I’M long enough in the tooth to have been involved in a few political campaigns on issues of international concern. Looking back on the now…
I’M long enough in the tooth to have been involved in a few political campaigns on issues of international concern. Looking back on the now distant days of my youth through to the present, they’re almost too numerous to mention.
Just as journalist Donald Woods’s excoriation of apartheid rule in South Africa and his coverage of Steve Biko’s death in custody exposed the nature of racial and class injustice there, so John Pilger’s investigations into America’s war in Vietnam helped alert the world to what was actually going on in that South East Asia war.
In itself there is nothing intrinsically wrong with this as those who oppose injustice, flagrant breaches of human rights, acts of genocide – in this case Gaza – most likely would feel the same way wherever it was happening in the world. It took me a long time as a young activist all those years ago to realise that such distractions sometimes only serve to undermine the galvanising factor that often first brings otherwise politically unengaged people out on to the streets over issues like Gaza.
But some speakers last Saturday seemed more angry with Police Scotland and Glasgow City Council than they did with what Israel is doing in Gaza. As far as I’m concerned there is a time and place for such grievances to be top of the bill, but Saturday wasn’t one of them. And before anyone thinks such crass political opportunism is solely the preserve of these urban “Wolfie Smiths”, it’s worth bearing in the mind that time and again we have seen elected politicians or those desirous of election jump upon political bandwagons like Gaza to further their own careers and bank accounts.
United Kingdom Latest News, United Kingdom Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
The Palestinians’ new prime minister faces a nightmareThe PA says it is preparing for an “emerging reality” in Gaza
Read more »
Over 100 dead as Israel opens fire on Gazans scrambling for food, say PalestiniansIn Gaza, health ministry numbers show the death toll has now passed thirty thousand. And growing desperation has led to even more tragedy near Gaza City. Palestinian health officials say Israeli troops opened fire on a crowd waiting for food aid, killing 112 people and injuring 760 others.
Read more »
Joe Biden rebukes Israel over Gaza aid and says US will begin airdropsMove follows death of dozens of Palestinians during chaotic delivery of humanitarian goods
Read more »
US begins Gaza aid airdrops after Joe Biden rebukes IsraelFlights follow deaths of dozens of Palestinians during chaotic delivery of humanitarian goods
Read more »
Sweden and Canada resume funding to UN agency aiding PalestiniansThe nations were one of 16 countries who last month halted hundreds of millions of dollars in support to United Nations Relief and Works Agency after Israel made allegations about it
Read more »
Famine 'Imminent' In North Gaza As Palestinians Continue To Starve: IPC ReportSanjana is a HuffPost reporter based in Washington, D.C. She currently covers breaking news and politics, and previously wrote for the AP in her native city Chicago. You can reach her at sanjana.karanthhuffpost.com or on Twitter at sanjanakaranth.
Read more »