Comments on: Noam Chomsky on the US, Israel, and Gaza http://www.thecommentfactory.com/noam-chomsky-on-the-us-israel-and-gaza-1298 Join And Start Writing Today! Tue, 09 Mar 2010 10:22:03 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.9.2 hourly 1 By: Phyllis http://www.thecommentfactory.com/noam-chomsky-on-the-us-israel-and-gaza-1298/comment-page-1#comment-2503 Phyllis Sun, 11 Oct 2009 00:44:26 +0000 http://www.thecommentfactory.com/?p=1298#comment-2503 Ignorance and half truths are bliss. If yuor neighborhood was being shelled with rockets what would you do? The current actione must incorporate the 5 wars and the consistent goal of pushing israel intot he sea. What do you think that means> And, if you were a PLO leader how much of the billions in aid and tax revenue would you put in a personal Swiss bank account or use for economic development? Ignorance and half truths are bliss. If yuor neighborhood was being shelled with rockets what would you do? The current actione must incorporate the 5 wars and the consistent goal of pushing israel intot he sea. What do you think that means> And, if you were a PLO leader how much of the billions in aid and tax revenue would you put in a personal Swiss bank account or use for economic development?

]]> By: John_Ruddy http://www.thecommentfactory.com/noam-chomsky-on-the-us-israel-and-gaza-1298/comment-page-1#comment-1576 John_Ruddy Mon, 23 Mar 2009 18:55:49 +0000 http://www.thecommentfactory.com/?p=1298#comment-1576 A general (and specific) question not directly linked to the Isreali intervention in Gaza but very pertinent to the Israel / Palestinian Conflict overall : Does anyone remember, or remember what happened to, the Arab League proposal put forward by King Abdullah of Jordan whereby the League would agree to Formal Recognition of the State of Israel (open up embassies and so on..) in return for Israel's ending the Occupation and withdrawing to the Internationally recognized borders of 1967 as mandated by the United Nations in 1948? - (Just that ; No insistence on the Right of Return for the refugees of 1948 which would lead to demographic imbalance - a source of disquiet for those Israelis who feel the Jewishness of the Jewish State could be undermined.) - It contained also the provision that the status of the City of Jerusalem could be settled by negotiation afterward. Even the strategic Golan Heights could be on the table in return,eventually, for adequate and non-strategic territorial compensation elsewhere. In the West the media seemed to bury this idea very quickly. But, of course, at that time Bush was in the White House and the Realpolitik of Ariel Sharon was in the ascendant in the Knesset. It is this Realpolitik that seems to be guiding the Israeli Government today: we keep what we got by conquest and we haggle interminably over the fitness of the armed resistance (terrorists) to be thought worthy- ( they treat their women abominably, are an undemocratic, tribal, patriarchal people living in the Middle Ages and so on and so on, all of which may have more than a grain of truth but is strictly beside the point) - or even capable of forming themselves into a modern political entity that could be called a State Still, if by some miracle, this Arab League proposal could be put to a World-wide vote, I am sure it would be adopted if only as a first step. Just think of what could be gained : Security for Israel, Justice for the Palestinians, and the rug pulled from under the feet of the terrorists on the one side and the dreamers of a Greater Israel -( all the land to the Jordan Valley)- on the other. If after that the terrorist violence continued, then the world would see that Israel's enemies really were intent on her destruction, the Arab League would be shamed for making promises it couldn't back up, the Sharon Realpolitik vindicated and pro-Palestinian apologists in the West seen to be the hypocrites that the Israel Lobby has always said they were. And, moreover, in the case of renewed terrorism, direct annexation of the West Bank would be morally justified as a measure of self defense. A general (and specific) question not directly linked to the Isreali intervention in Gaza but very pertinent to the Israel / Palestinian Conflict overall :
Does anyone remember, or remember what happened to, the Arab League proposal put forward by King Abdullah of Jordan whereby the League would agree to Formal Recognition of the State of Israel (open up embassies and so on..) in return for Israel's ending the Occupation and withdrawing to the Internationally recognized borders of 1967 as mandated by the United Nations in 1948?
– (Just that ; No insistence on the Right of Return for the refugees of 1948 which would lead to demographic imbalance – a source of disquiet for those Israelis who feel the Jewishness of the Jewish State could be undermined.) –
It contained also the provision that the status of the City of Jerusalem could be settled by negotiation afterward. Even the strategic Golan Heights could be on the table in return,eventually, for adequate and non-strategic territorial compensation elsewhere.
In the West the media seemed to bury this idea very quickly. But, of course, at that time Bush was in the White House and the Realpolitik of Ariel Sharon was in the ascendant in the Knesset.
It is this Realpolitik that seems to be guiding the Israeli Government today: we keep what we got by conquest and we haggle interminably over the fitness of the armed resistance (terrorists) to be thought worthy- ( they treat their women abominably, are an undemocratic, tribal, patriarchal people living in the Middle Ages and so on and so on, all of which may have more than a grain of truth but is strictly beside the point) – or even capable of forming themselves into a modern political entity that could be called a State
Still, if by some miracle, this Arab League proposal could be put to a World-wide vote, I am sure it would be adopted if only as a first step. Just think of what could be gained : Security for Israel, Justice for the Palestinians, and the rug pulled from under the feet of the terrorists on the one side and the dreamers of a Greater Israel -( all the land to the Jordan Valley)- on the other.
If after that the terrorist violence continued, then the world would see that Israel's enemies really were intent on her destruction, the Arab League would be shamed for making promises it couldn't back up, the Sharon Realpolitik vindicated and pro-Palestinian apologists in the West seen to be the hypocrites that the Israel Lobby has always said they were. And, moreover, in the case of renewed terrorism, direct annexation of the West Bank would be morally justified as a measure of self defense.

]]> By: Ish http://www.thecommentfactory.com/noam-chomsky-on-the-us-israel-and-gaza-1298/comment-page-1#comment-1015 Ish Wed, 21 Jan 2009 23:17:08 +0000 http://www.thecommentfactory.com/?p=1298#comment-1015 You mean he didn't get tenure at Loyola. I huge price to pay, I see. I hope you become better familiar with the tenure process. You mean he didn't get tenure at Loyola. I huge price to pay, I see. I hope you become better familiar with the tenure process.

]]> By: Ish http://www.thecommentfactory.com/noam-chomsky-on-the-us-israel-and-gaza-1298/comment-page-1#comment-1013 Ish Wed, 21 Jan 2009 23:13:11 +0000 http://www.thecommentfactory.com/?p=1298#comment-1013 What does this mean? I understand every word, but not the meaning. Logic is somehow missing (but passion is present). Gather under the banner of Palestine how? After eliminating Israel, per Hamas charter? Honor holocaust victims how -- by accepting rocket fire into civilian areas without complaint? Where does worshipping wealth come in at all? How does Israel who gives equal rights to Israeli Arabs come guilty of ethnic cleanising, but Hamas that would immediately eliminate any Jew who would want to live in Gaza City under its authority and explicitly refuses Jews any rights is not guilty of that? What does this mean? I understand every word, but not the meaning. Logic is somehow missing (but passion is present). Gather under the banner of Palestine how? After eliminating Israel, per Hamas charter? Honor holocaust victims how — by accepting rocket fire into civilian areas without complaint? Where does worshipping wealth come in at all? How does Israel who gives equal rights to Israeli Arabs come guilty of ethnic cleanising, but Hamas that would immediately eliminate any Jew who would want to live in Gaza City under its authority and explicitly refuses Jews any rights is not guilty of that?

]]> By: Ish http://www.thecommentfactory.com/noam-chomsky-on-the-us-israel-and-gaza-1298/comment-page-1#comment-1011 Ish Wed, 21 Jan 2009 23:05:26 +0000 http://www.thecommentfactory.com/?p=1298#comment-1011 Peace and Harmony? Rather than reading propaganda, try to get acquainted with mainstream research on this topic. The work of Bernard Lewis of Princeton may be enlightening in this regard. His research also contain references to thousands of sources than may help in further education, to make this discussion facts rather than rumors based. Peace and Harmony? Rather than reading propaganda, try to get acquainted with mainstream research on this topic. The work of Bernard Lewis of Princeton may be enlightening in this regard. His research also contain references to thousands of sources than may help in further education, to make this discussion facts rather than rumors based.

]]> By: Ish http://www.thecommentfactory.com/noam-chomsky-on-the-us-israel-and-gaza-1298/comment-page-1#comment-1009 Ish Wed, 21 Jan 2009 23:01:09 +0000 http://www.thecommentfactory.com/?p=1298#comment-1009 Dr Chomsky contributed greatly to the development of Linguistics (but his seminal work was published in the 1950s). He is revered in this discipline for his contributions. But his contribution to political science is, at best, questionable. At worst... never mind. Dr Chomsky contributed greatly to the development of Linguistics (but his seminal work was published in the 1950s). He is revered in this discipline for his contributions. But his contribution to political science is, at best, questionable. At worst… never mind.

]]> By: Ish http://www.thecommentfactory.com/noam-chomsky-on-the-us-israel-and-gaza-1298/comment-page-1#comment-1008 Ish Wed, 21 Jan 2009 22:58:09 +0000 http://www.thecommentfactory.com/?p=1298#comment-1008 On the economic side of things, you may remember that Gaza also has a border with Egypt (NOT controlled by Israel) and that there was no blocade (but a ton of aid that was invested into weapons and propaganda instead ) after the Israeli withdrawal in 2005. The response to which was (after, naturally, another proclamation of victory) a slew of rockets and mortar fire. Also, you may recall that Gaza has the largest per capita international aid allocation and one of the highest birth rates in the world. If Gaza's government was interested in economic development rather than "resistance," we would read now about their incredible economic growth rates instead as no other locale receives so much aid and potentially so much good will that could translate into business success. But with friends like you who cheer Gazans' self-destruction, who needs enemies/ On the economic side of things, you may remember that Gaza also has a border with Egypt (NOT controlled by Israel) and that there was no blocade (but a ton of aid that was invested into weapons and propaganda instead ) after the Israeli withdrawal in 2005. The response to which was (after, naturally, another proclamation of victory) a slew of rockets and mortar fire. Also, you may recall that Gaza has the largest per capita international aid allocation and one of the highest birth rates in the world. If Gaza's government was interested in economic development rather than "resistance," we would read now about their incredible economic growth rates instead as no other locale receives so much aid and potentially so much good will that could translate into business success. But with friends like you who cheer Gazans' self-destruction, who needs enemies/

]]> By: Patrick http://www.thecommentfactory.com/noam-chomsky-on-the-us-israel-and-gaza-1298/comment-page-1#comment-879 Patrick Sat, 17 Jan 2009 18:21:46 +0000 http://www.thecommentfactory.com/?p=1298#comment-879 Andy, i disagree with the whole islamic fascist label..yes they see homosexuality as wrong, and women have their place in society(im not condoning this now), but these views are derived from their religion, which is very important to them(perhaps because its all they have left)...look to our own country up until ,what thirty years ago, similar views were the norm, although perhaps not as extreme..We look at the islamic faith from a western, post 1960's perspective..they have had their way of life for 1500 years.. Andy, i disagree with the whole islamic fascist label..yes they see homosexuality as wrong, and women have their place in society(im not condoning this now), but these views are derived from their religion, which is very important to them(perhaps because its all they have left)…look to our own country up until ,what thirty years ago, similar views were the norm, although perhaps not as extreme..We look at the islamic faith from a western, post 1960's perspective..they have had their way of life for 1500 years..

]]> By: Andy, Ireland http://www.thecommentfactory.com/noam-chomsky-on-the-us-israel-and-gaza-1298/comment-page-1#comment-876 Andy, Ireland Sat, 17 Jan 2009 15:16:12 +0000 http://www.thecommentfactory.com/?p=1298#comment-876 Patrick I despise Israel's occupation of and attempted destruction of Palestine and its people, this won't end until america end military and economic aid to them. on the other hand I have absolutely no time for hamas,they are islamic fascists who murder homosexuals and treat women like second class citizens , just because they are elected doesn't mean you have to respect them, look at the Nazis. Patrick
I despise Israel's occupation of and attempted destruction of Palestine and its people, this won't end until america end military and economic aid to them. on the other hand I have absolutely no time for hamas,they are islamic fascists who murder homosexuals and treat women like second class citizens , just because they are elected doesn't mean you have to respect them, look at the Nazis.

]]> By: Patrick, Ireland http://www.thecommentfactory.com/noam-chomsky-on-the-us-israel-and-gaza-1298/comment-page-1#comment-817 Patrick, Ireland Thu, 15 Jan 2009 20:37:37 +0000 http://www.thecommentfactory.com/?p=1298#comment-817 Well said professor Zarrabi..The lust for material wealth, and the denigration of human decency, and denial of the fundamental truth that all men are created equally, is what has gotten the world into the state of affairs...We are all one..We will stand or fall together.. Well said professor Zarrabi..The lust for material wealth, and the denigration of human decency, and denial of the fundamental truth that all men are created equally, is what has gotten the world into the state of affairs…We are all one..We will stand or fall together..

]]> By: Kazem Zarrabi http://www.thecommentfactory.com/noam-chomsky-on-the-us-israel-and-gaza-1298/comment-page-1#comment-810 Kazem Zarrabi Thu, 15 Jan 2009 14:32:24 +0000 http://www.thecommentfactory.com/?p=1298#comment-810 Prof. Chomsky’s support for Palestinians and his sharp opposition to the crimes that Israel has been committing at Palestine should be highly admired. Indeed, what makes Noam Chomsky unique is his tireless struggle to clarify the truth and justice that nowadays have no meanings. Now, all that matters to us humans is the utmost greed, egoism, ethnocentrism, and indifference to the suffering of others. Every where humans are worshipping rich and powerful, and all those individuals who possess them. Don’t all these seem familiar? It is in this kingdom of evil that Chomsky has been calling us to his banner of “the truth and nothing but the truth.” Unfortunately, most of us are either wrapped in the glory of our ethnic and national flags or intoxicated by our pride and ignorance. The truth is that all that Israel has offered humanity so far are injustice, ethnic cleansing, genocide, and destruction. There are Israelis who can understand and digest this reality, and there are those who cannot because they cannot breathe outside their own tribe. It is also true that Jewish victims of the Third Reich have become the victimizers in Palestine. Noam Chomsky invites those of us who truly believe in human dignity to gather under the banner of the truth and justice for all. People of all faiths and ethnicities, atheists, and of course Jews and Israelis should gather under the banner in Palestine and the entire planet. Those Jews and non-Jews who truly honor the dignity of holocaust victims cannot identify themselves with the ruthless evil people that are committing genocide in Gaza. The ongoing carnage in Gaza is totally disgraceful to humanity and the holocaust victims. Dr. Kazem Zarrabi, Copenhagen, Denmark Prof. Chomsky’s support for Palestinians and his sharp opposition to the crimes that Israel has been committing at Palestine should be highly admired.

Indeed, what makes Noam Chomsky unique is his tireless struggle to clarify the truth and justice that nowadays have no meanings. Now, all that matters to us humans is the utmost greed, egoism, ethnocentrism, and indifference to the suffering of others.

Every where humans are worshipping rich and powerful, and all those individuals who possess them. Don’t all these seem familiar? It is in this kingdom of evil that Chomsky has been calling us to his banner of “the truth and nothing but the truth.” Unfortunately, most of us are either wrapped in the glory of our ethnic and national flags or intoxicated by our pride and ignorance.

The truth is that all that Israel has offered humanity so far are injustice, ethnic cleansing, genocide, and destruction. There are Israelis who can understand and digest this reality, and there are those who cannot because they cannot breathe outside their own tribe. It is also true that Jewish victims of the Third Reich have become the victimizers in Palestine.

Noam Chomsky invites those of us who truly believe in human dignity to gather under the banner of the truth and justice for all. People of all faiths and ethnicities, atheists, and of course Jews and Israelis should gather under the banner in Palestine and the entire planet.

Those Jews and non-Jews who truly honor the dignity of holocaust victims cannot identify themselves with the ruthless evil people that are committing genocide in Gaza. The ongoing carnage in Gaza is totally disgraceful to humanity and the holocaust victims.

Dr. Kazem Zarrabi,
Copenhagen, Denmark

]]> By: Engelbert http://www.thecommentfactory.com/noam-chomsky-on-the-us-israel-and-gaza-1298/comment-page-1#comment-781 Engelbert Wed, 14 Jan 2009 03:49:29 +0000 http://www.thecommentfactory.com/?p=1298#comment-781 Israel, the US and the EU constructed this horror when they punished the Palestinian people for voting for the less corrupt regime in free and honest elections. The blame is on all three of them. Israel, the US and the EU constructed this horror when they punished the Palestinian people for voting for the less corrupt regime in free and honest elections. The blame is on all three of them.

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