Meeting Tomorrow ::: Palestine and the political history of Zionism

--- MEETING THIS WEEK ---
Wednesday, June 30, 8pm

We're going to spend the bulk on Wednesday's meeting discussing the conflict over Palestine and the political history of Zionism. Below are a variety of readings. Most of these focus on the political aspects, and not so much the humanitarian. Even if you do not have time to read the articles, come out and join the discussion.

Main Reading
I want to really encourage everyone to read both of these in order to get a full sense of the conflict.

"Zionism: False Messiah" (Lance Selfa): http://www.isreview.org/issues/04/zionism_false_messiah.shtml
- This has the political history of zionism. I think its a must read for an understanding of the conflict.

"Israel: The US Watchdog" (Lance Selfa): http://www.isreview.org/issues/04/Israel_watchdog.shtml
- Explains the relationships between the US and Israel within the context of imperialism

Extra Reading
"Israel and the Nakba" (Paul D'Amato): http://www.isreview.org/issues/60/rep-nakba.shtml
- History on the founding of Israel, as well as a discussion of the two-state solution.

"The Watchdog and the Master" (Sherry Wolf): http://www.isreview.org/issues/52/israellobby.shtml
- Refutes the argument that AIPAC is the reason for US support of Israel. Good complement to the Selfa article on US/Israel.

"Zionism and Anti-Semitism" (Hadas Thier): http://www.isreview.org/issues/38/zionism_antisemitism.shtml
- An argument that tormented pro-Palestinian activism a few years ago. Seemed to go away for a bit, but I've noticed a resurgence of it since the Flotilla.

"From Nasserism to collaboration" (Eric Ruder): http://isreview.org/issues/70/feat-egypt.shtml
- Most recent in-depth ISR article. Explores the relationship between Israel, Egypt, and the US. Make sure to read this if you're familiar with the conflict - it goes more in depth.

"The Tale of Two Apartheids" (Paul D'Amato): http://socialistworker.org/2009/01/29/tale-of-two-apartheids
- Compares Israel to South Africa. I think this one is important because there is push from moderates that the word "apartheid" is too radical.

If you're really interested in the topic, two supplementary books from Haymarket are The Struggle for Palestine (although a few of these essays are in the book) and Between the Lines. Also, the best site for current commentary and news is Electronic Intifida (http://electronicintifada.net/).

Location: University of Houston - Main Campus, in the Baltic Room in the University Center (UC) Underground