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#41

Off the Record / Re: Israel-Hamas War 2023

Last post by Razgovory - Today at 10:57:57 AM

Like or not OvB's delivery, but it is noticeable that pro-Palestinian actions be it like this ICC thing, or Labour Party rebels or just Guardian articles, seem to be dominated by Muslims.

Now, that may very well be a damning view on the rest of us not doing a thing. But overall non-Muslim indifference (at best, or a quiet pro-Israeli opinion) I think indicates two things: one is that this conflict is NOT such an existential drama for the US and UK as the pro-Palestinian side is making it out to be, and that there is a strong connection of Muslims to this conflict. The layman's assumption for the latter is the shared religion and thus cultural links, however this is far from being the only place where a Muslim population suffered brutally over the last couple of decades, just to mention Myanmar and China as the most recent examples. Yet there has not been nearly the efforts to force action from Western governments in protection of those people.

How much of that is a function of cancel culture? "Whites" can't speak out without being labeled antisemitic. Muslims have that label preapplied (see OvB) so less of a concern. Look at the celebrities that got blasted, and they're just dumb pretty people.

Plenty of whites speak out against the Israelis.  They just proclaim that anti-semitism is not equal to anti-zionism. And then go back to talking about how zionists are stealing children's organs.

#42

Off the Record / Re: Israel-Hamas War 2023

Last post by OttoVonBismarck - Today at 10:47:53 AM

I am opposed to the very existence of the ICC (I supported W dropping a bomb on their building, frankly, and still do), but ignoring that for a moment--entities like the ICC and others that are supposed to be "impartial" should use actually impartial people.

In a highly charged sectarian conflict between Muslims and Jews, one that has inflamed tensions between those communities for 75 years, I would posit you should be able to find qualified international lawyers who are:

1. Not Muslim
2. Not Jewish
3. Not from the Middle East

Like why can't we have that? I think we know the reason, and it is that Islamists who support Palestine have hijacked many international organizations

#43

Off the Record / Re: The EU thread

Last post by Tamas - Today at 10:43:39 AM

  What an apt summary of the country.

#44

Off the Record / Re: The EU thread

Last post by Sheilbh - Today at 10:43:23 AM

*Gestures at Hungary/CEE's 20th century*

#45

Off the Record / Re: Israel-Hamas War 2023

Last post by HVC - Today at 10:32:00 AM

He's Jewish, so he can make the joke

#46

Off the Record / Re: The EU thread

Last post by HVC - Today at 10:29:18 AM

Man, how bad was the past?

#47

Off the Record / Re: TV/Movies Megathread

Last post by celedhring - Today at 10:29:09 AM

You know, I watched it after seeing your post and thought it was awful 

Now, there are nuggets in there of a good story - I'm sure the books are way better - but the writing was incredibly weak, full of cheap twists and non-twists, and terrible dialogue.

Are there going to be more seasons of this? If anything so Sean Bean also gets to die in it

Ah sorry

Well the books are perhaps "better" but maybe not. I'd say they're above average historical crime fiction - although of the Cadfael variety where all the heroes are, fundamentally, tolerant 21st century secular liberals. And I'm fairly sure all the twists and non-twists are from the books.

There's 6-7 books - off the top of my head I don't think any really deals with Cromwell's downfall, but Shardlake's patron shifts through the series.

There are nuggets of good ideas there - I like that Shardlake is motivated by doing justice while everyone else just cares for expediency, but by doing so he ends up furthering an unjust cause (the greed of his patron).

But the writing has the subtlety and nuance of a sledgehammer.

#48

Off the Record / Re: Israel-Hamas War 2023

Last post by HVC - Today at 10:28:30 AM

Like or not OvB's delivery, but it is noticeable that pro-Palestinian actions be it like this ICC thing, or Labour Party rebels or just Guardian articles, seem to be dominated by Muslims.

Now, that may very well be a damning view on the rest of us not doing a thing. But overall non-Muslim indifference (at best, or a quiet pro-Israeli opinion) I think indicates two things: one is that this conflict is NOT such an existential drama for the US and UK as the pro-Palestinian side is making it out to be, and that there is a strong connection of Muslims to this conflict. The layman's assumption for the latter is the shared religion and thus cultural links, however this is far from being the only place where a Muslim population suffered brutally over the last couple of decades, just to mention Myanmar and China as the most recent examples. Yet there has not been nearly the efforts to force action from Western governments in protection of those people.

How much of that is a function of cancel culture? "Whites" can't speak out without being labeled antisemitic. Muslims have that label preapplied (see OvB) so less of a concern. Look at the celebrities that got blasted, and they're just dumb pretty people.

[On 1 August 2014, an article entitled "When Genocide is Permissible" and recommending the obliteration of the entire population of Gaza Strip was published on the blogs by a regular contributor.]

#49

Off the Record / Re: Israel-Hamas War 2023

Last post by viper37 - Today at 10:26:31 AM

So far, I have seen no mention of what Graham talked about in any major media outlet.  The NY Times does not talk about it, CNN does not mention it, the WP does not mention it.

NYTimes and CNN are deeply anti-Israel and would be unlikely to comment on what is a relatively minor point about the issue.

Times of Israel, which is a respected media outlet, reported on it earlier:

https://www.timesofisrael.com/liveblog_entry/israel-was-preparing-to-host-icc-chief-prosecutor-taken-completely-by-surprise-by-arrest-warrant-bid-officials/

I think your logic mistake is believing "the ICC Prosecutor had a planned trip to Israel he cancelled last minute" is actually a huge news story, it really isn't. But it does point to the bad faith actions and motivations of the prosecutor.

Times of Israel is conservative media.  No surprise you find it "respected".


On 1 August 2014, an article entitled "When Genocide is Permissible" and recommending the obliteration of the entire population of Gaza Strip was published on the blogs by a regular contributor.


Again, not surprised this is a respected media outlet for you.

#50

Off the Record / Re: Israel-Hamas War 2023

Last post by Tamas - Today at 10:25:21 AM

Like or not OvB's delivery, but it is noticeable that pro-Palestinian actions be it like this ICC thing, or Labour Party rebels or just Guardian articles, seem to be dominated by Muslims.

Now, that may very well be a damning view on the rest of us not doing a thing. But overall non-Muslim indifference (at best, or a quiet pro-Israeli opinion) I think indicates two things: one is that this conflict is NOT such an existential drama for the US and UK as the pro-Palestinian side is making it out to be, and that there is a strong connection of Muslims to this conflict. The layman's assumption for the latter is the shared religion and thus cultural links, however this is far from being the only place where a Muslim population suffered brutally over the last couple of decades, just to mention Myanmar and China as the most recent examples. Yet there has not been nearly the efforts to force action from Western governments in protection of those people.