“Nothing good from Netanyahu”
In this interview with Jacobin Italia, Frieda Afary and I discussed how global relations are often oversimplified and the complexities are overlooked in critical debates. The fact that Russia is aligned with Israel and supplies fuel for its fighter jets, as well as the reality that the Islamic regime is making intense efforts to reach a comprehensive agreement with the West, are often ignored in many discussions. Frieda Afary pointed out that the Israeli government is highly determined to continue its attacks, and any “red lines” from both sides have already been crossed. Netanyahu and his allies believe that now is the right time to destroy Iran’s nuclear program and perhaps even to eliminate the regime of the ayatollahs.
I mentioned that the regime is increasingly striving to join the Financial Action Task Force (FATF), and this can only happen if the regime stops financially supporting groups that are internationally considered “terrorist organizations.” I also addressed issues such as sectarianism in the Middle East, which has been exacerbated by the Islamic regime, and I criticized various right-wing and left-wing tendencies in the West for their racist and orientalist views of the Middle East, which have overshadowed the solidarity and anti-war movement. Finally, Frieda Afary emphasized that the majority of people in Iran seek progress and democracy, and she highlighted the importance of revolution and the overthrow of the Islamic regime.
“The crisis can always escalate, especially with two far-right governments like those of Iran and Israel.”
In this interview with Greek Lifo Magazine, I had a discussion on the Middle East crisis and its many implications for the wider region and internationally.
The question is, after decades of occupation, oppression, and experiencing severe social/economic apartheid by such a state, did Palestinian society have any other opportunities? In the 1970s, more progressive forces emerged, which also played an important role in resisting Israeli occupation. These individuals were targeted and assassinated by Mossad or the Israeli military (IDF), and later, with the establishment of the Islamic Republic in Iran and the influx of petrodollars, groups such as Hamas were formed, driven by a completely different ideology. Hamas was also promoted by the policies of various Israeli governments, something that is discussed and criticized even within Israel itself. As the far right gained strength in Israel, a similar phenomenon occurred within the oppressed Palestinian society.
In this context, we should not overlook the Orientalist dimension of narratives for or against Palestine. When it comes to Israel, the discussion is either taboo or its complete destruction is presented as the solution to all problems! Over these months, there have been many radical criticisms of war profiteering, war crimes, and legal violations by the military and settlers in various parts of Israel. However, the prevailing warlike atmosphere leaves no space for progressive forces, and the ideological dominance of the far right hinders any possibility for peace and an end to the occupation.
