This is a very important article that deserves a wide readership. I have frequently felt uncomfortable by the way that Western anti-Zionists tend to project our own ideas of "liberation" onto the Palestinians, without any real understanding of what it would take to establish a free Palestine.
My pleasure. It just happens to be a great, truly forward thinking analysis that presents a perspective which I think a lot of us have already considered - the viability of one state - but which I, at least, haven't previously seen laid out. You're pointing out a fundamental disconnect between what (well-meaning) Leftists want on the one hand, and what's feasible on the other, particularly in light of what Palestinians, themselves, want and need. This should be presented to good outlets with a bigger reach, like Electronic Intifada and Palestine Chronicle, for them to chew on as well.
It was actually published in Mondoweiss first (the article is linked at the very top of this page), but maybe next time we will try submitting to another one of these publications.
I think the examples of Zimbabwe and South Africa are important comparisons for a one-state solution. The power structures remained intact and now the white elite scream bloody murder at any thought of redistribution of land and/or wealth. I think Frantz Fanon's definition of decolonization where the last shall be first and the first last is a noble aim in this regard.
Speaking for those of us in Ireland, there is a political outlook in what the left say about Palestine because of the six counties and because it has brought together such a wide spectrum of people and then there is what we say in our own spaces in what decolonization is etc. Perhaps that's a cynical view, but it would be my experience.
Thanks for the article, Lara! Some unflitered thoughts I had along the way:
Regarding holding organizations accountable for their monetary support post-liberation: they could be penalized and have to pay some kind of a fine (reparations) to Palestinians.
Because Zionism's foundation is supremacy, a one democratic state with equal rights will naturally cause settlers who benefited from the apartheid, ethnic cleansing, and genocide to emigrate away from Palestine. And the right of return would leave the demographics as majority Palestinian, which will organically revert the way of life and cultural fabric back to Palestinian values rooted in caring for the land and community.
I would love for more dialogue to happen between Palestinians in the West Bank, Gaza, 48, and diaspora to be able to truly understand each other's perspectives and lived realities more.
Beautifully written, incisive and crucial analysis. Particularly grateful to read this at a time when liberals, right wing and mainstream forces alike are working overtime to whitewash narratives of liberation, demonize the resistance, and force normalizing liberal Zionist bile - rhetorical and material - on Palestinians more aggressively than ever. Thank you so much for this reference point and political clarity, Lara.
Excellent. Enlightening. Thank you. Makes perfect sense. I see the problem with fresh eyes. Not sure how militarised Israel can be dismantled sufficiently and the deprogramming of brain infected psychopathy of Zionist cultists can ever be achieved to not always be a constant threat to Palestinians. Complete sovereignty for Palestinians must be achieved.
Good article. The only point to be made about Tucker Carlson is that he is racist, sexist, transphobic and a supporter of US hegemony so any pronouncements he makes on Palestine are to be seen in light of this. If Beiner and co. only emphasised antisemitism, so far so typical!
In the one state, Jews would soon become a minority and lose control of the government.
Best is to go for the two-state solution which will require an international force to secure the borders and keep the peace. Then further reform is always possible, the options clearer and the strategies more viable.
This is a very important article that deserves a wide readership. I have frequently felt uncomfortable by the way that Western anti-Zionists tend to project our own ideas of "liberation" onto the Palestinians, without any real understanding of what it would take to establish a free Palestine.
This is some vital analysis! Thanks, Lara and GSC!!
Thanks so much for taking the time to read it, Jeff!
My pleasure. It just happens to be a great, truly forward thinking analysis that presents a perspective which I think a lot of us have already considered - the viability of one state - but which I, at least, haven't previously seen laid out. You're pointing out a fundamental disconnect between what (well-meaning) Leftists want on the one hand, and what's feasible on the other, particularly in light of what Palestinians, themselves, want and need. This should be presented to good outlets with a bigger reach, like Electronic Intifada and Palestine Chronicle, for them to chew on as well.
It was actually published in Mondoweiss first (the article is linked at the very top of this page), but maybe next time we will try submitting to another one of these publications.
I think the examples of Zimbabwe and South Africa are important comparisons for a one-state solution. The power structures remained intact and now the white elite scream bloody murder at any thought of redistribution of land and/or wealth. I think Frantz Fanon's definition of decolonization where the last shall be first and the first last is a noble aim in this regard.
Speaking for those of us in Ireland, there is a political outlook in what the left say about Palestine because of the six counties and because it has brought together such a wide spectrum of people and then there is what we say in our own spaces in what decolonization is etc. Perhaps that's a cynical view, but it would be my experience.
Thanks for the article, Lara! Some unflitered thoughts I had along the way:
Regarding holding organizations accountable for their monetary support post-liberation: they could be penalized and have to pay some kind of a fine (reparations) to Palestinians.
Because Zionism's foundation is supremacy, a one democratic state with equal rights will naturally cause settlers who benefited from the apartheid, ethnic cleansing, and genocide to emigrate away from Palestine. And the right of return would leave the demographics as majority Palestinian, which will organically revert the way of life and cultural fabric back to Palestinian values rooted in caring for the land and community.
I would love for more dialogue to happen between Palestinians in the West Bank, Gaza, 48, and diaspora to be able to truly understand each other's perspectives and lived realities more.
Beautifully written, incisive and crucial analysis. Particularly grateful to read this at a time when liberals, right wing and mainstream forces alike are working overtime to whitewash narratives of liberation, demonize the resistance, and force normalizing liberal Zionist bile - rhetorical and material - on Palestinians more aggressively than ever. Thank you so much for this reference point and political clarity, Lara.
Excellent. Enlightening. Thank you. Makes perfect sense. I see the problem with fresh eyes. Not sure how militarised Israel can be dismantled sufficiently and the deprogramming of brain infected psychopathy of Zionist cultists can ever be achieved to not always be a constant threat to Palestinians. Complete sovereignty for Palestinians must be achieved.
Good article. The only point to be made about Tucker Carlson is that he is racist, sexist, transphobic and a supporter of US hegemony so any pronouncements he makes on Palestine are to be seen in light of this. If Beiner and co. only emphasised antisemitism, so far so typical!
In the one state, Jews would soon become a minority and lose control of the government.
Best is to go for the two-state solution which will require an international force to secure the borders and keep the peace. Then further reform is always possible, the options clearer and the strategies more viable.
The same international forces have supported Israel for the last century though, why would the same arrangement now be any different?
Rope around yer neck
i agree