Abdel Razzaq Takriti discusses the Palestinian Revolution's expansion into Lebanon, Syria, & Jordan, leading to the 1970 conflict with Jordan & Black September. The episode explores Egypt & Syria's actions in the October War & Sadat's shift toward pacifying Arab revolution. The podcast delves into regional dynamics, Ba'ath party tactics, Nasser's impact, PLO's transition to Lebanon, & the complexity of Zionism and US foreign policy.
The Palestinian Revolution spread to neighboring states and established bases for anti-Zionist operations.
Black September events in Jordan showcased the complexities of external interventions and their consequences.
The Baath Party's power struggles in Syria led to Assad's coup, highlighting internal conflicts and personal quests for control.
Ideological factions within the Baath Party fueled authoritarian practices and centralized power, shaping regimes in Iraq and Syria.
Baathist rule balanced social welfare policies with political repression, hindering democratic progress in Iraq and Syria.
Nasser's death marked the decline of Arab nationalism, sparking debates on his legacy and regional impacts.
Deep dives
Formation of Palestinian Revolution Bases in Frontline States
The Palestinian revolution sought to establish bases in frontline states like Jordan, Lebanon, and Syria to operate against the Zionist settler state. These bases allowed training camps, headquarters, and military infrastructure to be set up, with Jordan being the primary headquarters. Lebanon provided refuge from the Lebanese government's repression, while Syria permitted training camps but discouraged cross-border attacks. The presence of the armed Palestinian movement outside historic Palestine led to issues like disproportionate Israeli reprisals, notably culminating in the 1970 Black September events.
Role of Palestinian Communist Groups in Israel
In post-Nakba Israel, the Palestinian Communist Party, known as Maki, saw an Arabization of its base, advocating for Palestinian demands. A new predominantly Palestinian communist group, Rakah, broke off in 1965, adopting an anti-Zionist position. This split reflected the shift towards revolutionary socialist and anti-Zionist ideologies within Israel's Palestinian and Jewish communities, influencing the political landscape during the 1960s.
Syrian Intervention in Black September and Assad's Coup
During the Black September events in Jordan, Syrian forces intervened without air cover, impacting the conflict. The lack of support led by Hafez al-Assad resulted in a failed mission, ultimately influencing Assad's coup. Assad's 'Corrective Movement' ousted Bathist leader Salah Jadid in Syria, highlighting power struggles, personal quests for control, and ideological differences within the Bath Party. Assad's pragmatic approach prioritized stability and centralized power, reshaping Syria's political landscape.
Underlying Causes of Baathist Factional Conflicts
The Baath Party's descent into brutal infighting stemmed from ideological factions, power struggles between military and civilian wings, and Iraqi-Syrian factional disputes. As Baathist leadership shifted from intellectual to military influences, power consolidation became a primary goal, leading to repressive authoritarian regimes in Iraq and Syria. Conflicting ideologies, personal power quests, and state-building imperatives defined Baathist factional conflicts, manifesting in violent repression and stagnant political landscapes in both countries.
Complexities of Baathist Political Dynamics
The Baath Party's evolution toward authoritarianism intertwined ideological shifts, personal power dynamics, and pragmatic state-building goals. While Baathist regimes introduced social welfare programs and egalitarian economic policies, their quest for centralized power and suppression of political liberties hindered democratic progress. Inter-Baathist conflicts, geopolitical clashes, and ideological ferment marked the Baath Party's trajectory, reflecting a complex mix of revolutionary ideals, state sovereignty pursuits, and autocratic tendencies.
Broader Implications of Baathist Rule
The legacy of Baathist rule encompasses a blend of social justice initiatives, political repression, and geopolitical entanglements, balancing between welfare state policies and authoritarian practices. Baathist regimes navigated ideological factions, power struggles, and state sovereignty concerns, contributing to political instability and regime centralization. Despite some social democratic gains, Baathist governance underscored limitations in promoting democracy, regional unity, and ideological cohesion, shaping long-term political trajectories in Iraq and Syria.
Nasser's Death and Impact
Nasser's death in 1970 marked the end of an era in Arab nationalism and anti-imperialism. His demise sparked debates on his contributions and shortcomings. The region reacted with shock and mourning, highlighting his significant influence on Arab politics. His death during Black September raised questions about his interventions and guilt in the conflict.
Lebanon: PLO's New Base and Social Mobilization
After losing their base in Jordan, the PLO established headquarters in Beirut, shifting focus to Lebanon. The loss in Jordan led to reevaluations within the PLO about engaging local national movements. The PLO emphasized social aspects, expanding unions, youth organizations, and educational initiatives, anchoring the revolution within society.
Geopolitical Impacts of the 1973 War
The 1973 October War reshaped regional dynamics and challenged Israeli dominance. Led by Egypt and Syria against Israel, the conflict reinvigorated Arab confidence and prompted the Arab oil embargo on supporting countries. The war underscored the shifting power dynamics in the Middle East and the global Cold War rivalry between superpowers.
US Involvement and Support in the Arab-Israeli Conflict
The US played a significant role in the Arab-Israeli conflict, with a long-standing commitment to supporting Israel, even surpassing the combined weaponry of Arab states. American involvement included massive weapon airlifts to Israel during conflicts, orchestrated by policymakers like Kissinger. Despite criticisms that the US could have allowed further advancements of Egyptian troops during the 1973 war, the American commitment to providing arms to Israel continues, shaping regional geopolitics and aligning with a two-state solution favoring Israel.
US-Soviet Dynamics and PLO's Position in the 1970s
A two-state solution was a key focus for the Soviet Union, accepting Israel's presence but advocating for a Palestinian state along 1967 borders. In contrast, the US, led by figures like Kissinger, emphasized Israel's acceptance by Arab states, sidelining Palestinian concerns. Kissinger's Cold War ambitions intertwined with ideological support for Israel, aimed at countering Soviet influence. The PLO sought diplomatic recognition, navigating Arab conflicts and international relations, to secure a place in negotiations and address the Palestinian question.
Featuring Abdel Razzaq Takriti, this is the FIFTEENTH episode of Thawra (Revolution), our series on Arab radicalism in the 20th century. Today’s installment addresses the Palestinian Revolution’s project in Lebanon, Syria, and Jordan—leading up to the 1970 conflict with the Jordanian state and the violent expulsion of PLO guerrillas during Black September. Then, Egypt and Syria checked Israel’s power in the October War of 1973—only for Anwar Sadat to lead Egypt into Kissinger’s plan to pacify Arab revolution.
