times over our lifetimes. Many more horrific—thinks me. Rwanda…all those machete killings…Idi Amin…Mexico. Over time we get closer and closer to these events—mostly cuz of iPhone and the internet. Imagine if we had iPhone videos of the aforementioned machete killings. (…probably do…not going to search…but I’m referring to decades ago).
- Which of course doesn’t mean we should shoulder shrug over this one. Au contraire—Mark does a nice job of elevating it.
- I’ve yet to worry about a public shooting. Naivete…living in the midwest… I blithely think of that stuff as big city ills or isolated suburb kids with indifferent, checked out, parents. I’m sure my day is coming. We have the isolated suburb box checked, surrounding us here in Madison.
- Mark does a nice job of putting Hamas leadership a little more under the microscope. I never thought of the masses being under minority rule, but that is it. A junta at that. And his observation of Hamas rulership “time in office”, (18 years), vs age of over half the population (19) of Gaza, stops one in their, (mine) tracks…
- Also the reminder (news to me), that Egypt was the initial architect of Gaza’s footprint is…I dunno… interesting. I doubt many would point to that and say Israel did not create this mess in the first place…after the “inception war” they may have created a similar mess, still, good to know the facts.
- No mention of Iran who seems by most everyone’s reckoning is the bank of weapons and cash funding this attack—I have Iranian friends who were quick to point that out.
- I liken the gun thing here to countrywide smoking, ignoring the obvious warning signs, headed to massive metastasizing. People get jaded, then there is no turning them around (most, not all), but it answers the question how do they sleep at night every time there’s another mass shooting—worse yet the racially motivated ones. (Update: Lewiston, Maine)
- Pop quiz: How many people were killed in that Nice truck attack? 10, 20…I mean how many can a truck keep mowing down? Sickens me to report: 84! I read it was a coordinated attack—not sure what group was responsible, but (8) are being tried–not a lone, rabid wolf.
- In terms of mass destruction…I’m confident we have the controls not to allow something world ending (and China too)…but Vlad…Iran…N. Korea…others…not so much confidence there. Every one of those—and more—need constant vigilance. Thanks to Trump we trashed what we had going re Iran…and didn’t even attempt to corral others—just the opposite.
- Also, good point on creeping authoritarianism. When 9-11 happened, the gloves came off instantly for most Americans. 2996 dead. Latest I read is 1000 ea in Gaza.
Yuk,
D.
Good parallel, Mark, between the existential threats of Israeli oppression and guns in the U.S. There is a similarity in that each of these entities justifies their need—even their existence—on security. Netanyahu and his right-wingers maintain they have to keep Gaza under their thumb by force to protect Israel’s existence and your typical gun-owning American thinks they need to own one to make themselves secure from the aimless Madison liberals and various illegal immigrants and minorities. And a great point about creeping authoritarianism.
We got a wake-up call on January 6th and lucked out, mostly because Trump was too thick to think through his plan. That threat of authoritarianism kicked us in the ass, but the more subtle, creeping attacks on voting rights, the building of a fearful (and well-armed) faction, and the slow erosion of trust in science, journalistic integrity, and the truth, is whittling away at our way of life.
I don’t know if there are any solutions, Dave. I hope so, but the rational humanists that used to rule this country seem to be losing ground every day.
G
Israel, Gaza, American gun-fetishism: MarkM stirs up the collective ‘bot consciousness yet again with another thought-provoking deep dive into big-picture intractable problems. ( I was still pondering some ideas elicited by his essay on underperforming schools, but world events move faster than my neural synapses…)
Regarding Hamas’ latest terrorist attack on Israel. What’s Hamas hoping to accomplish beyond lashing out with blind, brutal vengeance because the people they ostensibly govern are cooped-up in the poor, overcrowded wastelands of Gaza? Didn’t Hamas leadership realize what the backlash would be? Were they like, “Oh no, what a terrible surprise, Israel is retaliating sevenfold–bombing and taking over all the areas we attacked from, just like they said they would do, and just like they did every other time they were attacked. Who could have foreseen such a tragic outcome to our beloved people?”
Of course they knew what would happen; but I’m thinking Hamas couldn’t give two shits about the huddled Palestinian masses. Hamas is just hoping to cash-in on the 150-plus hostages they kidnapped. Some hostages might be exchanged for Hamas’ buddies currently held in Israeli prisons; some hostages have wealthy families who are willing to pay lucrative ransoms under-the-table to get their loved ones released with their heads still attached.
And where will all that sweet ransom money go? Probably to fund luxurious new homes and lavish lifetime pensions for Hamas leadership far, far away from the grimy, desperate land of Gaza.
DC
If I were in charge I’d put pressure on Saudi Arabia (and Qatar, and UAE and Egypt and…my ME expertise is not strong enough to finish the list…there are probably more). I might even resort to a Trump technique—childish shaming. I’ll just refer to the divine problem solver as Saudi, below, but it would be better if it was a collection of Arab states. Here’s my basis:
- You say you want to be a global leader…invest in renewables, build a futuristic city like Neom…currently you resort to LIV golf and offering $250M for Mbappe (who turned it down). Time to become a real player and suit up with the big boys. Solve a difficult problem. You have:
- Money galore to fund it.
- Know the language, culture far better than the West or near west (Euros)
- You have skin in the game—nuclear fallout blows your direction on average. ME instability is never productive.
- You sit on the sill of a new epoch. Stepping up now to minimize the bloodshed would be a turning point in history. (Don’t be like the US house dems and squander an opportunity to act like an adult).
- Heck, even Kenya is stepping up these days—sending troops to Haiti which is run by 15–25 yr. olds with assault weapons. Like Hamas those in charge in Haiti don’t wear uniforms.
- Time to become a global leader Saudi—be like the US, be like Kenya! (still shocked to hear that…must be something behind it…but let’s not get into that…just keep the altruistic thing going for now)
- Golf? Soccer? The world has zero respect for those sheepish moves.
Ain’t gonna happen, but even having Biden or other leaders, even pundits elevate Saudi’s inherent responsibility, (abdicated), to a world stage, might make it more likely to step in next time. Or plant the seed of how to avoid this next time.
-D
Apologies for the two consecutives—re Hamas. Dennis’ guess on “quiet ransom payments” and certain Hamas executives getting rich while the masses suffered got me thinking ‘bout all the shit we don’t know about. Never mind if Dennis is right or wrong, it’s good to be suspicious—especially in matters like this. On that front I read an article that pointed to a double standard on the US actions in Ukraine vs Gaza. Times, today…accusations came from developing countries. I didn’t see the double standard so I read it…didn’t get very far…stupid if you ask me. Not that our positions aren’t complicated. As often is the case, reader comments were more insightful than the story One suggested that Putin called in favors with Hamas and was behind this. Chaos agent. Far fetched? My mind went like this:
1. This was a big surprise.
2. Was bloody as hell.
3. What motivates such evil, all of a sudden like?
A: Obviously the situation is f’d up and just like the various atrocities in Ireland over the years one should never be surprised. But wait…maybe there’s another reason for this? Maybe the NY Times commenter was right? Iran has also been tabbed as the puppeteer.
Again, never mind if right or wrong—good to be suspicious—but interested in any and all ‘bot theories.
Speaking of chaos agents, NPR had on a ‘pub from North Dakota on this am—congressman, (not that whacko guv Doug Bergman—who is running for Prez.). Surprised to hear him refer to his freedom caucus colleagues as chaos agents. I think he used that exact term. Those (8) are an island…”Hamas-light”. Though he shouldered the blame—by his party, he did take a swing—at the Dems. His logic was leaders are elected to serve the American people, keep government running and the Dems chose politics over that when they didn’t support K-Mac. He didn’t come right out and say it, but noted these (8) currently running for speaker are lame…big shoes to fill and that K-Mac had high EQ—which they are all missing.
Ending on a dour note. Economist had on obit on a 50 yr old mayor of a village attacked by Hamas. So depressing. This guy was living right next to the hot zone—all his life. Missiles were common. An entrepreneur, he successfully created opportunities for all to rise up. The “let’s create peace via business” angle. Did something with an anemone bloom, similar to a tulip festival in Holland, MI, (or Mt. Vernon WA), Cedarburg Strawberry fest, Tomah Cranberry fest….Sole focus was on raising the big boat—no matter the race. Maybe the economist inflated his altruism…dunno, but his list of accomplishments was not small.
No good deed goes unpunished.
Dave.
If this blows up into a wider war, I would expect to see terrorism from Iranian proxies against the Saudis and other Gulf States. (Kuwait, Qatar, UAE, Bahrain, etc.). These are all Sunni states that lean West. None of them have ever done jackshit for the Palestinians other than fob some extra bucks at them. So I don’t see the Gulf States as having much leverage with Hamas.
The Russian chaos angle is interesting. But Hamas doesn’t need motivation from Putin to attack Israel. This horrible reprisal being endured by the Gaza Strip? All part of their plan. The Israelis of course are giving them what they want. That’s how they are programmed.
Hezbollah is primed to attack in force on Israel’s northern border. The timing is fortuitous, since the IDF will presumably be tied up in Gaza. That could draw in US air power, however. Not sure that Iran (which probably calls the Hez shots) actually wants to blow up the powder keg, however.
And there may be an uprising in the West Bank as well. Same distraction theory.
Competing anecdote to that Israeli mayor. Palestinian ER doctor who tried but could not save his own daughter. Then had to go bury her and his wife.
Spinning further into depression: A wider Mideast war would probably tank the world & US economy. And our oh so well informed electorate would turn from doddering old Joe to you-know-who.
Mark M.