Moon of Alabama Brecht quote
November 21, 2023
There Are Certain Things I Can Not Write About

I have tried to write about Gaza. But I am too aghast, outraged and depressed to create a sensible piece.

So instead of coming up with something by myself I will leave you with a few links:

There is certainly more. But the above are the better ones of those pieces I have read.

Comments

It’s going to get a lot worse.

Posted by: Lavrov’s Dog | Nov 22 2023 1:32 utc | 201

Closet “anti-Semitists” coming out in droves; finally they can vent their old frustrations and jealousies, specially the German ones. The many Arab Semites good, the few Jewish ones bad. This concoction brewed in an Islam fear-Stockholm syndrome cauldron: better call it the Mecca-syndrome. Intellectuals defending THE populous anti-intellectual religion, illiterate Muhammad couldn’t have made it up.

Posted by: Antonym | Nov 22 2023 1:32 utc | 202

Speak for yourself. The west is not a political monolith.
Posted by: Ahenobarbus | Nov 22 2023 1:31 utc | 206
Out of pure curiosity: Please could you elaborate on the differences (for 20 points extra, name actual States not considered part of the monolith).

Posted by: Arch Bungle | Nov 22 2023 1:35 utc | 203

All of that is a total waste of effort while there is NO ONE on this planet willing to ENFORCE a Court Judgment of Genocide using overwhelming Military Force to defeat the State of Israel on the battlefield and anyone who might choose to defend it.
Posted by: Lavrov’s Dog | Nov 22 2023 1:13 utc | 202
Somewhat tangential:
International Law (at least as it pertains to war) has rightfully been called the “Victor’s Law”:
There is no instance of the Victor in a military conflict being held to account in an international court of Law for war crimes.
Being held to account for war crimes is therefore merely the penalty for military defeat.
Conclusion:
It is Might that makes ‘Right’.

Posted by: Arch Bungle | Nov 22 2023 1:43 utc | 204

Speak for yourself. The west is not a political monolith.
Posted by: Ahenobarbus | Nov 22 2023 1:31 utc | 206
I was speaking for myself. You do not speak for me. 🙂
It’s called an opinion based on a value judgement of what is going on in the world.
Anyone can read what I wrote: Lavrov’s Dog | Nov 22 2023 1:13 utc | 202 and elsewhere and make up their won minds.

Posted by: Lavrov’s Dog | Nov 22 2023 1:44 utc | 205

Posted by: Antonym | Nov 22 2023 1:32 utc | 208
Still furiously fellating your Jewish masters, I see.
You do realize the Jews would prefer to deal with China over India in any area on any day, right?
I hope you’re getting paid for your service because your loyalty to your White Jewish masters is not reciprocated.

Posted by: Arch Bungle | Nov 22 2023 1:47 utc | 206

Ed | Nov 21 2023 22:19 utc | 157
*** The UN must change the veto system to allow a majority of the people on planet earth to have a say …***
The US-empire and its allies control the UN vote of so many countries, that things could be far worse without Russia and China being able to veto.
Consider how many puppet regimes the US-empire has inflicted already…
and how many alleged “democracies” end up with governments voted into office thanks to them having offered prospective voters a manifesto of lies (eg. Zelensky) … or fake “choice” between establishment Parties effectively all the same one, with no genuine outsiders having any viable chance (eg. UK and USA).
Big money and mass-media control has much to do with it.

Posted by: Cynic | Nov 22 2023 1:52 utc | 207

Flotilla from Turkey heading to Cyprus and then Gaza with 1,000 vessels. They won’t be there in time to stop a slaughter if there is a massing of Israelis on the border as well as Israeli “allies” (US, UK, whatever) in the in the water off Gaza.
See https://www.iranintl.com/en/202311217898

Posted by: foggytowers7 | Nov 22 2023 1:56 utc | 208

The “shining city on the hill” turned out to be a walled city with guard towers, razor wire and klieg lights.

Posted by: Immaculate deception | Nov 22 2023 1:56 utc | 209

DunGroanin | Nov 21 2023 21:46 utc | 146 very good post. I just would like to say, quoting another peace person – I may not get there with you…. but I don’t think it will take as long as you are predicting. We will see (heh).
I thank b for his grouping of articles. They deserve to be talked about. I was grateful that he gave first Alistair Crooke’s article and his interview, because I was expressing my concern on the previous Palestine thread that Crooke was saying quite bluntly that all Israelis are zionists. If this is the case, it is the same as saying all Palestinians are terrorists — one or the other must be eradicated in order to have peace; that would seem the only solution.
But that is not the case, not for either of those entities. There are folk in each of them who actually like each other and can get along!! And that is where your post, DunGroanin, hits the nail on the head. Like Lawrence in the movie saying “Moses did it” (not a very good example I admit, but it was memorable) you say “Gandhi did it!” And what Gandhi did was bring ordinary people into the equation. Somebody is going to do that! And they, not any of the current bunch apparently, but Somebody, they are going to do that!
So, my quibble with Crooke is that he doesn’t bring ordinary people into the equation and that is a western blindness which we have noted on these forums in the past. He thinks the Israelis are all of one mind.
They are not.

…This credibility deficit can be witnessed in Israel itself. Not only is Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu losing credibility among Israelis, according to various public opinion polls, but the entire Israeli political establishment seems to be losing the trust of ordinary Israelis as well.[Antiwar]

And it will not only be Israelis who make the ultimate difference, though sadly it is going to take bravery and suffering to do so. As happened in South Africa, there will be a universal reaction, as already there is now, a Turning whose consequences will break genocide so visibly being perpetrated, will break the insanity.
Thanks also to karlof1 @ 88 for analysing the BRICS meeting. Great post; the pen is mightier than the sword. Thank goodness bangs or whimpers are not the last word, even for Eliot!

Posted by: juliania | Nov 22 2023 2:00 utc | 210

Conclusion: It is Might that makes ‘Right’.
Posted by: Arch Bungle | Nov 22 2023 1:43 utc | 210
Yes, exactly. I have said the same thing. Israel only exists today because “Might Makes Right”
And not because it was founded legally or morally under any International Law known to mankind, or founded on any kind of Justice nor technical Clause under the UN Charter, UN Resolution or any other institution.
I say again: Israel’s existence is a Crime against Humanity. One day the Power balance will shift and the State of Israel will no longer exist. Until then Israel remains a Criminal Regime

Posted by: Lavrov’s Dog | Nov 22 2023 2:02 utc | 211

danf51 | Nov 21 2023 22:45 utc | 168
*** Israel understands that it faces a dangerous ideology and deeply entrenched in an entire population.***
Unless you mean the Israelis realise themselves to be fanatically dangerous … no.
You don’t think billions of dollars worth of oil and gas (the Israelis do not own) could have anything to do with the Israeli desire to do away with all Palestinians?
That, plus the fact the Palestinians always lived on land the Israelis want to steal.

Posted by: Cynic | Nov 22 2023 2:03 utc | 212

https://www.indiatoday.in/world/story/israel-hamas-war-updates-gaza-hostages-deal-netanyahu-truce-us-qatar-2465946-2023-11-22?utm_source=directhp&utm_medium=clicktopstories&utm_campaign=hptopstories
This article admits what the zionazi dicksucking Modi regime and its mouthpiece India Today had been carefully not reporting: the zionist entity has for years been imprisoning Palestinian women and children as hostages. This is what all pro Palestine sources had been saying all along, of course, but the ziofilth and their toilet paper media only tacitly now admitted it.

Posted by: Biswapriya Purkayast | Nov 22 2023 2:03 utc | 213

could comment extensively on A. Crooke’s piece, many ideas about and disagreements with that one, but here’s just a snippet and comment:
https://strategic-culture.su/news/2023/11/20/will-scorpion-sting-us-frog/
“And what is the Israeli cabinet thinking about the ‘next war’? It thinks ‘Hizbullah. As one minister noted recently, ‘after Hamas, we will turn to deal with Hizbullah’.”
rewrite: “after Ukraine, we will turn to deal with Russia”
different rewrite: “after Russia, we will turn to deal with China”
or: “after Libya, Syria and Iraq, we are On The Road to Tehran”
sorry, folks, there ain’t no ‘after’ like these zionist liars, thieves and mass murderers believe, they live in a fantasy world, once again, much like their imperial masters in Washington DC, in London and in Brussels.
the israeli Elites think they can re-do some fantasy destruction 2006 Lebanon style, forgetting how they actually got their asses whooped. And Hezbollah is now 5-10 times stronger, and strategically wiser, especially after all the experience in Syria fighting the jihadists (that Israel supported – double whoop!)

Posted by: michaelj72 | Nov 22 2023 2:07 utc | 214

committing genocide to protect one’s people is now the acceptable rationale.

Posted by: Surferket | Nov 22 2023 2:13 utc | 215

Posted by: Lavrov’s Dog | Nov 22 2023 1:23 utc | 203
You left out the biggest hypocrite of Saudi Arabia shooting down Houthi missiles and drones to protect Israel.
You’re angry at China for maintaining their long held rule of non interference in other states’ affairs beyond use of legal international recourse.

Posted by: Surferket | Nov 22 2023 2:19 utc | 216

Hoarsewhisperer | Nov 22 2023 1:08 utc | 200–
I don’t intend to shut-up. Russia–Lavrov specifically–admits why the current situation is due to non-enforcement of the many mandates and that happened because no one made them.

Posted by: karlof1 | Nov 22 2023 2:21 utc | 217

Anyway, I’ve heard that Israel is in short supply of the missiles required for the Iron Dome. Evidently, Biden either cut production or they can’t make enough at present levels. I have no real source at this time. Also, the fact that Israel’s economy cannot hold up to a long term conflict makes me question just who will win.

Posted by: Immaculate deception | Nov 22 2023 2:24 utc | 218

Aljazeera commentary on the BRICS meeting over Gaza.
https://www.aljazeera.com/features/2023/11/21/brics-condemns-israel-war-on-gaza-in-signal-to-the-west

Posted by: Surferket | Nov 22 2023 2:26 utc | 219

Surferket | Nov 22 2023 2:19 utc | 222–
The Saudis don’t man those installations. Part of their internal angst is their semi-colonial status they’ve chained themselves into. Same goes for all the other occupied Arab nations, although the Iraqis are fighting back.

Posted by: karlof1 | Nov 22 2023 2:27 utc | 220

Posted by: karlof1 | Nov 22 2023 2:27 utc | 226
You mean the Iraqi militiamen. The Iraqi govt is busy counting the briefcases of US$ given to them to shut up. Even Sadr is strangely quiet.

Posted by: Surferket | Nov 22 2023 2:31 utc | 221

Anyway, I’ve heard that Israel is in short supply of the missiles required for the Iron Dome.
Posted by: Immaculate deception | Nov 22 2023 2:24 utc | 224
When it comes to the Patriot missiles it is certain that we can’t make enough. In the current period, an air defense has to have a whole range of defensive missiles. Otherwise the enemy will use up your hi performance and expensive missiles by sending in a great horde of much less valuable missiles and take out your air defense with them. Unless Israel has air defense in depth, that is, an array of defensive devices: like Ukraine, they are not going to be able to take down the incoming.

Posted by: Jmaas | Nov 22 2023 2:42 utc | 222

Posted by: Jmaas | Nov 22 2023 2:42 utc | 228
The SMO is a wake up moment in that you can never have enough stockpile of anything.
The Chinese will have to reconfigure their force deployment structure to work on fast production of low cost but big boom toys, and not their very expensive big ships.

Posted by: Surferket | Nov 22 2023 2:51 utc | 223

Surferket@229, agree. The smo was a game changer in the way war is conducted. North Korea, Iran, Russia and others have proven that low cost, high/low tech weapons are the future.

Posted by: Immaculate deception | Nov 22 2023 2:59 utc | 224

It is so ridiculous: the MoA bar crowd loves Palestinians while no Arab neigbor nation wants to shelter let alone settle them!
Woke western left-overs, the worst of the worst.
50$ CCP army excused, they have to make a living.

Posted by: Antonym | Nov 22 2023 3:00 utc | 225

Posted by: Antonym | Nov 22 2023 3:00 utc | 231
Cope.

Posted by: Arch Bungle | Nov 22 2023 3:09 utc | 226

As the occupying power, its Israel‘s duty to care and protect the refugees.

Posted by: Exile | Nov 22 2023 3:32 utc | 227

Antonym 231. There’s Gateway Pundit and pretty much any news site in the USA, that you would probably be more comfortable commenting on. Personally, I’m not religious, but I don’t begrudge those that are. Furthermore, this is not a religious war. It’s geo-politics/economic. I think you can still buy Flavor aid. And I hear there’s some nice property in Guyana.

Posted by: Immaculate deception | Nov 22 2023 3:43 utc | 228

You’re angry at China for maintaining their long held rule of non interference in other states’ affairs beyond use of legal international recourse.
Posted by: Surferket | Nov 22 2023 2:19 utc | 222
I admire China’s policy of non interference and it’s best-effort attempts to align with ‘international law (neither international, nor law).
What I cannot forgive China for is it’s delayed efforts to capitalize on The Empire’s weak position in the Middle East.
If China fails to sieze the opportunity to deliver a coup de grace to the Anglo American Empire in the Middle East soon, I’m afraid it should prepare itself for yet another century of humiliation …
The collapse of the Empire under it’s own hubris is far from guaranteed, after all, hubris is it’s normal mode.

Posted by: Arch Bungle | Nov 22 2023 3:45 utc | 229

Remember the Kuwaiti ambassador’s daughter, LARPING as a nurse, boo hoo ing about how Iraqis had stolen hospital incubators and thrown the premature babies on the floor to die? The Iraq Incubator Babies fairy story to gin up support for the Iraq Genocide?
We now have an Israeli actress, LARPING as a Palestinian nurse at the Al Shifa complaining about how Hamas had taken over the hospital and how glad she was that those nice Zio folk had blown up the hospital and everyone in it to smithereens.
I don’t mind all the lies – it’s just in their nature, they can’t help it. But with all the millions of shekels they shell out to folk like Antonym, you’d think they could at least come up with some new material from time to time.
Still, I suppose like they say, the old favourites are always the best.

Posted by: anon | Nov 22 2023 3:47 utc | 230

I was quite impressed by Colonel Lawrence Wilkerson on Judge Napolitano. I hadn’t watched a session with him before.
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=4As5pIOYIIo

Posted by: tawharanui | Nov 22 2023 3:49 utc | 231

‘Heard a four day ceasefire was just agreed to. What makes me think this ceasefire won’t last a whole four days? All probability is that Israel will start itching to start dropping bombs well before then.

Posted by: Gee Eye Joe | Nov 22 2023 3:50 utc | 232

Dear B,
May I suggest you post something, however short, on the Houthis’ seizure of the Israeli-owned ship MV Galaxy Leader in the Red Sea?
The implications of the seizure may be far-reaching. The Red Sea is a significant sea lane in the global shipping network connecting the Indian Ocean with the Mediterranean Sea via the Suez Canal. Yemen may be a minnow in the world economy and especially in the global financial industry but the seizure of the ship may be the start of unofficial restrictions or sanctions on Israeli-owned or managed commercial ships if other countries in the immediate region (or even beyond) emulate the Yemeni example. Who would want to put cargo on such ships if there is a chance that a third party government or agency (such as pirates) will target the ships for seizure?
Depending on what sources you read, the MV Galaxy Leader is owned or part-owned by Ray Shipping Ltd, based in Tel Aviv and owned by Abraham and Yael Ungar. The Ungars are one of the richest families in Israel. Abraham Ungar himself is a friend of the Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant. You will probably not be surprised that Ungar has been linked to various financial corruption scandals involving Israeli politicians including Gallant.
The technical manager of the MV Galaxy Leader is Stamco Ship Management Company Limited, based in Greece, and its registered owner is Galaxy Maritime Inc, incorporated in the Isle of Man in the UK. Galaxy Maritime Inc may be owned by Ray Car Carriers whose owner is (again) Abraham Ungar.
Houthis ‘hijack’ Israeli-owned car carrier Galaxy Leader

Posted by: Refinnejenna | Nov 22 2023 3:56 utc | 233

The strategy is to use your cheap missiles/rockets/drones to deplete your enemies expensive rocket/missile/drone defenses, and then you unlimber your fewer in number but big-boom & accurate stuff on them.
I hypothesize that that is the strategy of “the resistance” in this war. It seems clear that has been Iran’s approach.
But it all hinges on what your enemy has for defenses against that sort of thing.
The basic idea has been there since WWII, and seems to get more popular all the time.
Puts the emphasis back on mass production rather than fewer more-expensive things.
The US military hates the idea.
Russia, China and Iran also have expensive big-boom stuff nobody can shoot down yet, used spareingly.

Posted by: Bemildred | Nov 22 2023 3:59 utc | 234

Posted by: Arch Bungle | Nov 22 2023 3:45 utc | 235
China is a Pollyanna always thinking US is just a good guy inside who will realise he strayed off the humane path and reform after much talking to.

Posted by: Surferket | Nov 22 2023 4:10 utc | 235

We now have an Israeli actress, LARPING as a Palestinian nurse at the Al Shifa complaining about how Hamas had taken over the hospital and how glad she was that those nice Zio folk had blown up the hospital and everyone in it to smithereens.
Posted by: anon | Nov 22 2023 3:47 utc | 236
Even Western news didn’t fall for it this time.
France24 (YouTube) has a piece discussing this fakery in some detail. The comment section is interesting.

Posted by: Arch Bungle | Nov 22 2023 4:14 utc | 236

Posted by: Arch Bungle | Nov 22 2023 3:45 utc | 235
Besides, pretty much the whole none western world is still US$ centric in trade settlement except for a very tiny number of countries whose economy is big enough to insist on non US$ trade settlement. Crashing the US$ now will likewise crash the whole world economy which will affect China too. Global billions will be in poverty for decades.
Hence, both Russia and China have to curb the imperial wars first which is harder since it’s genetically coded into the US/UK genes.

Posted by: Surferket | Nov 22 2023 4:18 utc | 237

Posted by: Surferket | Nov 22 2023 4:10 utc | 242
I wouldn’t go that far. The Chinese don’t think in terms of “friends” and “enemies” or good guys vs. bad guys.
However they do tend to think that if they just avoid confrontation they’ll be fine.
Their one persistent defect in strategic planning is not realizing that if they fail to confront the enemy on their terms, they’ll eventually have to confront the enemy on his.

Posted by: Arch Bungle | Nov 22 2023 4:21 utc | 238

@Badger | Nov 21 2023 19:32 utc | 90
Thanks for that machine translation.
I agree.
This is a comment l posted on Jonathan Cook’s latest piece:
Israel can only carry out genocide with the active support, funding, supply of weapons, diplomatic cover, and intelligence supplied by the United States. Support from the EU and UK is secondary. The US and the oligarchy that controls it are ultimately responsible for the Gaza genocide.
https://open.substack.com/pub/jonathancook/p/israel-and-its-allies-are-repurposing

Posted by: tawharanui | Nov 22 2023 4:23 utc | 239

Some international law refs and comments fwiw
Russia / China and Iran / Turkey too are totally ignoring the UN Charter Chapter 7 article 51 – combined self-defense — and responsibility to protect — playing geopolitical gamesmanship of self-interest – while lying about it ie duplicitous imo.
Sure much better rhetoric and narratives than the US and UK and NATO but what kind of comparison is that all about? Putin crowing he’s better than Biden and the US? Wow, big deal not.
I’m not impressed one bit by Putin, Lav or Zak or Russia on these matters – it’s a cop out imo. see what the USSR did in SA an equivalent situation imo
https://www.sahistory.org.za/article/union-soviet-socialist-republics-ussr-and-anti-apartheid-struggle
-skim down to last 25% the 70s on and compare the ‘conservative’ approach then to now and gaza.
Putin puts himself and Russia up as a friend of Israel, a reliable mediator(?), while Israel is trashing him personally and Russia in the UN? – @ RT 586542-israel-attack-russia-un/ – how can you be a friend of Israel the genocidal lying war criminal racist state who is being backed in by the US who is also a known war criminal and lying scum of the earth?
They are extreme hypocrites imo and yes, weak and cowardly.
Israel is a war criminal committing Genocide and breaking every Geneva Convention in the book almost — there are substantial grounds for States like Russia and China on which to take PROTECTED LEGALLY SANCTIONED military action against Israel under UN auspices or not.
The Occupying power has no right to self-defense against the Occupied population.
The Occupying power has no right to seize or annex the land of the Occupied territory.
The Occupying power has no right to relocate it’s own people into the Occupied territory.
The Occupying power is 100 % legally responsible for the general well-being, security, and humanitarian needs of the Occupied population.
Everything Israel is doing and has been doing for decades is a definable War Crime under the Geneva Conventions (Treaties) aka International Law.

But still not one nation or alliance of nations will be coming to defend, protect, or support the rights and lives of the Occupied population of Palestinians.
Certainly not Australia, or Canada, or Japan, Not even the Arabs, Turkey, Iran nor Indonesia. Nor Russia or China. And definitely not America or NATO nor anyone in Europe.
It’s easy to find the factual truths such as :
Geneva Convention (IV) on Civilians, 1949 – Article 49 – IHL Treaties
The Occupying Power shall not deport or transfer parts of its own civilian population into the territory it occupies.
IF they do it’s an International War Crime, the leadership and military personnel punishable in a Court of Law, and a legally valid cause to support military action against the Occupier under the UN doctrine of Responsibility to Protect.
The problem has been no nation or group of nations have had the courage, the guts, the power, the vision nor the will to act on it.
Maybe start here:
GENEVA CONVENTION IV
RELATIVE TO THE PROTECTION OF CIVILIAN PERSONS
IN TIME OF WAR OF 12 AUGUST 1949
https://www.un.org/en/genocideprevention/documents/atrocity-crimes/Doc.33_GC-IV-EN.pdf
For example: issues are definitive and extremely clear:
Quote
A RT. 17. — The Parties to the conflict shall endeavour to
conclude local agreements for the removal from besieged or
encircled areas, of wounded, sick, infirm, and aged persons, children
and maternity cases, and for the passage of ministers of all religions,
medical personnel and medical equipment on their way to such
areas.
ART. 18. — Civilian hospitals organized to give care to the
wounded and sick, the infirm and maternity cases, may in no
circumstances be the object of attack, but shall at all times be
respected and protected by the Parties to the conflict.
ART. 33. — No protected person may be punished for an offence
he or she has not personally committed. Collective penalties and
likewise all measures of intimidation or of terrorism are prohibited.
Pillage is prohibited.
Reprisals against protected persons and their property are
prohibited.
iow the Palestinians only need someone with the power to enforce the above militarily.
which they don’t.
————————————————-
Quote
ALL The Geneva Conventions of 1949 and their Additional Protocols
29-10-2010 Overview
The Geneva Conventions and their Additional Protocols are international treaties that contain the most important rules limiting the barbarity of war. They protect people who do not take part in the fighting (civilians, medics, aid workers) and those who can no longer fight (wounded, sick and shipwrecked troops, prisoners of war).
The Geneva Conventions of 1949 and their Additional Protocols
https://www.icrc.org/en/doc/war-and-law/treaties-customary-law/geneva-conventions/overview-geneva-conventions.htm
Every nation on Earth refuses to act – it is Unconscionable and Immoral.
A pox on all of them, our nations included.

Posted by: Lavrov’s Dog | Nov 22 2023 4:27 utc | 240

Hi
My simple opinion,,,Hamas and the resistance,,, need only 12 more fight ,we Jew criminals.. USA is financially broken
Jew Israel the way to be broken financially..they need to cut all the supplies to Israel for 12 months,oil, gas, food, transport, international traffic , and many more.
Hamas and the resistance, can win…. time.

Posted by: Cel | Nov 22 2023 4:28 utc | 241

Posted by: Lavrov’s Dog | Nov 22 2023 4:27 utc | 247
You really don’t understand China at all and see it with western Might is Right eyes.
China is the proverbial nation of shopkeepers. Every Chinese wants to be a businessman. Not a warmonger. Once you get that point then you understand why Chinese govt need to actually make a law to shit. Chinese laws make it illegal for Chinese private security companies to own weapons to protect Chinese commercial shipping from pirates. The Chinese ship owners have to employ western private security guards that are licenced to carry firearms.

Posted by: Surferket | Nov 22 2023 4:42 utc | 242

@karlof1 | Nov 21 2023 20:20 utc | 108
Yes, the US shale oil and gas boom will come to an end.
Output at the major fields will peak and begin to decline by 2025. After that, the US is toast in terms of petroleum and gas. Even Canada can’t cover the shortfall, and a military conquest of Venezuela is unlikely to make a difference. From here on, KSA, UAE and Qatar moving increasingly into the Chinese orbit will signal “checkmate”.

Posted by: tawharanui | Nov 22 2023 4:44 utc | 243

just finished watching this.. 58 minutes and gives you a very good overview of what is still happening, perhaps much worse in 2023..
Louis Theroux: The Ultra Zionists (2011)
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Louis_Theroux
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Ultra_Zionists

Posted by: james | Nov 22 2023 4:54 utc | 244

There is no one who will do that. Russia and China for example are as weak as piss.
Posted by: Lavrov’s Dog | Nov 22 2023 1:13 utc | 202
I’d include India. The big countries are not doing much because they are not angels. They are afraid of repercussions over their own past actions. India has had several leaders who have abused Muslims, and that includes India’s current leader. China likewise has Muslim issues they are uncomfortable with. Russia has many minorities to deal with, including both Jewish and Muslims.
It is a common practice for a foreign entity to offer to stir up resentments and then help a minority area fight for secession.
But together they might be brave enough to do something. Watch what the BRICS states may come up with.

Posted by: HelenB | Nov 22 2023 5:15 utc | 245

@Emily Dickinson | Nov 21 2023 23:07 utc | 178
Thanks for the info. Noted. I won’t be watching them again.

Posted by: tawharanui | Nov 22 2023 5:17 utc | 246

Reuters version of the story

Israel’s government and Hamas agreed on Wednesday to a four-day pause in fighting to allow the release of 50 hostages held in Gaza in exchange for 150 Palestinians imprisoned in Israel, and the entry of humanitarian aid

Posted by: psychohistorian | Nov 22 2023 5:21 utc | 247

@ Surferket | Nov 22 2023 4:42 utc | 249
Actually it is you who is not understanding me, and projecting onto me your own distorted perceptions.
I am in fact speaking out against the notion of “Might Makes Right”. You say the opposite.
I do not give moments thought to Chinese shopkeepers, I am directly addressing the accountabiity and unconscienable behaviour and neglect of Internation Law, of the Chinese Government, it’s political and diplomatic leaders who have national responsibiltiy for China’s actions in situations like this.
I am pointing out there are Geneva Conventions being broken and international laws of genocide and crimes against humanity, and there are available legal protections that call on nations such as China to act to protect life and limb from said crimes against humanity — the legally ordained right of a nation under the Responsibility to Protect, the Geneva Conventions and the UN Charter sect 51, and so on.
https://www.un.org/en/chronicle/article/responsibility-protect
I am calling out Chinese State (and others) for abdicating it’s global responsibility as a member of the United Nations because it is one of a few nations that actually possess the power at act in this situation and apply their military for the good of humanity and to protect lives immediately right now today and into the future.
On this point it is surely lacking and should be condemned by history for it’s inaction.
OK, so you still disagree? Fine. Argue your points including on the UN Charter and International Law. Prove me wrong. Don’t just throw cheap racist shots in my face (oh you silly westerner you).
I don’t care one bit about the mentality or beliefs of Chinese shopkeepers or Chinese law about who can carry a gun. It’s irrelevant and of no interest to me whatsoever.
I am talking about President Xi and China the Nation State in regards to the ongoing war crimes and crimes against humanity being committed by Israel in and around Gaza and Lebanon.

Posted by: Lavrov’s Dog | Nov 22 2023 5:22 utc | 248

@KMRIA | Nov 22 2023 0:49 utc | 195
Yes, I agree. Palestinians are the concentration camp inmates. They have been abused for four full generations but the majority still retain their humanity. In contrast, the majority of Israelis are either gung-ho for genocide or resigned to its necessity.

Posted by: tawharanui | Nov 22 2023 5:31 utc | 249

@KMRIA | Nov 22 2023 0:49 utc | 195
Yes, I agree. Palestinians are the concentration camp inmates. They have been abused for four full generations but the majority still retain their humanity. In contrast, the majority of Israelis are either gung-ho for genocide or resigned to its necessity.

Posted by: tawharanui | Nov 22 2023 5:31 utc | 250

You’re angry at China for maintaining their long held rule of non interference in other states’ affairs beyond use of legal international recourse.
Posted by: Surferket | Nov 22 2023 2:19 utc | 222
It is just this kind of thinking that has created the situation we’ve been in for over a century at least.
What is happening in Gaza, and on the borders with Lebanon IS NOT ISRAEL’S INTERNAL AFFAIRS.
They are International War Crimes, Crime Against Humanity and extended Acts of Genocide.
These issues are global issues for all of Humanity, not some nation state’s minor internal affairs under it’s sole jurisdiction to “manage” as it sees fit.

Posted by: Lavrov’s Dog | Nov 22 2023 5:37 utc | 251

Posted by: Lavrov’s Dog | Nov 22 2023 5:22 utc | 254
You clearly don’t give a shit for why China doesn’t go beyond legalities and the principles of non interference in other states’ affairs. That’s the key foundation of China’s official state to state principles.
Other countries don’t care about that so it’s up to them to file case against Israel in ICC.
And why aren’t you barking up the Arab trees for their own deliberate blindness against the genocide of the Palestinians? That’s the real big crime.

Posted by: Surferket | Nov 22 2023 5:38 utc | 252

And international crimes across the West Bank, and in Jerusalem / Al Quds, and have been for decades. None of this is Israel’s sovereign right or internal affairs to be respected by all other states – none of it is.
Israel has lost all such rights as an independent nation state.

Posted by: Lavrov’s Dog | Nov 22 2023 5:40 utc | 253

Posted by: Lavrov’s Dog | Nov 22 2023 5:40 utc | 259
Too bad. That’s reality. Its the rules based international order of the west.

Posted by: Surferket | Nov 22 2023 5:43 utc | 254

You clearly don’t give a shit for why China doesn’t go beyond legalities and the principles of non interference in other states’ affairs. That’s the key foundation of China’s official state to state principles.
Posted by: Surferket | Nov 22 2023 5:38 utc | 258
That is an insane comment to be making. You have lost the plot. I say Fuck such a piss weak cowardly excuse for China if this is what it is relying upon. I have not heard them state it – and I am not about to reply on your irrational disjointed thinking as being qualified to speak for China or Xi.
YOU are not China’s spokesperson, stop pretending you are or have the right present their case here. YOu do not.
Now, regarding:
“Other countries don’t care about that so it’s up to them to file case against Israel in ICC.
And why aren’t you barking up the Arab trees for their own deliberate blindness against the genocide of the Palestinians? That’s the real big crime.”

Oh right – so that’s a BIG CRIME but what the Nuclear armed China is doing is being a humble and respectful shopkeeper? Seriously you have really lost it here. You lose.
Now pay really close attention here. I have taken the Arab states to task for the very same reasons. Go look. Along with western nations. Go look. And Russia. And Iran. Go look!
Please, enough of your oversensitive hysterical hand waving racial biases – it’s sickening.
Either deal with what I actually say or forget it.

Posted by: Lavrov’s Dog | Nov 22 2023 5:49 utc | 255

tawharanui | Nov 22 2023 4:44 utc | 250–
Thanks for your reply. We should see oil imports and overall prices rise in 2024 regardless events in West Asia.

Posted by: karlof1 | Nov 22 2023 5:55 utc | 256

Those female IDF spotters whose male superiors contradicted their concerns about unusual activity near the Gaza border fence have written that the IDF superior officers were lying to them.
They write as if they were unaware that Zionism is Political, and in today’s world , politics means duplicity, not just in Zionism but in every department, especially in business and employment.
Their testimony suggests that their training , even as military staff, omitted training in politics and in that case the IDF fresh military graduates at the rave should definitely NOT be seen as combatants, but civilians who had received some technical military competence.
Hamas are portrayed as fully politicised and fully militarised but the ravers and the spotters are total innocents. I went to Israel as a guest of Israelis in 1977 and the family were Israeli left wing journalists with connections to Australia. Long before Sharon encarcerated the Palestinians in Gaza.
I often ask myself whether the ordinary people of Britain actually knew about the African Slave trade. And then I ask myself if ordinary South Asian Muslims living in Britain today actually know about political Islam’s connections to USUKIS hegemony politics.
What’s the difference ? They both reconcile Themselves to the dissonance between what they control and what their government controls.
Nobody can be accused of condoning evil if they realistically have no control over it.
But in my case a shrink once accused me of condoning something which I radically oppose to the bottom.of my heart. Sanity is when your heart witnesses what evil your society is dictating you to accept, and you actively oppose it. Insanity is when you see the civil and condone it.
Hence I am logically compelled to oppose the lying polity of England where I live, and the lying polity of Zionism and the lying polity of US imperialism, and the lying polity of political Islam, wherever it shows its ugly head.
The least I can do is articulate my total oppisition to it.
If our generous host at MoA is feeling conflicted by internal and external restrictions on what he, bless him , can express. That’s life.
Satire is the safest , and maybe only, way to express the conflicted nature of human witness.
One Amelek says to his mate in the Negev desert,
” These Jews have been condoning apartheid under Pharaoh for generations while we’ve been living on grass and insects in protest in the Desert. Let’s attack them now they’ve escaped.” Mate replies ,
” Nah mate, you can your
high principles. God must have a plan for them. Let’s wait.”
So they wait, and see God shading them with a cloud and feeding them with Manna and Quails.
” Oi Gaffer! Any chance of a manna and quail sandwich? We’re starving . ”
But they get massacred and genocided.
” Listen,if anybody asks why we did it , just say Isiah told us to do it. Winners write history. Might makes right.”

Posted by: Giyane | Nov 22 2023 5:56 utc | 257

Every nation on Earth refuses to act – it is Unconscionable and Immoral.
A pox on all of them, our nations included.
Posted by: Lavrov’s Dog | Nov 22 2023 4:27 utc | 247
Not all of them.
Iran. Yemen. Shia Lebanon. Shia Iraq.
While all the nations of the earth blathered on about Law, and preened themselves in the security council, the last free men on earth stood up for what it means to be human.

Posted by: Arch Bungle | Nov 22 2023 5:57 utc | 258

Too bad. That’s reality. Its the rules based international order of the west.
Posted by: Surferket | Nov 22 2023 5:43 utc | 260
Which is precisely what I have been finding fault with and criticizing. Are you perhaps dyslexic or on the autistic spectrum? Because you are clearly not following anything being said nor what it’s overriding meaning is. (shrug)

Posted by: Lavrov’s Dog | Nov 22 2023 5:57 utc | 259

Posted by: Lavrov’s Dog | Nov 22 2023 5:49 utc | 261
This is China. I live in China.
Deal with it. China will never be the dog holding the big war stick and waving it in everyone’s face. China would rather talk and do business. There’s 1.44 billion citizens to keep happy and not waste time and energy on non China issues that can blow up in their faces.
You’re angry? Go fuck the Yews then.
The real problem lies with the Arabs bullshit hypocrisy. They hate the Palestinians more than the Yews. Deal with that.

Posted by: Surferket | Nov 22 2023 5:59 utc | 260

“China likewise has Muslim issues they are uncomfortable with.”
Posted by: HelenB | Nov 22 2023 5:15 utc | 252
That’s the US bullshit line. China has issues with extremism, regardless of whether it’s jihadism, Christian rightwing, Falungong. Extremism.
10 of China’s ethnic minority groups are Muslims totalling 18 million people and they are found all over China. Even Han ethnic have converted to Islam.

Posted by: Surferket | Nov 22 2023 6:12 utc | 261

More IDF goons join the Palestinian Moon programme:
Al Qassam blows up Israeli platoon in Gaza city
Not to indulge in war spectacle, but they really did go up in spectacular fashion …

Posted by: Arch Bungle | Nov 22 2023 6:12 utc | 262

Posted by: Arch Bungle | Nov 22 2023 6:12 utc | 268
Most ordinary readers don’t read beyond their MSM to know that the Zionazis are having a bad time actually moving into the Gaza urban areas.
There’s a good reason why the tanks are without infantry support. There’s a nice video of Palestinian snipers taking down a group of invaders thinking they are out for a stroll.
Even Hezbollah are launching Zionazis into space.

Posted by: Surferket | Nov 22 2023 6:17 utc | 263

Arch Bungle | Nov 22 2023 5:57 utc | 264
All praise the various armed militias but they aren’t nations states except Iran. It’s got better rhetoric than anyone but the Saudis and South Africa are improving a little. At least they can use the words crimes and genocide. Russia and china are incapable. And South Africa look like cutting diplomatic channels and shutting down the Israeli embassy. It’s a start.
https://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2023/11/21/715019/Iran-Raeisi-BRICS-online-summit-Gaza
Karl’s review surely tells the sad story over all. This is I expect the best we’ll get from any quarters.
https://karlof1.substack.com/p/brics-emergency-summit-and-other

( china china china me me me ) China will never be the dog holding the big war stick and waving it in everyone’s face. China would rather talk and do business. […] You’re angry? Go fuck the Yews then. The real problem lies with the Arabs bullshit hypocrisy. They hate the Palestinians more than the Yews. Deal with that.
@ Surferket | Nov 22 2023 5:59 utc | 266

I’m not angry. But I can recognize really stupid, egotistical and ignorant when I see it.
The wild hand waving hysterics is very entertaining, though you need more cowbell.
‘Surferket’ noted, and not to be forgotten. Plonk!

Posted by: Lavrov’s Dog | Nov 22 2023 6:26 utc | 264

Israeli airstrike targeted and killed 2 Almayadeen reporters just after they finished reporting.
https://english.almayadeen.net/news/politics/-israel–deliberately-kills-al-mayadeen-s-crew-in-south-leba
https://t.me/presstv/80250

Posted by: Surferket | Nov 22 2023 6:27 utc | 265

Details of the 4 Days truce.
#BREAKING
Statement issued by Palestinian Resistance Hamas:
In the name of Allah, the most gracious, the most merciful.
About the announcement of the truce agreement;
Based on our responsibility towards our patient, stationed Palestinian people, and our tireless endeavor to strengthen the steadfastness of our heroic people in the proud Gaza Strip, to provide relief and heal their wounds, and to consolidate the will of our victorious resistance on October 7th in the face of the Zionist enemy.
After difficult and complex negotiations for many days, we announce, with the help and success of Allah Almighty, that we have reached a humanitarian truce agreement (temporary ceasefire) for a period of four days, with persistent and appreciated Qatari and Egyptian efforts, according to which:
1. A ceasefire by both parties, a cessation of all military actions by the occupation army in all areas of the Gaza Strip, and a cessation of the movement of its military vehicles penetrating into the Gaza Strip.
Cont.👇🏻
2. Hundreds of trucks for humanitarian, relief, medical and fuel aid are brought into all areas of the Gaza Strip, without exception, in the north and south.
3. The release of 50 women and children of the occupation detainees under the age of 19, in exchange for the release of 150 women and children of our people from the occupation prisons under the age of 19, all in order of seniority.
4. Stopping air traffic [meaning drones and war jets] in the south for four days.
5. Stopping air traffic [meaning drones and war jets] in the North for 6 hours a day from 10:00 AM until 4:00 PM.
6. During the truce period, the occupation is committed not to attack or arrest anyone in all areas of the Gaza Strip.
7. Ensuring the freedom of movement of people (from north to south) along Salah El-Din Street.
8. The terms of this agreement were formulated in accordance with the vision of the resistance and its determinants, which aim to serve our people and strengthen their steadfastness in the face of aggression, and it was always mindful of their sacrifices, suffering and concerns, and it conducted these negotiations from a position of steadfastness and strength in the field, despite the occupation’s attempts to prolong and procrastinate the negotiations.
While we announce the arrival of a truce agreement, we affirm that our hands will remain on the trigger, and our victorious battalions will remain on the lookout to defend our people and defeat the occupation and aggression.
We promise our people that we will remain loyal to their blood, their sacrifices, their patience, their bond, and their aspirations for liberation, freedom, the restoration of rights, and the establishment of an independent Palestinian state with Al-Quds as its capital, God willing.
Islamic Resistance Movement – Hamas
Wednesday: 08 Jumada al-Awwal 1445 AH
Corresponding to: November 22, 2023 AD
https://t.me/VanessaBeeley/21353

Posted by: Surferket | Nov 22 2023 6:31 utc | 266

@ 188 Lathe Biosas
I think that is a very beautiful way of putting it. Thanks for your comment.
It is most hard to think of those that have gone before us who can not witness the fullness of freedom in this life, amongst their family and countrymen.
We will be judged on what we do to advance this freedom for the corpus.
“But even regarding History as the slaughter-bench at which the happiness of peoples, the wisdom of States, and the virtue of individuals have been victimised — the question involuntarily arises — to what principle, to what final aim these enormous sacrifices have been offered.”
– Hegel, Philosophy of History

Posted by: NemesisCalling | Nov 22 2023 6:31 utc | 267

A quote from the Doctorow article b posted, having to do with Yemen:
“Now the art of war has progressed to the point where state actors can stand up to the mightiest high budget state armies like Israel and its 20 billion dollar war budget. The Netanyahu cabinet seems not to have taken in the significance of this change, whereas the Kremlin absorbed the lesson quickly during its war with Ukraine and is now very proficient at pursuing its objectives on the battlefield in the age of kamikaze and attack drones.”

Posted by: Jonathan W | Nov 22 2023 6:39 utc | 268

‘Surferket’ noted, and not to be forgotten. Plonk!
Posted by: Lavrov’s Dog | Nov 22 2023 6:26 utc | 270
The mistake everyone is making is expecting anything of nations and states and nation states.
Perhaps we need to remember that in the end all these States are nothing more than ghettos run by gangsters.
The Chinese ghetto run by the cpc triads.
The Yanqui crips and the the Russian bloods.
The hindutva curry mafia …
We’re all expecting moral behaviour from amoral entities.

Posted by: Arch Bungle | Nov 22 2023 6:42 utc | 269

Even Time Magazine has started distancing itself from zioganda (unlike the zionist fellating Modi mouthpiece rags in India):
https://time.com/6329776/hamas-isis-gaza/

Posted by: Biswapriya Purkayast | Nov 22 2023 6:43 utc | 270

The ceasefire has been worked on at the UN Security Council where the US found itself increasingly isolated. MbS has been one of the movers and shakers. Deal with it.

Posted by: Jonathan W | Nov 22 2023 6:48 utc | 271

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa accused Israel of war crimes and acts “tantamount to genocide” in Gaza during a virtual meeting Tuesday of leaders of developing countries, including Russia’s Vladimir Putin and China’s Xi Jinping

Posted by: Jonathan W | Nov 22 2023 7:04 utc | 272

About the Doctorow article:
WION is a Modi regime owned propaganda outlet; it is owned by Subhas Chandra of the Zee Network, and Subhas Chandra is a member of parliament from Modi’s cravenly pro zionist Bharatiya Janata Party. Modi regime mouthpiece media like India Today (which in 2003 foamed at the mouth demanding that India join in the invasion of Iraq) have been uncritically regurgitating zionist propaganda. WION itself routinely repeats anti China Westernaganda. I am astonished that they gave Doctorow any time. I am certain that they will swiftly “counter” it by layers of zionist lies.

Posted by: Biswapriya Purkayast | Nov 22 2023 7:10 utc | 273

The third and final part of my series “Six basic questions surrounding the Palestinian attack on Israel” has just been launched. This part is about how the fighting will end, and whether things will work out between Israel and the Palestinians. The conclusion is: The only way to end the three-quarters of a century long tragedy seems to be the dissolution of the State of Israel and the return of all land to the indigenous Palestinian people. The link is:
https://geopolitiekincontext.wordpress.com/2023/11/22/zes-basisvragen-rond-de-palestijnse-aanval-op-israel-3/

Posted by: Paul-Robert | Nov 22 2023 7:13 utc | 274

We’re all expecting moral behaviour from amoral entities.
@ Arch Bungle | Nov 22 2023 6:42 utc | 275
So true. There’s many ways of calling that out and bringing it people’s attention though.
My expectations are extremely minimal. I said here weeks ago that I “expected” nothing to happened to solve the problem, that Israel will pound Hamas Gaza for as long as they want then they will stop and slowly eventually everything will go back to the way it was before …. ignored by everyone.
Others said this was a major turning point where nothing will ever be the same again. Um, maybe, I’m not sure of that, but it is possible. But my expectations remain the same. There’s a limit to what the the militias in Iraq/Syria, the Houthis and Hezbollah and Iran can do. And I see no one else stepping up. The Israelis will get away with this yet again, no matter how many they murder in Gaza or what happens next.
And states like China and Russia are as self-serving as the US is; a waste of time and space re the middle east and Palestine specifically.
This article https://raminmazaheri.substack.com/p/why-we-are-just-one-half-revolution — suggests the possibility of a whole series of events where nations including Iran slowly come together and act in unison against Israel … it might work and generate even more nations to the cause – but at present it is barely a dream. I don’t expect it to actually happen; and any notion of a two-state solution is anathema now.
My mantra is simple: No one is coming to help the Palestinians. No one.
Gaza and the Palestinians will again soon be forgotten. In the meantime I feel compelled to rage against the machine anyway. Best to you! Take care.

Posted by: Lavrov’s Dog | Nov 22 2023 7:15 utc | 275

The conclusion is: The only way to end the three-quarters of a century long tragedy seems to be the dissolution of the State of Israel and the return of all land to the indigenous Palestinian people. @ Paul-Robert | Nov 22 2023 7:13 utc | 280
I 100% agree with your conclusion – no matter how you got there. I’ll read your series TY.
btw it’s a 100 year old tragedy. The day the British Mandate was implemented and they sent a Zionist Jew to govern it and the day the Zionists arrived en masse to begin their evil crimes.

Posted by: Lavrov’s Dog | Nov 22 2023 7:20 utc | 276

Xinhuanet has a posting up about the Gaza pause and says

Later in the day, the Qatari Foreign Ministry confirmed the ceasefire agreement, which was jointly mediated by Qatar, Egypt and the United States, adding that the starting time of the pause will be announced within the next 24 hours.

So a pause has been agreed to but not the start of it yet.
What about the rest of Occupied Palestine? What does Syria think?, Jordan?, Egypt? Lebanon?
A pause in genocide seems like a bad acid trip made worse by taking more bad acid.
I hope the pause, if/when it happens becomes a full stop.

Posted by: psychohistorian | Nov 22 2023 7:23 utc | 277

https://www.rfi.fr/en/international/20231121-brics-nations-accuse-israel-of-genocide-and-call-for-immediate-gaza-truce
BRICS nations accuse Israel of genocide and call for immediate Gaza truce. (RFI)

Posted by: Jonathan W | Nov 22 2023 7:24 utc | 278

Lavrov,
Disagree – Hamas has prepared its underground city for a long hot war. The Likud can not support a long war. So far, Hamas has prevailed over the IDF militarily – but only at a tactical level.
The path for a Hamas strategic military victory is forcing the IDF to stay fully mobilized for another 10 months at least.
To be determined as this unfolds in slow motion.

Posted by: Exile | Nov 22 2023 7:27 utc | 279

I just can’t anymore:
Young child searches for her killed family inside hospital
Going to take a break from posting.

Posted by: Arch Bungle | Nov 22 2023 7:28 utc | 280

War cancels out the future. I urge believers to take just one side in this conflict: that of peace. (Pope Francis)

Posted by: Jonathan W | Nov 22 2023 7:34 utc | 281

Guys! Take a Time Out Please.
Follow b’s lead when the Horror, gets overwhelming.
For what I read, SEE here from you venerables is FRUSTRATION.
We are all feeling it – my o/p of a surgeon, under bombing of Gazas Hospital having to treat civilians with such destroyed facilities. Hundreds of severely injured children. Amputations of a battlefield without anaesthetics! – having to do that upon his OWN child who dies from the pain. I have not seen a single acknowledgment of that horror on this board – I apologise if I have missed it – I understand why. There is nothing to be said. The mind is numbed It is the Abyss we have stared into that has stared right back and which has rocked us to our very…souls.
It is right to scream Something Must Be Done.
Xi’s meeting in the Lions Den in SF telling the massed powers that is the Collective West to our faces what is to happen in the new NWO – it was a closed meeting so we don’t yet know what was said.
This escalation in Gaza, the Palestinian whipping boys to divert attention was the ultimate ‘throwing a dead cat on the table’. Not even dead – but screaming in terror and still being killed horrifically. Yes they are war crimes . By the losing terrorist imperialists. It is all they have left.
They test the resolve of the multipolarist. To break their ranks. They have done such terror and genocide for many centuries. They are a minority and only Terrible Murder asserts Authority over the masses, their slaves, us.
Any resistance must be crushed overwhelmingly- that is how they stay in charge. Remember what happened to Malaysia, Indonesia Indochina, Iraq, Libya ,Syria, Yemen and countless other countries around the world since ww2 – brutal slapping down and millions dead by the same old imperialist powers.
It happened to China and Russia for centuries too – tens of millions dead.
So this is not new. This not unprecedented. IS IT?
Hence the Multipolar world has to not be the same. It is not replacing one tyranny with another. That chain needs to end. The abused can not become abusers.
It is no good asking, DEMANDING, that China and Russia divert themselves from their great aims and strategy and be forced to act in some wild R2P action against their old foes who want to say – ‘See they are no different to us!
They too will do to you what we do. So best stay our slaves and obey’.
It is cowardly cruel bravado of fascist imperial masters who are cornered and viscous as a such trapped monsters are known to be.
A Law Based Order that is agreed to by all of humanity – at least almost the unanimity of Peoples – can’t act in the same way as the demented Rules Based ancient imperialists being replaced. All the bodies that are being quoted the UN, the Geneva Accords – ALL these supranational entities were set up by a FEW – mostly the western imperial powers
Before most nations that exist now had a say in it.
That is where the change MUST start – the new world forum can’t be built on the same controlled foundations.
So please folks don’t look for salvation from them, they are not our magical saviours.
We are the slaves turned violent oppressors and we must stand up and admit our complicity.
Mandela said that we must rise and do it peacefully if we can – but we must take up violence if we must. Revolutions are never bloodless.
It is dawn in U.K. now – another dark hour passed – another day starts.
Glad that we are here sharing the inexorable battle for Humanity.
Peace brothers and sisters.

Posted by: DunGroanin | Nov 22 2023 7:37 utc | 282

Biswapriya Purkayast | Nov 22 2023 7:10 utc | 279
In the past 18 months, Doctorow has frequently appeared as an international affairs commentator on WION. Until seven weeks ago he was commenting almost exclusively on Russia and Ukraine.
His blog has links and sometimes transcripts of his appearances.
https://gilbertdoctorow.com/

Posted by: tawharanui | Nov 22 2023 7:46 utc | 283

I liked this article by Aidan McQuade:
https://www.opendemocracy.net/en/beyond-trafficking-and-slavery/gaza-did-the-west-learn-nothing-from-the-peace-process-in-ireland/
It compares the conflict of Northern Ireland with that in Israel and concludes that both conflicts show the similar dynamics: Both parties are locked up in their victim role and the intervention of outsiders is needed to get them out of that situation.

Posted by: Wim | Nov 22 2023 7:56 utc | 284

Jonathan W | Nov 22 2023 7:34 utc | 286
“War cancels out the future. I urge believers to take just one side in this conflict: that of peace. (Pope Francis)”
Impossible for as long as the Zionist state exists. Impossible for as long as the empire exists. These are war incarnate.
Fine words from the antipope, taking time out from spewing Ukronazi war propaganda and urging on the persecution of the Orthodox church in the Ukraine.

Posted by: Flying Dutchman | Nov 22 2023 8:22 utc | 285

‘There Are Certain Things I Can Not Write About
I have tried to write about Gaza. But I am too aghast, outraged and depressed to create a sensible piece.
So instead of coming up with something by myself I will leave you with a few links..’ – b
This opening statement is powerful indeed. I respect you greatly for your candor, and admire you for your humanity.
I feel as you do, and can’t believe that governments are turning a blind eye to the horrors of what is going on. The cognative dissonance in so many is alarming. I

Posted by: Áobh Ó’Sheachnasaigh | Nov 22 2023 8:29 utc | 286

“China likewise has Muslim issues they are uncomfortable with.”
Posted by: HelenB | Nov 22 2023 5:15 utc | 252
That’s the US bullshit line. China has issues with extremism, regardless of whether it’s jihadism, Christian rightwing, Falungong. Extremism.
10 of China’s 10 of China’s ethnic minority groups are Muslims totalling 18 million people and they are found all over China. Even Han ethnic have converted to Islam.
Posted by: Surferket | Nov 22 2023 6:12 utc | 267
18 million out of 1.4 billion. I’m not sure what your point is. Maybe just to be rude. The area where Muslims are in China is mostly in the large provinces of northwest China. Population density there is low, much like the US northwest. Small numbers are spread throughout the rest of the US. All China has protests from time to time but Muslims have caused China the most concern in my opinion, due to foreign interference. I’ve been there. I’ve seen it. Hope for peace.

Posted by: HelenB | Nov 22 2023 8:31 utc | 287

I think I will take a break from posting for a while.
This one is about the last that I can take:
young child searches for killed family inside hospital
She is the spitting image of my own daughter.

Posted by: Arch Bungle | Nov 22 2023 8:32 utc | 288

Mr B,
There can be no doubt that not writing about Gaza is very wise on your part.

Posted by: Augusto Pi | Nov 22 2023 8:40 utc | 289

Fine words from the antipope, taking time out from spewing Ukronazi war propaganda and urging on the persecution of the Orthodox church in the Ukraine.
Posted by: Flying Dutchman | Nov 22 2023 8:22 utc | 290
Yes the pope needs some time out too, as he did in August (for which he got a lot of heat, e.g. from Politico):
“Francis urged young Russians, gathered for an All-Russian Meeting of Catholic Youth in St. Petersburg, not to give up their “legacy” as heirs of a “great, enlightened Russian empire.” And in a clip of his address that was posted online, he invoked Peter the Great and Catherine the Great, both of whom Russian President Vladimir Putin has cited to justify the invasion of Ukraine and whip up martial passion.”

Posted by: Jonathan W | Nov 22 2023 8:43 utc | 290

Posted by: Arch Bungle | Nov 21 2023 16:46 utc | 22
This ceasefire deal horrifies me more than the constant bombardment.
Any Palestinian prisoners that are release will merely be released into a new hell to be re-arrested, or this time shot on the outside without even the benefit of a military court.
Posted by: Peter AU1 | Nov 21 2023 17:00 utc | 29 who responds to librul | Nov 21 2023 16:55 utc | 29 comment that “Oct 7th was an intentional false-flag security failure.””
Especially with Israelis immediately comparing it to 9/11.
9/11 launched a war of terror. Oct 7 launched a war of genocide.
<= I agree all routes seem to lead to the same causing source. but I say the cause is not religion, race, or political, but instead is fostered by oil and gas profits<=competition which challenges monopoly power. Posted by: justin | Nov 21 2023 17:06 utc | 32 IRT to hedlykarok | Nov 21 2023 16:26 utc | 12 who said. "It seems tons of warnings were purposely ignored in both cases..." "How do you 'ignore warnings'... of the crime you yourself are about to commit?" Posted by: Stonebird | Nov 21 2023 19:59 utc | 95 It is possible that it is the realization that almost the totality of the waste "ruling cliques" are now onboard with genocide, that make me sick to the soul. <===I suggest that the reason all the cronies that run the nation states are on board becomes visible when you look at the clearing Gaza of its people as a way to cut the Palestinians off from any claim to the off shore gas and oil profits which profits could make the Palestinian economy strong? If no Palestinian is around, then there is less risk that the Palestinians could claim off shore oil and gas profits. That extends to the Egypt, Jordan, Libya, Iran and even Russia as well .. get in line, conform or die seems to be underlying philosophy. Posted by: Memory Man | Nov 21 2023 22:53 utc | 172 Whatever the outcome, clever fox Erdogan lays a solid foundation for Turkey tbe number one privileged partner/consumer of the Gazain natural gas fields in the happy event of a future declaration of a Palestinian sovereign state. This *might* motivate other Arab big players to act in a more decisive manner. But this remains to be seen. <=I agree evidence suggest a strong possibility oil and gas syndicates are the driving force in the so called rising against Israel regional dominance. The driving strength for the timing and intensity of this dispute in Gaza, an underlying reason that supersedes all others, a challenge so strong that it justifies ignoring international law, a reason so strong that it justifies ignoring all rational attempts to peacefully resolve the issue (at least until the competing claims to the oil and gas are fully extinguished)? The oil and gas fields just off shore, under the Mediterranean, at Palestine, the oil and gas in Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon, Iran Albania, and so on. The completed sub mediterranean oil and Gas and pipelines connecting the Off shore gas fields to Cyprus, Italy, Israel, Greece and Europe may also have justified NATO encroaches against Russia, the blatant destruction of Nord Stream II, and now a war over Palestinian presence in Gaza. In other words the issue between Palestine:Israel may not be the problem<=it could be the excuse. Peering at the problem as if it were an oil and gas ownership problem [a monopoly ownership problem], considering a possible Palestinian claim to the offshore oil and gas reserves as a problem...? Such a line of thought could easily explain why the object of the Hamas v. Israel dispute is nothing but a facade, its underlying, unseen, object is to extinguish all possibility of Palestinian [or unauthorized others] access to Oil and gas profits, because such an outcome would generate competition to the purpose of Zionism? If you look at the propaganda published by the observers to both sides, it differs from the experiences reported by the victims<=revealing divide and conquer methods may be at work? Private ownership of monopoly power is not a problem limited to Israel, Zionism<=the global owner of monopoly power is not a part of the 16 X 16 matrix of territorially defined nation state human control system. It has little to do with Judaism, or being Jewish, Christianity (Protestant or Catholic), or Muslim (Sunny or Shite), its single purpose since Lincoln was shot in 1865 has been to capture, control and monopolize the monetary system and the profits derived from oil and gas and other minerals worldwide. Such behaviors express divide and conquer weapons at work pitting the Jews against all others. But neither the Jews as race, Judaism as a religion or Jewish culture as a problem, nor the problems with all other races, cultures and religions (Christians, Muslims, etc.) are part of the real goals of International Zionism. IMO, Zionism exist to own, control, possess, monopolize and profit from banking, oil and gas, privatization, government contracting, and profits earned by enterprises supplying worldwide consumer demand. The main enemy is competition of any kind, from any place, for any reason, to its economic monopoly power. One look at wall street confirms this. The war on Terror equated terrorism to competition. Quite a number of facts, circumstances, etc. exist to support a thesis that Zionism has used, even promoted "the so-called Jewish problem" the Palestinian problem, the communist problem etc, as covers to mask its underlying economic purpose, to privately own all oil, gas reserves, production. and transportation industries, all banking and insurance industries, etc. wherever they are located. America, Africa, Australia, N and S pole, Europe, Middle East, Russia, Asia wherever. Here is a video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NQ-tRrKeAfQ
and here are some links in support of such a theory.
https://content.api.news/v3/images/bin/335809bc5a4500918ff797c8a540c039
https://content.api.news/v3/images/bin/094d5929f2a7da0ec47855659dcc8df8
then read this https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Iran–Iraq–Syria_pipeline
here we may have a glimse into why the Kurds are such a problem for Erdogan https://www.iraqoilreport.com/news/kurdistan-begins-independent-crude-exports-8323/ also if we adopt the above theory and apply it to Erdogan’s behavior, it reveals Erdogan is in competition with International owned monopoly power or he joins them, only when it leads to Turkey’s claims to the oil and gas profits that lie beneath the entire of the old Ottoman empire.
who owns the offshore gas reserves?
https://www.iraqoilreport.com/news/kurdistan-begins-independent-crude-exports-8323/
https://iacenter.org/2023/11/15/behind-israels-end-game-for-gaza-theft-of-offshore-gas-reserves/
the gas and oil production platform has been installed by Heerema Sielpnir.. Leviathan gas field https://www.leviathanproject.co.il/
The very large hydrocarbon rich Leviathan gas field (47 kilometres SW of the Tamar gas reserve and 130 kilometers W. of Haifa in 1500 ft deep waters ie Levantine basin, an extremely hydrocarbon rich area west of Haifia and just off the coast of Palestine in the Mediterranean Sea explains the chaos that has been going on in the area since 1865 when Lincoln was shot..
The destruction of NordStream II, Sanctions against the worlds gas station(Russia), and on and on. and on.. If the mineral reserves and food production of the world were internationalized into a single owned, publicly managed, global trust.. and the production and distribution of profits from those minerals and foods in that trust were allocated to each living person in the world prorata <=everyone would have an undisputed equal share in the earth's production and resources. War could not then destroy or alter the wealth of each person, the only problem then might be to find a way to prevent the vertical transfer of wealth between generations to siblings or to sibling controlled charitable, grant gifting, NGO, or think tank institutions. Its the nation state system that make the laws, and host the armies that support the between nation wars. Its private ownership of monopoly power, that explains the odd sometimes unpredictable behaviors of the leaders of the independent territorially defined nations, which comprise the human control system, known as the nation state system. To solve the Genocide problem, it is necessary first to solve the global privately owned monopoly power problem.

Posted by: snake | Nov 22 2023 8:44 utc | 291

Posted by: HelenB | Nov 22 2023 8:31 utc | 292
When you say Muslims you are making an untrue general statement.
Read what I wrote:
“10 of China’s 10 of China’s ethnic minority groups are Muslims totalling 18 million people and they are found all over China.”
You obviously meant an extremist faction of Uyghurs and their campaign of terrorism. They are most definitely not representative of all Muslim ethnic groups in China, the largest of which is the Hui group.
Muslims, while having large communities in Xinjiang, are literally all over China. I’ve seen 2 Uyghur families in my tier 4 Chinese city of Anyang. The majority of Muslims are the Hui.
You have been to China and I live in China.
Beijing don’t have problems with Muslims. They have problems with an extremist segment of the Uyghur who are organised and funded by US to create violent attacks in China.

Posted by: Surferket | Nov 22 2023 8:56 utc | 292

Ed 157. My thought would be Iran would probably step up. I’m sure they know where they are located so hypersonics could negate the remaining inventory. Pakistan at one point said they would provide ballistic missile support. That faded away quickly

Posted by: Hankster | Nov 22 2023 8:59 utc | 293

“Yes, with this site and comments like yours helping this moving on, to an alternative to the old world.”
Posted by: botete | Nov 21 2023 19:15 utc | 84
The populist Right are fake revolutionaries
https://unherd.com/2023/07/the-populist-rights-greatest-weakness/
There is no moving to an alternative world. Voters are moving recklessly from one con trick to another.
Are you really trying to tell me after listening to all of the fake revolutionaries on the right and that includes the fake liberal revolutionaries like Macron and Tusk and Biden. That when Ukraine and Gaza have been rebuilt it won’t look like this….
https://billmitchell.org/blog/?p=61396
Dream on – you haven’t been paying attention and actually listening to what these fake revolutionaries have been saying.
If you really want an alternative voting won’t do it that is a 100% certainty. You will have to leave social media and your comfy armchair and protest like previous generations did. Social media is designed to keep you here so that you do absolutely nothing. So are opinion pieces in every newspaper. There’s no news just opinions. That are data mined so propaganda can be tailored to people’s confirmation biases.

Posted by: Echo Chamber | Nov 22 2023 9:00 utc | 294

I can empathized with you b. I am writing an article about the middle east conflict and I can’t help getting angry and sad. I am sad that our so called civilization is incapable of stopping the killing in Gaza. There is plenty of talk about stopping it but it carries on. I can only hope that the emerging multi-polar world order will create independent international institutions worthy of the name. What is the point of the UN? Many thanks for all you do b.

Posted by: Dr. Rob Campbell | Nov 22 2023 9:02 utc | 295

Please note: “State Sovereignty should be conditional on fulfilling obligations of human rights protection!” … see below.

1 Jun 2021 Palestine and the UN’s ‘responsibility to protect’ doctrine
Under its P2P doctrine, the UN must deploy to Palestine to protect Palestinians from further Israeli war crimes.
Notable also are the paradoxical levels of external complicity and indifference.
Influential foreign actors assist the perpetrators of atrocities but pay little attention to the mounting numbers of victims … But they rise up in unison when the perpetrators are threatened.
Protests against this brutal dispossession have been ignored for years and it was only when Hamas fighters started launching rockets at Israeli cities that Israel, and the rest of the world, stood up and listened.
This is the abiding paradox of the current international system, which champions peace and justice but only listens to those who have guns.
The UN Charter provided for peacekeeping and armed intervention against aggressors – principles that were implemented, significantly, first in Palestine a couple of weeks after the establishment of Israel
In 1998, the Rome Statute was adopted, establishing the International Criminal Court (ICC) to prosecute individuals for genocide, war crimes, and crimes against humanity.
In 2001, (the) International Commission on Intervention and State Sovereignty (ICISS) published the landmark report The Responsibility to Protect.
The commission was in turn inspired by a 1996 book titled Sovereignty as Responsibility: Conflict Management in Africa>, produced by the Brookings Institution arguing that state sovereignty should be conditional on fulfilling obligations of human rights protection.
The ICISS report, with its rather ambitious subtitle: Ending Mass Atrocity Crimes Once and for All, reiterated the slowly evolving consensus that it was no longer acceptable to stand by and watch atrocities being televised live in this era of global media.
It advocated the “responsibility to protect” doctrine (R2P) that affirmed the responsibility of the wider international community for taking “timely and decisive” measures to protect endangered civilians when their state – bearer of the primary responsibility for protecting its citizens – is found “manifestly failing” to fulfil its duty.
Appropriate and proportionate coercive measures, properly authorised by the UN, can then be taken as a last resort.
The R2P doctrine was formally adopted by the UN General Assembly at the 2005 World Summit. The unanimous adoption meant that Israel also endorsed it, as did many Arab countries.
…the doctrine appeared wilfully selective, never being applied to the powerful states.
… the doctrine was invoked formally in the NATO-led intervention in Libya in 2011.
… the Palestinian Authority (joined) the ICC in April 2015. The court’s affirmation that crimes in Palestine fall under its jurisdiction …
It is a supreme irony that the most ardent proponents of the responsibility to protect and the ICC, in particular Western democracies, have been very hostile to applying the doctrine in Palestine.
The international reaction to the (2021) war in Gaza is a positive sign of a major shift back to active humanitarianism. Palestine could become a focal point in this resurgence. A number of considerations favour the application of R2P in Palestine.

In your dreams maybe?
Read in full:
https://www.aljazeera.com/opinions/2021/6/1/the-uns-responsibility-to-protect-doctrine-in-palestine

Posted by: Lavrov’s Dog | Nov 22 2023 9:04 utc | 296

Posted by: Memory Man | Nov 21 2023 22:53 utc | 172
I eagerly await the flotilla . About the only global proactive move so far. Israel has bound itself already by calling the taking of the galaxy by houthis piracy. So a rerun of killing and boarding 1000 ships seems unlikely. It will just have to suck it up. Permanent rotation of vessels and permanent blockade I say. The optics of any carrier threatening a 60 foot sloop would be globally unpalatable. The sheer numbers make taking them out unfeasable. I’m sure they would make room for macrons hospital ship if it dared to help anyone in gaza, but I know it won’t happen

Posted by: Hankster | Nov 22 2023 9:08 utc | 297

Posted by: Hankster | Nov 22 2023 9:08 utc | 302
Skeptical. I’ll believe it when I see it.

Posted by: Surferket | Nov 22 2023 9:10 utc | 298

There is no moving to an alternative world. Voters are moving recklessly from one con trick to another. See Argentina for details.
Idiots and ideologues are standing in line to make the same mistake elsewhere by voting for some fake revolutionaries on the popular right.
They use the right ” buzzwords” implanted in social media and in right wing blogs as the shepherd drives the flock. That’s all it takes a set of disco lights and some fireworks to play with to hold these fools attention span.
What’s new ?
Absolutely nothing new, it is the same old tried and tested nonsense that has been tried throughout history that always gets bailed out by the state. The gold standard, fixed exchange rate clown world of Hayek and Mises.
The blob are laughing at you and the upper classes are watching Argentina and patting each other on the back saying ” look I told you it would be this easy to manipulate the flock and keep them onside ”
https://unherd.com/2023/07/the-populist-rights-greatest-weakness/
Switch off your disco lights and stop playing with fireworks and wake the fuck up.

Posted by: Echo Chamber | Nov 22 2023 9:13 utc | 299

Posted by: Echo Chamber | Nov 22 2023 9:13 utc | 304
Argentina and India are positioned to cause As much obstructions in BRICs as possible.

Posted by: Surferket | Nov 22 2023 9:24 utc | 300