If anyone else has been holding their breath through the last few days of war news out of Israel and Gaza, please remember to breathe, hydrate, and take breaks.
This is not a post inviting commentary on the aid blockades, the indomitable work of victims' families, the ICJ's scope of inquiry, the ongoing politicking with third-party brokers--none of it.
Just a simple reminder to breathe, hydrate, and take breaks.
A watched war is constant turmoil.
Health first, to prepare for what comes next.
@MLClark I've been thinking about Israel's announced plans to create a permanent "buffer" in Gaza. It sounds a lot like Israeli occupation of the West Bank after the 1967 war. Will we see Israel start placing settlements in north Gaza? Will they attempt to legally annex north Gaza?
These are questions I'm sure Palestinians are asking.
Sure, Hamas started it, but I suspect a lot of people in the Arab community see this as a West Bank redux.
Like I said, the post wasn't to spark talk on the many issues, but I will caution against taking any one day's proposed solution at face value.
Over the last few weeks there's been near-daily yo-yo'ing in government & third-party claims about what comes next.
When this happens, there's an infowar game being played with the news cycle. It's not to be mistaken for accurate, good faith public discourse about solutions.
Think of it more like testing reactions & news cycle control.
@MLClark Yes, after I posted I saw your disclaimer. Sorry to violate the rules. I just wanted to share my observation with someone whose thoughts I value. 😊
Oh I know the feeling. I'm always bursting with thoughts as I check my feeds twice daily.
My caution comes from the fact that this war more than most has highlighted the extent to which we are *so eager* to be weaponized by whatever new intel is given to us next.
Are we capable of effecting change with what we hash out here? Not really.
But what we *can* do, & have proven seasoned hands at doing, is use online discussion to rush to dehumanization.
We need a more humane way in.
@MLClark When I was studying foreign policy back in the Dark Ages, it was right after the 1967 and 1973 conflicts. My career vision was Foreign Service, so the big career topics were the USSR or the Middle East.
So, when looking at today's events, the undergrad in me is considering the Big Picture rather than the human toll, alas. It must be that Henry Kissinger realpolitik that was all the rage.
Not quite as old as hula hoops and roller skates, but a rage nonetheless.