As a Ukrainian, I am deeply troubled by the ongoing war with Russia and the widespread belief that Russia’s main goal is the genocide and destruction of my nation. The fact that 60% of Ukrainians believe this to be true is alarming, but to me, it seems obvious based on the actions and statements coming from the Kremlin. Putin and his government have made it clear through their military actions, propaganda campaigns, and brutal treatment of Ukrainian civilians that they are intent on erasing Ukraine as a nation and Ukrainian people as a distinct culture.
It is shocking to me that there are still 40% of Ukrainians who do not see the reality of what is happening.… Continue reading
It’s easy to get lost in the noise and chaos of the political world, especially when it comes to conflicts as complex and longstanding as the one between Israel and Palestine. As someone who may not be well-versed in the intricacies of this issue, it can be overwhelming to navigate the barrage of opinions, hashtags, and buzzwords that flood social media platforms and news outlets. And yet, amidst the cacophony of voices, one statement stands out – “Biden: What’s happening in Gaza is not genocide.”
This assertion, coming from the President of the United States himself, carries significant weight and sparks a barrage of reactions from people across the political spectrum.… Continue reading
I am deeply troubled by the recent poll results showing that a majority of Democrats believe Israel is committing genocide against Palestinians in Gaza. As someone who believes in justice and peace, I struggle to comprehend how the overwhelming force and devastation being inflicted upon innocent civilian populations can be justified as a legitimate form of self-defense. I firmly believe that Israel, like any nation, has the right to defend itself, but the disproportionate response we are witnessing is alarming.
Looking at the statistics, it is undeniable that a significant number of people who have lost their lives in this conflict are innocent children, aid workers, and civilians.… Continue reading
Children ‘piled up and shot’: new details emerge of ethnic cleansing in Darfur.
The harrowing accounts coming out of Darfur are beyond comprehension. As I read about the 17-year-old boy describing how 12 innocent children and five adults were brutally killed, my heart breaks. The sheer brutality of two RSF forces snatching children from their parents, shooting the parents, and then, unbelievably, piling up the children and shooting them is a level of evil that is unfathomable. The fact that their bodies were thrown into the river like discarded trash is sickening.
It’s devastating to think about the terror those children and their parents must have felt in their final moments.… Continue reading
The recent statement by Defense Secretary Austin claiming that the US has seen no evidence of Israel committing genocide has stirred up a whirlwind of controversy and debate. It’s a bold assertion that has sparked strong reactions from both sides of the aisle, with supporters and critics voicing their opinions loud and clear.
In the midst of all the noise, it’s essential to take a step back and analyze the situation with a critical eye. The notion that Israel is engaging in genocide is a serious accusation that cannot be taken lightly. It’s a delicate matter that requires careful consideration and a thorough examination of the facts.… Continue reading
The recent statement by the Pentagon claiming that there is no evidence of unfolding genocide in Gaza has sparked a flurry of reactions and opinions from various quarters. While some may view this as a comprehensive investigation, others are quick to dismiss it as a mere attempt to cover up grave human rights violations. The Leahy Law, designed to prevent US foreign aid from reaching security forces involved in human rights abuses, seems to be conveniently sidestepped in this scenario. It raises the question of whether the US’s foreign policy priorities align more with safeguarding interests rather than upholding human rights.… Continue reading
As I sit here reading the news about a Yazidi woman who was held by the Islamic State (IS) for 10 years and finally freed from the al-Hawl camp by the Women’s Protection Units (YPJ) in Syria, I am overcome with a mix of emotions. Relief, anger, sadness, and frustration all bubble up inside me as I process the horrors that this woman endured and the larger issues at play.
First and foremost, I want to applaud the YPJ for their bravery and dedication in rescuing this woman and her children. It’s incredible to see a group of women standing up against the evil that is the Islamic State.… Continue reading
I want to take a moment to reflect on the heart-wrenching news of the deliberate killing of a 6-year-old girl in Gaza. As I listened to the call she made, begging for help as a tank stood in front of her, my heart sank. It is truly horrifying to think that a child could be a target of such violence.
What makes this tragedy even more devastating is the fact that an ambulance, sent to save her, was also targeted and destroyed. How can anyone justify this as fighting against terrorists or Hamas? This is not warfare, this is not collateral damage.… Continue reading
The recent ruling by the International Court of Justice (ICJ) regarding the genocide case against Israel has sparked considerable controversy and debate. As a concerned individual, I have closely followed the developments surrounding this case, and I believe it is crucial to reflect on the implications of the preliminary ruling.
To begin, it is essential to clarify what the ICJ ruling does and does not mean. Contrary to some misleading headlines, the court did not declare that Israel is committing genocide in Gaza. Rather, it acknowledged that some actions and omissions alleged by South Africa could potentially fall under the provisions of the Genocide Convention.… Continue reading
France Rejects Genocide Accusations Against Israel in Gaza
As an individual who closely follows global politics, I find the recent decision by France to reject genocide accusations against Israel in Gaza to be both significant and thought-provoking. France, with its troubled history of antisemitism, has often been credulous when it comes to accusations against Israel. However, this time they have taken a bold stance by supporting Israel.
One recurring argument made by those who defend Israel is that Hamas uses the people of Gaza as human shields. They question the absence of Hamas military bases, supply and weapon depots, soldiers, and the presence of thousands of missiles and weapons.… Continue reading
John Q. Hosedrinker