McCarthyist Attack On Columbia University Students
Apr 22, 2024
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Dr. Ussama Makdisi discusses Israel's genocide in Gaza and global anti-Israel movement on college campuses. The podcast explores parallels between current protests and Vietnam era activism, censorship on campuses, and Netanyahu's push for US involvement in Iran. It also debates Israeli actions as a settler colonial state, American policy towards Palestine, and the disconnect between rhetoric and reality.
Global student-led protests demonstrate solidarity with Palestinians and challenge Israeli military actions.
Historical context reveals parallels between current Israeli genocidal acts and past colonial brutality.
Iran's military confrontation with Israel exposes vulnerabilities and escalates tensions, questioning the feasibility of a two-state solution.
Deep dives
Genocide in Gaza
The podcast discusses the grim milestone reached with 34,000 Palestinians, including over 14,000 children, being killed by the Israeli military. The ongoing famine in Gaza remains dire, despite media reports suggesting easing conditions. Criticism of Israel's actions has led to a global movement boycotting the country, tarnishing its economic and political reputation. Instances like Iran's direct military attack on Israel have escalated tensions, questioning the effectiveness of a two-state solution amid continued assaults.
Interview with Dr. Osama Mektisi
An interview with Dr. Osama Mektisi, a history professor at UC Berkeley, delves into the historical context of Israel's actions in Gaza, drawing parallels with settler colonialism. He highlights the shock and cruelty of present-day genocidal acts against Palestinians and draws connections to past instances of colonial brutality. The interview emphasizes the importance of moral outrage in the face of ongoing atrocities.
Global Condemnation and Campus Protests
Youth-led global condemnation of Israel's actions in Gaza has sparked widespread protests, including on college campuses like Columbia University. Administrators' responses to these protests have raised questions about academic freedom and political agendas overriding student rights. The intersectional solidarity among diverse activist groups signals a shift towards more robust support for Palestinian rights.
Military Confrontation with Iran
A military confrontation initiated by Israel against Iran led to retaliatory strikes. Iran's response challenged Israeli actions and revealed vulnerabilities in Israel's defense. The calculated response by Iran while telegraphing its intentions showcased a shift in traditional military dynamics. This event marked a significant escalation in direct conflict between the two nations, revealing strategic miscalculations.
United Nations Vote on Palestine
Amid ongoing rhetoric supporting a two-state solution, the United States vetoed a United Nations vote to admit Palestine as a member state. The contradiction between verbal commitments to the two-state solution and actions blocking Palestinian statehood highlights the ongoing diplomatic challenges. The veto underscores the disconnect between stated goals and actual policy decisions regarding Palestinian sovereignty.
Dr. Ussama Makdisi, Professor of History and Chancellor’s Chair at the University of California Berkeley, discusses Israel's ongoing Genocide in Gaza and the growing global anti-Israel movement led by students demanding an immediate ceasefire. In the United States, students have initiated several demonstrations and sit-ins on college campuses that are reminiscent of the anti-war outcry during the Vietnam era. The most recent is at Columbia University in New York.
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