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4.25 AVERAGE
4.25 AVERAGE
The format was interesting because it’s truly a dialogue, but I think it ultimately hurts the impact and flow of the book. Given that the two authors/speakers don’t agree on all fronts, of course at points I’m also not going to agree with one or both of them, but I found so much of this to be dated (it’s from 2015 so, yes, that makes sense, but it’s a little too dated at times to be reading with modern context).
I think the majority of it is great— the introduction in particular is a wonderful perspective on activism. And let me be clear, I’m no expert, but I do think there are some clear issues here (occasionally pandering to moderate or palatable ideologies being one of them). I’m going to put a lot of weight on the fact that it’s from 2015, but regardless I would’ve loved to hear Palestinian voices somewherel in here.
I think the majority of it is great— the introduction in particular is a wonderful perspective on activism. And let me be clear, I’m no expert, but I do think there are some clear issues here (occasionally pandering to moderate or palatable ideologies being one of them). I’m going to put a lot of weight on the fact that it’s from 2015, but regardless I would’ve loved to hear Palestinian voices somewherel in here.
Incredibly insightful conversations between Noam Chomsky and Ilan Pappé. You have to have background knowledge on the history of the colonization of Palestine to truly follow along.
Reading this 9 years after its publication when so much, yet so little has changed is an experience. One thing that particularly stood out was the discussion around Israel’s willingness to become a pariah state, blithely committing ethnic cleaning even if the entire world is against them, so long as they have the support of the US. This is clearly true today.
Reading this 9 years after its publication when so much, yet so little has changed is an experience. One thing that particularly stood out was the discussion around Israel’s willingness to become a pariah state, blithely committing ethnic cleaning even if the entire world is against them, so long as they have the support of the US. This is clearly true today.
challenging
informative
medium-paced
This is a good book to get an introduction on Palestine though this certainly shouldn't be an end-all. Chomsky is anti-resistance and (almost) sympathetic to Zionism. It's an interesting read but there are far better books on Palestine, especially ones written by Palestinians.
succinct, insightful and rage inducing the more you listen and understand that the American government has been responsible for prolonging the ethnic cleansing of and the suffering of Palestinians for more than half a century, unequivocally and with bipartisan support
Not a full historical account, but an enlightening commentary that expands understanding of the complexities and approaches to the devastation and suffering in this region. A good way to begin understanding settler colonialism in Israel. I learned a lot from the parallels drawn with the apartheid regime in South Africa as well. Helpful book in learning the current situation, to better understand its history.
Overall I’d recommend this book. The conversation between Chomsky and Pappe provides some valuable insight to the conflict. The only reason I didn’t give it five stars is that there’s some content — particularly from Chomsky — toward the end of the book that’s unnecessarily repetitive given their earlier dialog.
I would not recommend this book as a starting point to learning about Palestine and Israel; some discussions would be difficult to follow without at least a little background knowledge.
I would not recommend this book as a starting point to learning about Palestine and Israel; some discussions would be difficult to follow without at least a little background knowledge.
I have a horrid whirlwind of resurfaced thoughts about the region but I'll bottle that energy. This isn't a one-stop-shop for the Palestinian genocide, so if you're interested in educating yourself about the issue, I'd say start elsewhere. If you're at all familiar with the history of the region, key actors in that political stage, and these two figures Chomsky and Pappé, then this is a quick, good read. These recorded conversations will only compliment those ideas you may already align with, as does a majority of this world. Fuck Zionism from any religious costume, fuck AIPAC, fuck Netanyahu and the country's insipid brainwashing and dehumanization campaign. Also, happy birthday Noam Chomsky.