Originally Posted by
jon1959
That is a very popular point of view from armchair commentators. I disagree - although I don't do as much as I should.
In my opinion the Gaza protests in the UK, USA, across Europe, the Global South and many other countries like Canada and Australia, have moved the international dial from unquestioning support for a genocide to qualified opposition or criticism. They have put enormous pressure on some influential politicians - in the UK the Tories probably didn't care or pay attention (they were on an electoral death spiral whatever Sunak, Jenrick or Braverman said as Israeli cheerleaders).
But Starmer, Lammy, Cooper and friends have seen support leaking away because of their stance on Israel-Palestine and that eventually forced some changes. True it didn't stop the government supplying arms and fly-over intelligence, trade or diplomatic cover - but it forced a change on aid and recognition. The national and local protests and demonstrations have crystallised the opposition to Starmer. He will pay a big electoral price.
The demonstrations have also provided a time and space for people to get together and share experiences and ideas. They have provided a platform for evryone from Jewish anti Zionists to surgeons returning from Gaza hospitals to speak to very big crowds and get their message out.
Most important they have shown people living through the genocide that they are not alone - and whenever they are able (when communications aren't jammed) many say how important it is to know that the world has not turned its back on their starvation, displacement, arbitrary arrest, lack of power, clean water and medicines, and their mass murder by an occupying army. That matters.
If you think it is just pissing in the wind, that is your choice. But not mine!
Reply With Quote