(2021) Australian Labor and Palestine in 2021
I cannot imagine anyone in the ALP in 2021 who today does not hope for the emergence of a Palestinian state. How this outcome might occur is where differences emerge.
(2021) Israel and the Apartheid Slur
The relentless demonising and delegitimising of Israel continues apace. With so many references in the media, in hard and far-Left publications, on university campuses and in public discourse generally, to Israel’s alleged practice of apartheid, it is timely to evaluate the substance of the claim, assess the origin of the slur, and consider whether there is any merit in the use of the word.
(2018) A Further Comment on Israel, Gaza and Australia
Mr Fry-Kontaxis thinks me both diabolically clever to “rehash” “Israeli talking points” and to simultaneously repeat Hamas propaganda about their recent involvement at the Israel/Gaza barrier. He also detects my “long history of justifying the deaths of Arab victims of Israeli violence, and his repeated blame of those Arab victims.” How sad.
(2018) Israel, Gaza and Australia
There is neither joy nor bright prospects from any of the recent violence and suffering in Gaza. The tragic loss of life in May naturally focuses attention on Australia’s policy concerning the Israel-Palestine conflict.
(2016) A Symposium at the King David Hotel
I am very pleased to welcome everybody to this final session of the Israel-Australia-UK Leadership Dialogue. We have an impressive panel of speakers, each of whom will speak briefly and then we will turn this symposium over to the participants in the Dialogue for comments and questions.
(2015) Labor and the Palestine Resolution
The Middle East, more particularly the Israel-Palestinian conflict, is a subject where few believers listen to arguments from the other side.
(2015) Israel-Palestinian Conflict Will Be A Powder Keg for Labor
The Middle East, more particularly the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, is a subject about which few believers listen to arguments from the other side. With so vexed an issue, polemics, rhetoric, straw-man arguments and raw emotion cloud debate and reason.
(2015) The Middle East Book Every Leftie Should Read
Written by two left-of centre social democrats opposed to the Greater Israel propaganda of the Israeli Right, Mendes and Dyrenfurth have written a well-argued, punchy critique of the Boycott Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) campaign against Israel.
(2015) The ALP Conference Resolution on the Middle East
The ultimate outcome at today’s Conference clinched an important victory – no unilateral recognition of Palestine, as Bob Carr has been campaigning for. Additionally, the resolution called for “a negotiated settlement” – direct negotiations, an important reference point.
(2015) Book Review: The Case for Palestine
Paul Heywood-Smith, Queens Counsel and political autodidact, has written a weak case for Palestine. A much stronger book was there to be written, but the author’s cranky perspective mars his ability to present it.