(Highly recommend the first video in the resources)

Game theory, a mathematical model used to understand strategic interactions among rational decision-makers, can offer insights into the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, particularly when examining the actions of Zionist extremists and their potential long-term impact. In the context of this enduring conflict, game theory suggests that if one player, in this case, Israel, continues with a strategy of aggressive actions such as the occupation, destruction, and collective punishment of Palestinians, it may lead to a ‘game’ where there are no winners, only losers [[1]].

When one side adopts a strategy of extreme measures, it often prompts a cycle of retaliation and escalation, which can become a race to the bottom. Israel’s offensive actions, including the destruction of Gaza, the continued occupation of the West Bank, and policies that have been described as leading to the starvation of Palestinians, can be seen as moves in a high-stakes game where the goal is to force the other player to submit or collapse. However, these actions have significant repercussions, including the potential for international isolation and condemnation [[1]].

The strategic defeat for Israel, in this case, doesn’t necessarily mean a military defeat, but rather a moral and diplomatic one. The continued policies of what some label as oppression and apartheid have led to a growing perception of Israel as a pariah state, which could result in diplomatic isolation and a loss of support, even from traditional allies [[1]]. This isolation can be exacerbated by the internal divisions and erosion of national unity within Israel, a situation that game theory predicts as detrimental to the coherence of a player’s strategy [[3]].

Furthermore, game theory suggests that an extremist government that ignores peaceful resolutions and opts for oppressive tactics may ultimately experience a backlash not only from the international community but also from its own citizens. This has been suggested by voices such as David Hearst, who argue that Israel’s current trajectory could lead to a strategic defeat in Gaza and beyond [[2]][[4]].

The situation is further complicated by the potential for a shift in the US’s unwavering support. If the US, influenced by its own internal political dynamics or changes in the international arena, decides to halt weapons sales or withdraw support, Israel might be forced to reconsider its approach [[1]][[3]]. Such a scenario can be understood through game theory as a change in the payoff matrix, where the costs of maintaining the current strategy become unsustainable.

In conclusion, through the lens of game theory, the actions of Zionist extremists in Israel can be seen as a high-risk strategy that might secure short-term gains but potentially leads to a long-term strategic defeat. This defeat will not only be military but also moral, diplomatic, and societal, affecting the fabric of both Israeli and Palestinian communities and reshaping the geopolitical landscape of the region.

Resources:

– What Game Theory Reveals About Life, The Universe, and Everything – YouTube

– John Mearsheimer: What’s Behind Biden’s Blank Check Support for Israel? | Endgame #179 (Luminaries) – YouTube

– Why Israel faces a strategic defeat in Gaza | David Hearst – YouTube

– Mehdi Hasan Debunks 7 Israeli Myths About UNRWA – YouTube

– Ilan Pappe – how he became an Israeli dissident and on why Zionism will fail soon | UNAPOLOGETIC – YouTube

– The Zionist project is coming to an end, with Ilan Pappé – YouTube

This is my first attempt to use a ChatBot with RAG system (fed by my previous 38 articles) and other information to come up with an informative article. You can interact with my previous articles and knowledge base by using the Chatbot https://poe.com/PeaceInTheHolyLand

In an age where information is as influential as military might, intellectuals bear a significant responsibility in shaping the narratives and perceptions that underpin global conflicts. Nowhere is this more pertinent than in the protracted conflict between Palestine and Israel. As the asymmetry of power looms large, the role of intellectuals, activists, and informed citizens in addressing the injustices faced by Palestinians and applying pressure on Zionist policies becomes not just relevant but imperative.

The onslaught in Gaza and the plight of Palestinians under occupation have brought to the fore the urgency for intellectuals to recognize and challenge the support systems that underlie the actions of the Israeli state. This is not simply a call to awareness but a call to action, as the perpetuation of violence and the denial of Palestinian self-determination demand a moral and ethical response from those who wield influence through knowledge and discourse [1].

Intellectuals, especially in the United States, are situated in a unique position to question the moral incongruities of their nation’s foreign policies, which have historically sided with Israel, often at the expense of international law and human rights. The U.S. administration’s unwavering support for Israel raises questions about the underlying reasons for such an alliance, which often isolates the U.S. on the international stage and aligns it with actions that contradict its professed values [2].

By engaging in deep research and understanding the power dynamics at play, intellectuals can advocate for just policies and lobby for crucial actions such as ceasefires and the recognition of Palestinian rights. The willingness of professionals, investors, and thought leaders to emerge from their comfort zones and speak out against the occupation and systemic injustices reflects the potential for intellectual advocacy to influence public opinion and policy [2].

Indeed, the efforts of Israeli intellectuals like Ilan Pappe and Gideon Levy, who strive to enlighten their society about the realities of the occupation, are commendable. The formidable task of countering widespread media propaganda and deeply ingrained prejudices requires courage and persistence. Their hope for change is often pinned on the United States, where shifts in public perception and policy can have far-reaching effects [3].

Moreover, the resilience of the Palestinian people serves as an inspiration to global citizens. The diverse array of international activists and scholars who stand in solidarity with the Palestinian cause demonstrates the universal appeal of the struggle for justice and human dignity. This is a testament to the power of shared human values that transcend borders and politics [3].

Intellectuals must also confront the hypocrisy and corruption that can pervade their own societies. The dissonance between the lofty values preached by governments and their complicit actions in the face of injustice necessitates a strong intellectual response. There is a profound need for intellectuals to expose lies, promote truth, and encourage the election of officials who genuinely prioritize the well-being of people over political expediency [5].

As the informed elite, intellectuals have the moral imperative to challenge biased narratives, empathize with the oppressed, and maintain high ethical standards in their advocacy. The dissemination of truth and the exposure of falsehoods not only aid in the resolution of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict but also serve to protect the integrity of intellectual discourse and democratic processes [6].

In conclusion, the role of intellectuals in addressing the conflict in Palestine and Israel and applying pressure on Zionist policies is multifaceted. It involves research, advocacy, moral courage, and an unyielding commitment to justice. The path to peace may be fraught with obstacles, but through informed and principled engagement, intellectuals can help pave the way towards a just and equitable resolution for all parties involved.

Free Palestine <-> Apartheid Israel

Post #38: The West Bank Speaks Volumes – part 1

Many individuals remain undecided or indifferent about their stance on Israel’s actions. Even in light of International Court of Justice rulings, the presence of bullies leading Israel and the proliferation of vile hate speech is evident.

For the duration of this article, let’s set aside the situation in Gaza. Instead, let’s focus on another region of occupied Palestine known as the West Bank to explore the harsh and inhuman treatment Palestinians endure at the hands of Israel.

The narrative of the West Bank is one Israeli officials would rather keep hidden. Numerous human rights organizations and some media outlets, such as Haaretz, have reported on the egregious and inhumane acts committed by Israelis in the West Bank. Yet, this coverage is often absent from our hypocritical mainstream media, as I have previously noted in my post about “the occupation of the American mind.”

Here is an outline of the critical points:

✴️ The international community universally recognizes the West Bank as Palestinian land, yet Israel continues to occupy and exert control over it.

✴️ A growing number of Israeli extremists, including members of Netanyahu’s cabinet, dream of annexing the West Bank to form a “greater” Israel. Imagine any conceivable atrocity: building settlements, detaining Palestinians, killing civilians, etc. — these are just a few examples of their brutality, documented in numerous documentaries and archives. One recent example is the Jewish-produced documentary “Israelism.”

✴️ Israel’s ultimate objective is to annex both the West Bank and Gaza, and they are not secretive about these plans.

Each of these points could be expanded into full articles, but let’s pivot to some actionable steps that those still on the fence can take, particularly those who hold morals and ethics in high regard:

✴️ Knowledge is power. Read reports and support American and Israeli human rights organizations. These individuals study, understand, and decide to take a stand against the cruel actions of their governments.

✴️ View this as a moral battle, not merely a political one. This conflict transcends national boundaries and distinguishes between humans with values and those without. If you’re undecided, it’s time to give this serious thought.

✴️ Align yourself with movements that share your values and objectives. While I cannot mention every group, here are a few: CAIR, JVP, B’Tselem, Tech for Palestine, UN, and many others. These organizations are in constant need of volunteers and donors.

✴️ Speak out! Use every opportunity to share your position with your social circles, providing them with thoughtful insights and credible, scientific resources. Only those who are willfully ignorant can deny the obvious, as one might deny the existence of the sun.

✴️ If you’re unable to express your views publicly, support those who can. There are many events, especially in the Bay Area, where your presence, support, and volunteerism are highly valuable.

✴️ Practice patience. The Zionist movement has been at work for decades; it is naive to expect immediate change in public opinion. This is why joining organized movements is crucial, in addition to publishing content or speaking out.

I firmly believe — and know many others share the belief — that most humans are decent. I choose to focus my energy on the majority who may not realize their power, rather than on those few blinded by greed or short-term gains.

While I publish more articles about the West Bank, here are some a sample from two prominent human rights organizations:

https://www.btselem.org/topic/apartheid

https://www.amnesty.org/en/latest/campaigns/2022/02/israels-system-of-apartheid/

https://www.amnesty.org/en/location/middle-east-and-north-africa/israel-and-occupied-palestinian-territories/report-israel-and-occupied-palestinian-territories/

https://www.btselem.org/freedom_of_movement/checkpoints_and_forbidden_roads

Please add more resources in comments for others to know.

P.S. the photo is for a checkpoint where Palestinians living in the West Bank has to go through to get in there.

The war on Gaza resumed killing more civilians and I hope many intellectuals had the chance to watch and read and realize the amount of damage and bullying the Israel did and still doing with the full support of the US not just to Palestine, but to the whole humanity. I’m not exaggerating here. What happened has put to the surface the hypocrisy and corruption of values we have in our country and in western countries overall. It is getting us back to the thoughts that those in power can bully and get what they want and don’t dare to challenge them.

Is this sustainable? Do we feel comfortable using weapons to emphasize hate between nations instead of diplomacy? Is the settlers colonialism still running in the blood of those who believe they are more supreme that other humans?

Something is wrong and needs to be fixed. It does not help that everyone stick to their desk and tasks and feel better about their careers while millions of people are not able to find clean water, being bombarded by bullies or being surrounded by people in denial.

At the end of the day I see this as a deep and big war between politicians who run high level national/international decisions vs intellectuals who have smart critical minds and immune to propaganda.

You can rely on intellectuals to use their analytical tools outside work to participate in a meaningful impact.

You can rely on intellectuals to have the courage of speaking up and raising awareness to those who are less immune to propaganda and those in denial; the majority of populations.

Intellectuals are physicians, scientists, engineers, lawyers, political scientists … etc

Politicians are supposed to be intellectuals, some of them are. However, the corruption and lobbying we have turns most politicians into focusing on actions that helps them get re-elected, regardless of the long term goals. As an example, you may have heard Obama couple of weeks ago talking about the rights of Palestinians to have their independent country. However, you question why he did nothing on that when he was in power. Many similar examples.

The irrational support that US provides to Israel no matter how much bullying it does should trigger intellectuals to think more: what else does not make sense? Where does our tax money go? Why in Silicon Valley we have terrible roads and pavements although we pay the most amount of taxes to the federal government? Why the public education is bad? Why housing is not affordable here for most people?

After asking those questions (or many more) just take one problem and use your skills to dig and analyze, then raise awareness – expose lies and promote truth.

We have enough intellectuals to defeat propaganda. Where are just lazy or careless although deep in our minds we know that if we took no action we will be deceiving and dishonest to the rising generations. Being active on the other hand leaves a legacy and impact the lasts even after we get buried.

Be an activist today. You won’t regret. On the contrary it helps you know and lobby with more intellectuals who decided to take their skills to the next level and see the world for what it really is. The bigger picture as we like to call it.

Intellectuals in politics play roles like no others. Just Google “intellectuals in politics” and enjoy thought provoking history and papers. I will add more in future posts.

Previous posts and resources here:

https://ashmouny.com/tag/free_palestine/