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Conflict in the Middle East

How did you get to your current position on the crisis in the Middle East?

244 replies

BaMamma · 12/02/2025 21:59

Following a poster's comment about her views on Israel/Palestine changing after October 7th, I wonder if other posters' views have changed or if they've been constant since first learning of this issue?

For my part I've always been left leaning and tended to accept the narrative around in the 80s and 90s about how terrible Israel was and awfully they treated the Palestinians, I recall the phrase 'the prisoners have become the prison guards' being bandied about quite a bit. I'll admit I didn't think about it too deeply, even though I had visited Israel as a kid and loved it.
I was at a friend of a friend's house when the Ramallah incident was playing out on the TV screens, he had 24-hour news on and that's all it seemed to be showing. I was appalled at the violence, but he was chuckling, supporting the barbarians tearing those men apart, raising bloodied hands to the crowds.
So, I started reading and kept on reading and thinking and came to an understanding of Israel as the only democracy in the Middle East and the only home for Jews in the world, surrounded by Muslim neighbors. I began to see the conflict in world history terms rather than just Palestine vs Israel and saw the necessity of a Jewish state.

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wordsworthundercover · 14/02/2025 00:20

@BaMamma What books would you recommend?

BaMamma · 14/02/2025 00:20

PotaytoPotahhto · 14/02/2025 00:18

Your second paragraph is hardly in good faith. It’s quite derogatory to anyone who chooses to watch documentaries. Watching a documentary doesn’t mean that no reading or research is done either. The two are not mutually exclusive. It’s quite telling that’s how you comment on posts that detail documentaries that are sympathetic towards Palestinians.

Seeing as you’re of the viewpoint that your research is unbiased and truthful, perhaps it might help if you detail the books you have read on the matter.

"emotive documentaries"

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PotaytoPotahhto · 14/02/2025 00:18

Your second paragraph is hardly in good faith. It’s quite derogatory to anyone who chooses to watch documentaries. Watching a documentary doesn’t mean that no reading or research is done either. The two are not mutually exclusive. It’s quite telling that’s how you comment on posts that detail documentaries that are sympathetic towards Palestinians.

Seeing as you’re of the viewpoint that your research is unbiased and truthful, perhaps it might help if you detail the books you have read on the matter.

BaMamma · 14/02/2025 00:14

Thanks to those who have engaged with this question in good faith and explained their positions and how they arrived at them.

It's a shame some people simply can't do that.

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BaMamma · 14/02/2025 00:13

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PotaytoPotahhto · 14/02/2025 00:01

Well done on calling out the pettiness of the laughing emojis. One of the posters who laughed at my post explaining why I support Palestinians subsequently removed her laughing emoji. Luckily I made a note of their username so I can spot them next time they think it’s funny to laugh at dead Palestinians and name them too.

wordsworthundercover · 13/02/2025 23:59

@25milesfromhome And another laughing emoji. Well, maybe I now have my own dedicated fan. In all seriousness, I think it's important to listen to all views because how else can you have an informed opinion? Perhaps you will make some suggestions for sources that have led you to your own position some time.

wordsworthundercover · 13/02/2025 23:48

@25milesfromhome Not sure why you are posting a laughing emoji.

wordsworthundercover · 13/02/2025 23:28

25milesfromhome · 13/02/2025 23:23

Touched a nerve?

I don't understand what you mean. Your writing style comes across as aggressive, even if you don't mean to be. But I'd be happy to check out any films or documentaries you personally found useful.

OpheliaWasntMad · 13/02/2025 23:26

A shame this thread has descended into point scoring.. It was quite civilised and informative for a while .
I think I’ll stop reading it now.

25milesfromhome · 13/02/2025 23:23

wordsworthundercover · 13/02/2025 23:19

@25milesfromhome You are free to share the sources which helped form your views? Why are you telling @Dianapiano to stand down? It sounds rather over the top.

Touched a nerve?

PotaytoPotahhto · 13/02/2025 23:20

Dianapiano · 13/02/2025 23:14

@25milesfromhome
That is not fair. The premise of the thread is to explain how you reached your current position on the Middle East. For most people it is by watching documentaries, reading scholarly articles and even by engaging in discussion on forums such as Mumsnet.
It is you who is derailing the process. Not posters who are sharing useful sources to explain the background to the issue.

Agreed. I thought the point of this thread was to share opinions and what led you to those opinions. Documentaries detailing the plight of Palestinians can be part of the process. Not sure why that’s so outrageous for OP and others.

Fifiworks · 13/02/2025 23:19

Do not go reporting that post. I think it demonstrates an important viewpoint. One that we need to see. That supporting Palestinians is equal with supporting terrorism in many people’s minds.

wordsworthundercover · 13/02/2025 23:19

@25milesfromhome You are free to share the sources which helped form your views? Why are you telling @Dianapiano to stand down? It sounds rather over the top.

OpheliaWasntMad · 13/02/2025 23:19

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Reported

OpheliaWasntMad · 13/02/2025 23:18

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This is unacceptable and I will report this post.
There were many Irish who fought with the allies ( even though Ireland was neutral)

25milesfromhome · 13/02/2025 23:15

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ExercicenformedeZ · 13/02/2025 23:15

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wordsworthundercover · 13/02/2025 23:14

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That's a terrible thing to say.

Dianapiano · 13/02/2025 23:14

@25milesfromhome
That is not fair. The premise of the thread is to explain how you reached your current position on the Middle East. For most people it is by watching documentaries, reading scholarly articles and even by engaging in discussion on forums such as Mumsnet.
It is you who is derailing the process. Not posters who are sharing useful sources to explain the background to the issue.

wordsworthundercover · 13/02/2025 23:13

BaMamma · 13/02/2025 23:06

Not sure quite how this turned into a thread to share documentaries about the plight of the Palestinians!?!

I think we were discussing films and documentaries which helped form our thoughts on the issue, and sharing ideas to learn more. Isn't that relevant?

ExercicenformedeZ · 13/02/2025 23:11

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ExercicenformedeZ · 13/02/2025 23:10

I'm a proud Zionist, whereas before I was a quiet one. Am Yisrael Chai today, tomorrow, and always.

25milesfromhome · 13/02/2025 23:07

Because it's all about the deflect and derail.

BaMamma · 13/02/2025 23:06

Not sure quite how this turned into a thread to share documentaries about the plight of the Palestinians!?!

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