The October 7 attacks against Israel last year, that prompted an invasion by Israel into Gaza, were unprovoked. However, set against a narrative of the area that suggests attempts to fight off oppression by Palestinians, and it’s obvious to activists what it means.
However, it’s not so clear. The long story of Arab rebellion against democracy, America, and everything liberal about the West is one fraught with politically toxic issues. It’s not easy just talking about it, and it’s easier if there are people with interests present.
I’ve spoken to radicals who are adept at explaining their position, and I’ve tried to engage with activists who refuse to explain theirs. It’s not impossible to get to the latter, because their ideas are written in their textbooks, and are seen in what they do.
The difficulty in diplomacy is found, in parts, by sticking to the facts and sticking to your guns. It’s not acceptable to forget, or to compromise, because both these are positions necessary to the future. If the two sides don’t exist, there’s a breakdown in relations.
There is movement if separate issues arise that both parties can deliberate over, and slowly, progress toward peace is made. It’s not as quick as a news cycle, or as straightforward as a popular book. It’s the stuff of harmony, and the end of division, because it works.
The existence of a terror group poses a problem, because its aims are divisive and its methods are unwieldy. They aren’t the point, either, but meanwhile they cause enormous harm, and offence. They’re not a path to peace anymore than a criminal gang, or a warlord.
