Note: CONTENT WARNING - some of this content is about upsetting, disturbing or triggering events & attitudes. Seek competent help - including professional - if you need it. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander readers are advised that linked
articles may contains names and/or images of deceased people. READER CAUTION IS RECOMMENDED! For
anyone distressed by anything in this post, or for any other reason considering
seeking support, resources are available in Australia here, here, and here. In other nations, you will have to do an Internet search using terms such as “mental health support - <your nation>” (which, for instance, may lead to this, this, and this, in the USA, or this, this, and this, in France [biased towards English-language - my apologies]), or perhaps try https://www.befrienders.org/.
Note: in my “from the news” posts, quotes are shown italicised and blue, my comments are in a different shade of blue, and “good” items are shown in green. I have loosely grouped the posts where such seemed reasonable, but that is subjective (i.e., my opinion - others are free to disagree), and challenging, as some posts belong in multiple “groups”.
Reporting on recent and currrently ongoing war in West Asia (I object to the colonial term “Middle East”), in imperialistic Israel, Gaza, and adjoining nations, includes the following:
Note: as with other mass murderers/serial killers/and the like, violent extremists crave publicity, so I refuse to give that to them - I will avoid using their names (which is a policy adopted by good law enforcement and media for other mass murderers), and I will not give them the satisfaction of being described with the T word.
This is explained further in my post at https://politicalmusingsofkayleen.blogspot.com/2023/10/from-news-on-war-in-west-asia-content_25.html.
Note also that the genocidal intent of the VE group I refuse to name is, and has been for some time, clear, according to this
from experts in that topic. Information suggests that several thousand
of the Palestinian deaths to date are likely to be from that group -
maybe up to 20% (as a maximum) of the total: the rest - more than 80% -
are innocent civilians, including babies, toddlers, and children. The images of starving children ([Content Warning! Disturbing images] e.g., here, here, here, here) are already haunting the world.
In my opinion, a safe place for Jewish people has to exist because of the world’s collective failures in the 1930s and 40s (the problem was not only Germany, but every nation that rejected Jewish asylum seekers/refugees [including my nation - although Yorta Yorta man William Cooper was a notable “upstander”] or allowed antisemitism - and that continues now) ... but the Arab nations’ proposal for a single nation with Arab and Jewish provinces should have been given more consideration, IMO, and now that MUST be as part of a two state solution, lest Israel’s foundation and existence be inherently based on an injustice - which, as part of correcting an injustice, intrinsically morally weakens that foundation and existence.
Note also: this, on when criticism of Israel becomes antisemitism; and Israel’s conduct since the assassination of Yitzhak Rabin and the collapse of the Oslo Accords has - in addition to devastating and often displacing and killing its victims - been damaging of its standing (and devastating to those people on the receiving end), and its conduct now risks an even more self-damaging Pyrrhic “victory”. One day Israel will collectively recover enough from the events of 7th October to look around and grieve, shocked, at what they have done ...
- I have some initial news reports on Iran’s response to Israel’s (unacknowledged) attack on the Iranian Embassy in Syria at “Iran
has retaliated [Note: Content Warning - links to reports on
oppression/bigotry/hate, violence/abuse/war. Reader discretion is
advised]” https://politicalmusingsofkayleen.blogspot.com/2024/04/iran-has-retaliated-note-content.html Since then: “Iran might have launched this attack knowing that it would be thwarted” https://www.france24.com/en/video/20240414-a-lot-of-drones-and-ballistic-missiles-that-were-shot-down-were-actually-done-so-outside-of-israeli-airspace “FRANCE
24's correspondent in Washington Fraser Jackson said, “the US had
intelligence that this kind of attack was possible, the scale of which
however they are calling ‘unprecedented’”. Fraser added that “there is
also a feeling within the government that Iran might have launched this
attack knowing that it would be thwarted [. . .] they needed to do
something big to show that they would respond to the attack on their
embassy in Syria”” I agree with this assessment - but the Bedouin child who was killed must not be forgotten “How Iran’s attack on Israel was stopped” https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/apr/14/how-irans-attack-on-israel-was-stopped “Massive drone and missile attack was defeated by Israeli military with orchestrated help of US, UK and Jordan” “How the United States helped counter Iran's attack on Israel” https://www.sbs.com.au/news/article/how-the-united-states-helped-counter-irans-attack-on-israel/3p9eefk25 “Senior United States officials have detailed the role the US played in countering Iran's retaliatory drone and missile strike.” “How Israel managed to intercept ‘99 per cent’ of Iran’s drone and missile attack” https://www.abc.net.au/news/2024-04-16/how-israel-air-defence-stopped-iran-drone-missile-attacks/103707770 “‘Military dwarf’ Iran ‘playing with fire’ by launching attack on Israel” https://www.france24.com/en/video/20240414-military-dwarf-iran-playing-with-fire-by-launching-unprecedented-attack-on-israel “Iran
launched an unprecedented attack on Israel late Saturday less than two
weeks after a suspected Israeli strike in Syria killed two Iranian
generals. “Iran is a military dwarf compared to Israel so there is no
way that it would be able to fight off a military attack by Israel into
Iran. So they’re really playing with fire by launching this attack for
the first time from Iranian territory into Israel,” FRANCE 24's Philip
Turle said in an analysis.” I also agree with this analysis - and note that Iran’s preferred tactics are based on asymmetric warfare “‘Serious escalation’: World reacts to Iran’s strikes on Israel amid fears of a widening conflict” https://www.france24.com/en/middle-east/20240414-serious-escalation-world-reacts-to-iran-s-strikes-on-israel-amid-fears-of-a-widening-conflict “Countries
around the world condemned Iran's strikes on Israel late Saturday,
warning the attack threatened to further destabilise the Middle East.” “Iran's
planned strike against Israel puts the Middle East on the brink of
wider conflict but other nations are baulking at the concept” https://www.abc.net.au/news/2024-04-16/iran-strikes-aimed-at-israel-middle-east-brink-of-war/103709790 ““It’s
no longer a shadow war, it’s no longer a clandestine kind of
intelligence indirect confrontation between Tel Aviv and Tehran. So
Tehran, for the first time, directly targets Israel,” Dr Saleh told
7.30” “The Iron Dome air defence system, Israel’s crucial anti-missile shield” https://www.france24.com/en/middle-east/20240414-iron-dome-air-defence-system-israel-s-key-anti-missile-shield “Israel's
Iron Dome air defence system has intercepted thousands of rockets since
it first went into operation in 2011, providing the country with
crucial cover during times of conflict.”
- “Iran's seizure of Israel-linked vessel 'first step' in retaliation, specialist says” https://www.france24.com/en/video/20240413-iran-s-seizure-of-israel-linked-vessel-first-step-in-retaliation-specialist-says “Iran Captures MV MSC Aries off the Straits of Hormuz | Shipping Under Attack” https://youtu.be/vGmhK8dvgp4?si=e6UZowoIEQYTYOiR
- The following was built up over the week, and I have included it as there are comments about military aspects and long term risks that are significant, but Israel appears to have chosen a response that Iran can live with, suggesting the immediate risk of war has been dealt with (although not without death - at least one Bedouin child, a young girl has been killed). I have left this in time order, but keep this spoiler alert in mind - and the still-present longer-term risks, especially around Iran’s nuclear power, but also the general risk of miscalculation in such situations - as you wade through all this: “IDF chief of staff says Israel will respond to Iran missile attack” https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/apr/15/israel-will-respond-to-iran-missile-attack-idf-chief-of-staff “General gives clearest confirmation yet that Israel will hit back but it is unclear what form response will take” “Israel army chief pledges Iran response as Western countries urge restraint” https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2024/4/15/western-allies-urge-restraint-as-israeli-war-cabinet-weighs-iran-response “Several allies warn against an escalation after Iran’s weekend attack on Israel increases fears of wider regional war” “Israel vows victory after Iran's unprecedented strikes amid fears of widening conflict” https://www.sbs.com.au/news/article/israel-vows-victory-after-irans-unprecedented-strikes-amid-fears-of-widening-conflict/agetcpmqr “How will Israel respond to Iran’s attack and could it cope with a war?” https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/apr/15/how-will-israel-respond-iran-attack-war “A red line has been crossed from an Israeli security standpoint but none of the options for retaliation are without risk ... Analysts and former military officers are confident that Israel would emerge better off than Iran if the two sides do go to war: the country has prepared for a multi-front scenario for years. ... Normal life in Israel would also come to a halt: 75% of the military is made up of reservists. Major infrastructure such as power stations, water supplies and transportation are likely to be affected and the impact on the strong economy would be immense.” “What does Israel want to do after Iran’s drone and missile attacks?” https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2024/4/14/what-does-israel-want-to-do-after-irans-drone-and-missile-attacks “Analysts look at the reasons behind Israel’s attack on Iran’s consulate, which triggered Iran’s overnight barrage on Israel” This article goes back to the Embassy attack “‘On the brink’ of war or ‘saving face’? The events that lead to Iran’s attack on Israel” https://www.sbs.com.au/news/article/on-the-brink-of-war-or-saving-face-the-events-that-lead-to-irans-attack-on-israel/u03rrb3cd “Iran’s attack on Israel followed six months of ‘proxy’ aggravations. Here’s how tension has escalated in the region since 7th October” The answer to the question in the articles title could be: both “Bombs and viruses: The shadowy history of Israel’s attacks on Iranian soil” https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2024/4/15/bombs-and-viruses-the-shadowy-history-of-israels-attacks-on-iranian-soil “From cyberattacks and assassinations to drone strikes, Israel-linked plots have targeted Iran and its nuclear programme for years” An opinion piece: “Netanyahu faces tough questions on Iran – because we Israelis don’t need any more forever wars” https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2024/apr/15/benjamin-netanyahu-faces-tough-questions-iran-israel-forever-war “An all-out conflict, dragging in other regional powers, may be someone’s idea of ‘national security’. As an Israeli citizen, it isn’t mine” “The Guardian view on Iran and Israel: they need to step back from the brink of open warfare” https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2024/apr/15/the-guardian-view-on-iran-and-israel-they-need-to-step-back-from-the-brink-of-open-warfare An opinion that: “Amid the Israel-Iran escalation, it’s time for a region-wide ceasefire” https://www.aljazeera.com/opinions/2024/4/14/amid-the-israel-iran-escalation-its-time-for-a-region-wide-ceasefire “Unless the world is ready for a regional war with global repercussions, it must move quickly.” “The Israel-Iran Crisis: A Chance to Step Back from the Brink” https://www.crisisgroup.org/middle-east-north-africa/east-mediterranean-mena/israelpalestine-iran/israel-iran-crisis-chance “Israel and its allies fended off almost all the armed drones and missiles fired by Iran on 13 April. This outcome affords both sides a face-saving way out of what could otherwise be a ruinous broader confrontation.” “Israel ‘making decision to act’ after Iran attack, says Cameron on Jerusalem visit” https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/apr/17/israel-david-cameron-jerusalem-visit-iran “UK foreign secretary is probably first non-Israeli politician to admit military reprisal is inevitable but urges Israel not to escalate” “Iran retaliation or Gaza assault? Experts say Israel can't carry out both simultaneously” https://www.sbs.com.au/news/article/iran-retaliation-or-gaza-assault-experts-say-israel-cant-carry-out-both-simultaneously/qh7b6tuoj “Analysts say the Israeli military, already battling _____ in Gaza and Iran-backed groups elsewhere in the region, cannot sustain active fighting against Iran too” “Israeli attack on nuclear sites [would] prompt tit-for-tat, pursuing nukes: Iran” https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2024/4/18/iran-threatens-tit-for-tat-bomb-run-if-israel-attacks-nuclear-facilities “Iran warns Israel that if it goes ahead with a retaliation for last week’s attack, Tehran will respond in kind and also pursue a nuclear weapon” “Iran, Israel and the potential for miscalculation” https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2024/4/18/iran-israel-potential-miscalculation-analysis “Israel and Iran: Itching for War, Playing with Fire” https://www.juancole.com/2024/04/israel-itching-playing.html
- “Explosion hits base of Iranian-aligned Iraqi army unit” https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/apr/20/explosion-hits-base-of-iranian-aligned-iraqi-army-unit “‘Demonstration attacks’: Global calls for calm after reported Israeli strike on Iran” https://youtu.be/j241DSKFYHY?si=0KoTc-5SlZmtQEHV “Retaliatory spiral in Middle East must end, says UN chief after reported strikes on Iran” https://news.un.org/en/story/2024/04/1148741 “World leaders urge calm after Israeli drone strike on Iran ratchets up tension” https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/apr/19/israel-iran-drone-strike-reaction “'War is destructive': Iranians react after reported Israeli strike • FRANCE 24 English” https://youtu.be/XQSlO3VYyoY?si=IpRZisbG7IOU82qg “Tehran signals no retaliation against Israel after drones attack Iran • FRANCE 24 English” https://youtu.be/Bzb0YeHfVIM?si=jb-0LX55viX0lMFb “Iran plays down impact of Israeli airstrikes but remains on high alert” https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/apr/19/iran-plays-down-impact-of-israeli-airstrikes-but-remains-on-high-alert “Response raises hopes that Tehran may have shelved reprisal threats and that escalation can be avoided” “Gulf states’ response to Iran-Israel conflict may decide outcome of crisis” https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/apr/19/gulf-states-response-to-iran-israel-conflict-may-decide-outcome-of-crisis
- “Iran attack shows Israeli deterrence policy ‘shattered’, Netanyahu critics say” https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/apr/15/iran-attack-shows-israeli-deterrence-policy-shattered-netanyahu-critics One expert commented that if Iran’s attack “had
not been so well choreographed, if it had been a complete surprise, I
think fewer missiles would have been taken out and others would have got
through. And I think while it is definitely a cliche to say Israel is
completely indebted and dependent on the US, it is also true that if the
US and other allies had not stood alongside Israel we would have seen a
different outcome.” That
point is particularly significant given how angry the USA and others
are becoming over Israel’s appalling conduct in Gaza: at some stage,
Israel will likely lose at least some military support/aid unless it
stops its mass atrocities ... “Are the United States and Israel heading toward a Divorce?” https://www.juancole.com/2024/04/united-heading-divorce.html “US refuses to help Israel strike back at Iran” https://www.thenewdaily.com.au/news/world/middle-east-news/2024/04/15/us-iran-israel
- “Jordan faces difficult balancing act amid row over role in downing Iranian drones” https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/apr/15/jordan-difficult-balancing-act-row-downing-iranian-drones-israel “Amman and allies insist Jordanian actions were self-defence after public anger at home and across region”
My links for activism post may aid any activism you may decide to do on any/all of these. If you do, don’t get too fixated on specific instances of problems - important though they may well be: take a moment to also consider the broader issues these incidents and groups of incidents may suggest/reveal.
Assumptions / basis
In writing this, I have assumed / started from the following:
- his blog states quite clearly that it is about political and human rights matters, including lived experience of problems, and thus I will assume readers are reasonable people who have noted the content warning in the post header;
Possible flaws
Where I can, I will try to highlight possible flaws / issues you should consider:
- there may be flawed logical arguments in the above: to find out more about such flaws and thinking generally, I recommend Brendan
Myers’ free online course “Clear and Present Thinking”;
- I could be wrong - so keep your thinking caps on, and make up your own minds for yourself.
If they are of any use of interest, the activism information links from my former news posts are available in this post.
If you appreciated this post, please consider promoting it - there are some links below.
Copyright © Kayleen White 2016-2024 NO AI
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