The Israeli-Palestinian conflict has been one of most publicized and long-standing ethnic conflicts of the last century, and therefore one of the most misunderstood. Most Americans know that it represents something important, but few have the motivation to take time and energy to delve into its history and complexity. Yet, without a doubt, this one issue has more far reaching implications than any other problem in the Middle East today.
To understand the Israeli-Palestinian conflict is to understand what is happening in the Middle East, and why our government has such a keen interest in having influence in the region. Moreover, the treatment of Palestinians by the Israeli military represents one of the most grievous humanitarian catastrophes taking place today.
In our evening of sharing and discussion, we'll consider the following questions:
- What are the real roots of this conflict? Is it primarily a religious or cultural conflict, or are there other factors at work?
- Why and how did the U.S. becomes Israel's unflinching ally?
- What exactly were Israel's wars of 1948 and 1967 all about, and how have they set the chessboard for almost every major political problem in the Middle East today?
- How did the modern borders of Israel, the West Bank and Gaza come into existence?
- Why is the Israeli army demolishing thousands of Palestinian civilian homes? (see the lead story on Amnesty Intl.'s website: http://www.amnesty.org/en/news-and-updates/feature-stories/israeli-army-destroys-palestinian-homes-20080214)
- Why is Israel building a separation wall between Israel and the West Bank? Why did Nelson Mandela compare modern day Israel to apartheid South Africa? (http://www.alinaam.org.za/library/mandela.htm)
As part of our discussion, we'll be watching a documentary called Occupation 101, a realistic look at what Palestinians are experiencing as the Israeli military continues its 40 year occupation of the West Bank. Discussion will precede and follow the film.
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check out the headline on bbcnews.com where barack obama discussed "the alliance between the u.s. and israel that is based on shared interests and values" - he also pledged an "unshakable commitment to israel's security" and wants to "ensure that israel can defend itself from any threat." the most interesting comment, i thought, was his plan to implement $30 BILLION in assistance to israel over the next decade. this is very disturbing to me in light of our last forum.
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