Forensic Anthropologist and Veteran Julian McBride Debunks Myths About the War in Gaza
Nov 25, 2023
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Former US Marine and forensic anthropologist Julian McBride debunks myths about the war in Gaza, highlighting Israel's evacuation orders, opening of humanitarian corridors, and plans for reconstruction. He also explores the misuse of the term 'genocide' in Gaza and Iraq war, delves into the true roots of conflicts, and debunks myths of British responsibility for tensions. McBride discusses the impact of personal history and bias on perspectives of individuals in power and shares his experience teaching and using art as a reflection of war.
Israel aims to establish deterrence and prevent future attacks through tactics such as collective punishment and strategic evacuations.
The term 'genocide' is often misused, which diminishes the understanding of actual genocides occurring worldwide and the complexities of conflicts.
Deep dives
Israel's actions in Gaza are not genocide
Israel is not committing genocide in Gaza. Israel has ordered evacuations of citizens, opened humanitarian corridors, and is discussing reconstruction efforts. While collective punishment is occurring, it has historically had strategic effects, such as surrender in World War II. Israel aims to establish deterrence and prevent future attacks.
Possibilities for post-Hamas success in Gaza
It is predicted that Hamas will eventually be pushed underground, similar to ISIS in Raqqa and Mosul. The replacement for Hamas will undergo careful vetting by Israel, the US, and the EU. The international community may provide additional funding to the Palestinian Authority to quell extremism, and a multinational peacekeeping force may be established in Gaza City to maintain stability.
Ceasefire negotiations and hostage release
There are reports of a five-day ceasefire negotiation between Israel and Hamas, during which younger hostages, primarily children and women, may be released. In return, younger Palestinian political prisoners may be released. However, there is uncertainty about the success and duration of the ceasefire, as the fighting may resume until each side achieves their goals in the war.
The misuse of the term 'genocide'
The term 'genocide' is often misused, which is detrimental to the understanding of actual genocides occurring worldwide. The speaker, who has witnessed genocides in Yemen, Ethiopia, and Afghanistan, urges people not to misuse the term as it diminishes the gravity of ongoing genocides and other conflicts. The speaker also mentions the misuse of the term 'genocide' during the Iraq war, where the situation was more complex, involving sectarian civil war and death squads.
Julian McBride is a former US Marine who served in Afghanistan and then saw active warfare in Yemen while working for the United Nations. Now trained as a forensic anthropologist, he has taught Middle Eastern History at NYU and works as a military consultant and independent journalist.
After suffering PTSD, Julian found solace in art-therapy, which lead him to found a not-for-profit called the Reflections of War Initiative (ROW).
Julian joins me on the podcast to debunk some of the myths that Israel's detractors level at it, and tells me about his experiences seeing true genocides and war-crimes up close.