The following clips are from a Berkeley Teach-in which was organized after the Israeli war on Lebanon in Summer 2006. I came across with them just recently. I think the insights offered are still relevant and helpful to understand the macro and micro politics in the region.These short clips could also serve as a useful starting point for discussions in your educational gatherings. Below, I have added titles and my brief comments for each of the presentations.
(Click on each title for the corresponding clip)
Political Process in Lebanon and the Israeli Invasion
Saba Mahmood opens up the session with a brief overview of Lebanese politics. She talks about the increasing maturity of Lebanese politics over years, as seen in the formation of political ethics of sorts and the shared efforts toward preserving sectarian harmony. One of the primary motives/resultant of the Israeli invasion of Lebanon in 2006 was to damage this political process.
The Utility of the War on Terror for the Empire
Charles Hirschkind sheds light on the utility of the war on terror for the empire. He argues that instead of targeting Al-Qaeda, the war on terror is more focused on targeting anti-imperial movements in certain Muslim countries, and protecting pro-US dictatorial regimes. In a cautious tone, he also emphasizes the importance of understanding the context in which violent tactics of certain resistance organizations emerged. You may not agree with everything he says. I for one do not. But he surely offers some critical insights that many of us would appreciate.
Jewish Teachings Require Criticism of Israeli Brutalities
Judith Butler describes the circumstances of Lebanese war and the political-legal maneuvering by international peace keeping bodies. She inquires into the politics surrounding UN resolutions and their implementation. Outlines the strategic aims of Israeli War on Lebanon in 2006. She finally argues that criticizing the Israeli entity is not anti-semitism. That a true understanding of Jewish teachings makes the criticism of Israel not only possible but also obligatory.
A History of Hezbollah
Zeina Zaatari starts with sharing some ethnographic quotes from her research in Lebanon in 2001. She then presents a history of Lebanese-Israeli relationship. Argues that Hezbollah, although supported by Iran-Syria, is very much a Lebanese phenomenon. Briefly alludes to Syed Musa Sadr's involvement, formation of Amal, Syed Fadlallah's role in educational activities and his perceived connections to Hezbollah, and finally comes to the formation of Hezbollah. Her description of Vilayate Faqih may not be fully accurate, but, that shouldn't distract one from the main theme of her talk. She describes Hezbollah's organizational capacity, social welfare projects, outreach avenues, all of which were targets of Israeli bombardment in Summer 2006. She also describes the dynamics of Hezbollah's influence among its following. Although she warns against seeing these dynamics in instrumental terms, she still focuses on clientalism, and does not give sufficient value to identity attachments and religious commitments of the followers among the Shias and the support from well-wishers from among the general Lebanese population and beyond Lebanon.
The Arrogance of ZioNazis
Beshara Doumani addresses the question "Why Can't They Get Along (in Middle East)?" The answer, according to him is that they can't along because of decades-long dispossession of one group by another, which has only intensified recently. Using a number of anecdotal examples, he argues that the arrogance of ZioNazis is directly responsible for the intensification of violence, the failure of many international interventions for peace, and the suffering of the Palestinian people. He seems to believe in the two state solution; he was subsequently questioned on that in the Q&A session.
Q&A Section
I especially liked the comment/question on co-existence with the right to return as a solution, which is also advocated by Edward Said, among others.
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