Occupied Thoughts FMEP Fellows Peter Beinart & Ahmed Moor on Palestinian statehood & US politics
Sep 22, 2025
Join Peter Beinart, a noted journalist and commentator on US politics and Israel-Palestine, along with Ahmed Moor, a Palestinian-American writer and FMEP Fellow, as they delve into the pressing topic of Palestinian statehood. They explore the legal versus symbolic recognition and its implications. The conversation shifts to the evolving landscape of American politics, examining how shifts on the Right and online conspiracism influence policy decisions. They also discuss the impact of midterm elections and the complexities of donor dynamics within the Democratic Party.
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Recognition Alone Won't Stop The Violence
- Recognizing Palestine as a state is symbolically significant but won't stop weapons flows or the genocide by itself.
- Peter Beinart argues real impact requires stopping arms, sanctions, and legal accountability, not just recognition.
Existing Legal Tools Could Be Used Now
- Ahmed Moor and Peter agree international law and mechanisms like the ICC already exist to address Israeli actions.
- Moor suggests some recognitions may be political pressure-relief rather than substantive change.
Symbolic Moves Let Israel Claim Victimhood
- Israel's angry diplomatic reaction can be politically useful domestically without material costs.
- Beinart warns symbolic moves let Israel play victim without facing real consequences.
