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Israel’s Playbook

For decades, close observers of Israel have watched the country literally get away with the murder of thousands of Palestinian men, women and children. After Israel’s assassination of Al Jazeera journalist Shireen Abu Akleh, we watched the typical playbook unfold. First, Israel claimed the beloved Palestinian-American was hit by a stray bullet fired by a Palestinian “militant.” After that narrative quickly crumbled, Israel pretended to be interested in launching a joint investigation with the Palestinian Authority. Just like Ukrainians wouldn’t want to hand over one of their heroes to Russia, the Palestinians swiftly refused their occupier’s request. Israel’s lack of seriousness was quickly exposed, as they raided Abu Akleh’s home and attacked mourners at her funeral—all with the knowledge the world was closely watching. Impotent U.S. This latest episode in Israel’s violent history shows just how arrogant the country has become after decades of unwavering U.S. support. Even though Abu Akleh was a world-renowned journalist and American citizen, the country’s leaders were not in the least hesitant to carry out their standard heavy-handed, dehumanizing tactics against her and her family. While the U.S. showed a somewhat higher level of concern than usual, it appears Washington’s half-baked statements will not lead to carrying out a real investigation, nor any real repercussions such as the withdrawal of U.S. aid. Alas, both sides seem willing to let this run the news cycle for a few days, until coverage pivots to the latest deranged White man shooting at a school, house of worship or grocery store. No investigation. No accountability. No change. Double Standard on Human Rights Since our last issue, much has been said and written about the obvious comparisons between the Ukrainian and Palestinian plights. Walter L. Hixson (p. 16) and Ian Williams (p. 18) provide analysis of the appallingly incongruent nature of U.S. foreign policy and the harm this inconsistence causes both the U.S. and people around the world. The bottom line question is this: Is it too much to ask that the lives of Ukrainians, Syrians, Palestinians, Iraqis, Yemenis, etc. all have the same value? A Global Issue The appalling lack of human rights isn’t just a Middle East issue, of course. John Gee (p. 42) provides an update on the continuing plight faced by the Rohingya, who endure violence and discrimination both at home in Myanmar and in most of the neighboring countries where they flee, especially Bangladesh. Jonathan Cook (p. 44) notes how the UK has taken a page from Israel in its appalling treatment of those desperately seeking asylum. Closer to home, Candice Bodnaruk (p. 48) highlights the official bigotry Muslims face from the province of Quebec. Missing PAC Charts... We are chagrined to admit that our list of candidates who accepted “pro-Israel Political Action Committee funds” this year didn’t make it into this June/July issue of

the Washington Report. That slow-going, tedious, yet vital report was swept to the side with the killing of Abu Akleh. This list now includes Super PACs, STAFF PHOTO PHIL PASQUINI which can raise money from individuals, corporations, unions and other groups without any legal limit on their donation size. It’s a free-for-all for candiPalestinians of every age in Washington, DC (above) and around the world dates who pledge undying mourned Shireen Abu Akleh, disproving a quote widely attributed to David Ben‐ support for Israel. (See Gurion, “The old will die and the young will forget.” Philip Weiss’ article on p.22). We will post those recipients on our Website asap and hope to include a list in the Aug./Sept. issue. As for reporting congressional deeds and misdeeds, we are sad to tell you... Shirl McArthur is Retiring! For decades McArthur has compiled congressional voting records and resolutions to help voters keep track of bills that provide goodies for Israel and other resolutions that affect U.S. foreign policy. (See p. 20 for his last column.) It’s a disheartening task that was tirelessly accomplished by a man with a big heart, a sharp eye and a respect for democracy. If the magazine gave out awards or retirement watches, McArthur would get the biggest, shiniest bling we could come up with. Shirl, we can’t thank you enough for watching each political party, and reporting on their use and abuse of power. Stay Tuned! We have big plans for the summer and new interns to help fulfill our goals. Please don’t wait for our June donation appeal, but visit our new stream-lined “subscriber services” and donation menus on our website <www.wrmea.org>. You’ll be able to give a gift subscription, renew your own or make a donation. Your generous support is essential because, working together we can... Make a Difference Today!