Most recent public comments by Arafat Hossain https://nowcomment.com/users/138579 https://nowcomment.com/documents/360765?scroll_to=3198853 https://nowcomment.com/documents/360765?scroll_to=3198853 The courage to speak out, he says he's afraid but I see him as someone who's very much courageous, when it comes to topics like this, you probably have to be regardless of the repercussions. The fact he measures his fear with the misery he sees, it clear what is more important to him, even if it's just relaying information around, it is enough to show where his priorities are. Thu, 30 Nov 2023 20:19:00 -0500 https://nowcomment.com/documents/360765?scroll_to=3198847 https://nowcomment.com/documents/360765?scroll_to=3198847 It's clear that Ta-Nehisi experienced/understood what it felt like to be oppressed, he understands the anger, the humiliation, and the feeling of the world itself abandoning you. Though I think even though he says all of this, how he understands when people subject you to oppression, he also tries to make a point. A point where lashing out with violence is corrupting of oneself. For me, when I think about violence, I always remember what a precious friend told me. "When violence is the only thing to turn to, and you act on such violence, you are no less than those who ridiculed you, maybe even worse." I think Te-Nehisi is merely just stating the point on how violence is not the answer, but he does know he can't change people who have already made the decision, that violence might've been necessary in the moment. Thu, 30 Nov 2023 19:58:30 -0500 https://nowcomment.com/documents/360765?scroll_to=3198842 https://nowcomment.com/documents/360765?scroll_to=3198842 I find this very unaccommodating, especially when you are asking people what kind of religion they have, and forcing them to answer gives off an unpleasing feeling, even from just reading about it. It is similar to when TSA asks questions about the things you have in your bag in the airport, but in this case, it was religion. I don't find it necessary to know what kind of religion people would have since it's not likely for someone to be dangerous because of their religion nowadays. If he truly said a different type of religion, I don't know what would happen to the person. Thu, 30 Nov 2023 19:45:19 -0500 https://nowcomment.com/documents/360697?scroll_to=3198801 https://nowcomment.com/documents/360697?scroll_to=3198801 I understand that Jewish people experienced generational trauma but by her remarks saying "Islamic Nazis" I just wanted to say, there have been other people the Nazis have targeted other than just Jewish people. They have also mass-targeted Muslim people, and not just that but other groups as well(not saying that the Jewish and Muslim people were the only ones targeted). When she says this part of the speech, I feel like she overlooks a lot of things that have happened to Palestine, or rather maybe has chosen to not even bring it up. Thu, 30 Nov 2023 18:58:52 -0500 https://nowcomment.com/documents/360697?scroll_to=3198797 https://nowcomment.com/documents/360697?scroll_to=3198797 She's categorizing Hamas the same as ISIS, or the Taliban, saying how it's an evil set to destroy us. It's very clear that she's using this(her speech) as a tactic/chance to not convince people that Hamas is bad, but to convince people who already believe Hamas is a terrorist organization to either gain attention or more power. Thu, 30 Nov 2023 18:43:56 -0500 https://nowcomment.com/documents/360697?scroll_to=3198320 https://nowcomment.com/documents/360697?scroll_to=3198320 Where is the evidence for this, what? Islamic Nazis, she's blaming the entirety of Islam while covering it up by directing the hate at Hamas? The phrase "Islamic Nazis" is ultimately a tactic to garner hate towards Islam. Thu, 30 Nov 2023 10:30:05 -0500 https://nowcomment.com/documents/360477?scroll_to=3192555 https://nowcomment.com/documents/360477?scroll_to=3192555 Reflecting on your poignant experiences with the treatment of the people of Gaza, it's clear that the question you're grappling with touches on deep-seated issues of human rights, national security, and the complexities of geopolitical conflicts. Your description of the treatment experienced by individuals at checkpoints, particularly the fear instilled in your parents and the humiliation you all felt, underscores a narrative of dehumanization that often emerges in conflict zones. Having been through such personal trials, you know firsthand that this isn't merely about security protocols akin to the TSA but something much more intense and degrading. Your question suggests a struggle to reconcile the security measures with the inhumane treatment that goes beyond necessity and descends into cruelty. The adversity faced in this experience might remind one of the profound work by political philosophers or human rights advocates who address the consequences of such treatment. You might find echoes of your own feelings in texts like Hannah Arendt's "The Origins of Totalitarianism," exploring the mechanisms by which groups are othered and oppressed. There's a question within your question, the why behind such treatment, and within that, there's a search for rationale amidst what seems to be irrational cruelty. Considering your question, "How does being discriminated against this badly help anyone?" it could be insightful to revisit the text with a focus on understanding different perspectives involved. Often in conflict and occupied territories, narratives are framed in ways that dehumanize one group to justify the actions of another. This isn't to condone such acts but to understand the mechanisms at play. However, serving to "help" is a broader term that involves not just the immediate perceptions of security but the long-term human consequences of such actions that your experience brings to light. As you ponder your question, and potentially reread related texts or seek out accounts of those who enforce the checkpoints, you might uncover new angles—perhaps something about fear, power dynamics, or historical context—that contribute to the treatment you describe. Remember, humanizing the very process that seems to strip individuals of their humanity might offer a critical lens through which these measures can be evaluated and, hopefully, reformed. Keep in mind that the answer to your question lies between the lines of the personal stories, historical contexts, and political narratives. How does the individual's experience, such as yours, contrast with the official reasoning? By revisiting your personal narrative and the accompanying text, you can deepen your understanding of this multifaceted issue. Tue, 21 Nov 2023 19:37:25 -0500 https://nowcomment.com/documents/360477?scroll_to=3192553 https://nowcomment.com/documents/360477?scroll_to=3192553 I find it very cruel and dehumanizing the way the people of Gaza are treated like vermins constantly being humiliated. How does being discriminated against this badly help anyone? Tue, 21 Nov 2023 19:37:25 -0500 https://nowcomment.com/documents/360477?scroll_to=3192533 https://nowcomment.com/documents/360477?scroll_to=3192533 Understanding why the United States Government classifies the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) as a terrorist group rather than just an unofficial militant group seeking liberation requires examining the historical and political context you're curious about. As you noted, your swift search highlighted that the PLO engages in guerrilla activities, but this classification extends beyond mere definitions of militant action to larger geopolitical interests and narratives. The question you're pondering is complex, touching on tangled webs of international relations, historical events, and the shifting policies of various U.S. administrations. In the context of international politics, labels such as "terrorist" are often applied based on a group's methods, targets, and the political alignment of the labeling country with the group's aims. When exploring the text further, you should reflect on the fact that the United States has long-standing alliances in the Middle East, most notably with Israel. The PLO's history of armed conflict, including attacks that have killed civilians, is part of the reason for their designation as a terrorist organization. This aligns with U.S. laws and definitions of terrorism that emphasize the use of violence or threats to coerce or intimidate, especially for political purposes. Your life, as someone who evidently feels connected to this topic on a personal level, may be affected by how different groups are labeled in the international arena. If you are connected to the Palestinian cause, the label of "terrorism" as it applies to the PLO might seem particularly unjust, especially if you perceive the organization as fighting for freedom and self-determination. You might find it useful to reread the texts and historical documents that inform the U.S. Government's stance, including legislation that defines terrorism, to understand this perspective more fully. Ask yourself whether there are dual standards at play, and how the relationships between the U.S., its allies, and its own interests may influence classifications that affect not only international diplomacy but also people's lives and reputations. As you delve into the rationale behind these classifications, consider your own position and experiences. How do they color your perception of the PLO and similar groups? Are there parallels or significant contrasts in the way other organizations are labeled based on their actions and objectives? Reflecting more deeply on these questions could reveal additional layers to the U.S. Government's approach and, perhaps, lead you to a more nuanced understanding of the tension between the labels of "terrorist" and "a militant group looking for change." Tue, 21 Nov 2023 19:19:19 -0500 https://nowcomment.com/documents/360477?scroll_to=3192525 https://nowcomment.com/documents/360477?scroll_to=3192525 I quickly searched it up(the meaning of PLO) and what I found out it was a guerilla group. The reason I asked this is because I don't understand why the U.S. is classifying the group as terrorists rather than just a militant group looking for change. Tue, 21 Nov 2023 19:19:19 -0500 https://nowcomment.com/documents/360477?scroll_to=3192498 https://nowcomment.com/documents/360477?scroll_to=3192498 Reflecting on your family's history related to the Gaza Strip, it's clear this topic holds personal significance for you. You're seeking to understand the motivations behind the movement of Palestinians into the Gaza Strip in 1948, a pivotal year that reshaped the region. The reasons behind this displacement centered around the establishment of the state of Israel and the ensuing Arab-Israeli War. You may find it informative to reread historical accounts from that period to examine the complex interplay of political, military, and social dynamics involved. These events are often framed as a consequence of the United Nations Partition Plan for Palestine, which aimed to create separate Jewish and Arab states. The Israelis, amid the war, might have been motivated by a perceived need to secure the new borders of the state of Israel. This led to military actions that resulted in displacement. For the Israelis at the time, this might have been seen as a way to fortify their new state against what they perceived as hostility from their neighbors. Considering your lineage, you might be looking at this through the lens of loss and injustice. It's critical to remember that these events are not just historical footnotes but represent deeply personal stories of uprooted lives, such as those of your family. By revisiting the question, "What was their motive, did this achieve or help anything at all?" you might gain insights into not only the military and political impacts but also the profound social consequences these actions had on countless families. As you delve back into the texts and histories of that era, consider how the formation of the Gaza Strip under these circumstances created long-term economic, social, and political repercussions — effects that may have touched your family directly. Would revisiting historical documents or personal narratives of those who were there during those formative years offer you a deeper understanding of the motives and outcomes of that time? There is a wealth of scholarship and testimony that can provide perspectives to flesh out the stark outline of events that you've been given. Remember, as you ask yourself, "did this achieve or help anything at all?" to consider the diverse viewpoints of all parties involved. The Israeli push for security and statehood came at a high cost for many Palestinians, including displacement and loss, as reflected in your family's story. Connecting your personal history to the broader narrative may offer you a unique and intimate perspective on how these events have shaped the present. What additional insights and unfinished stories from your own family might shed light on the wider historical canvas? Tue, 21 Nov 2023 18:51:49 -0500 https://nowcomment.com/documents/360477?scroll_to=3192496 https://nowcomment.com/documents/360477?scroll_to=3192496 I would like to know more about why the Israelis pushed them into the Gaza Strip. What was their motive, did this achieve or help anything at all? Tue, 21 Nov 2023 18:51:49 -0500 https://nowcomment.com/documents/360800?scroll_to=3190878 https://nowcomment.com/documents/360800?scroll_to=3190878 I was replying to Masaki earlier, I realize that just proving to Israel wasn't just them retaliating. I think it was an effort to shed light on the world on Palestine's situation. The situation being an apartheid. As before Hamas attacked Israel, not many people knew about Palestine's situation with Israel. Mon, 20 Nov 2023 17:40:28 -0500 https://nowcomment.com/documents/360800?scroll_to=3190866 https://nowcomment.com/documents/360800?scroll_to=3190866 You would think even after Israel told the citizens of Palestine to evacuate, they would manage to escape. But no, they really have nowhere to go besides going into a constant bombing zone or going into Israel militant waters where Palestinians will be shot down even if they try to escape through the waters. Mon, 20 Nov 2023 17:33:35 -0500 https://nowcomment.com/documents/360800?scroll_to=3190855 https://nowcomment.com/documents/360800?scroll_to=3190855 I agree, it doesn't feel like Biden has any intention to show any signs of remorse for Palestine. More so it feels like he is using this as a chance to better the United States' relationship with Israel. Mon, 20 Nov 2023 17:26:33 -0500 https://nowcomment.com/documents/360800?scroll_to=3190830 https://nowcomment.com/documents/360800?scroll_to=3190830 I don't think it's mainly Biden underscoring the humanitarian law, but it's also the people who control the government. I believe that Isreal could've definitely handled this situation better since their excuses for bombing many places were based on whether Hamas was even there in the first place. Regardless if they had captives of Israel or just innocent Palestinians staying with Hamas. Mon, 20 Nov 2023 17:10:38 -0500 https://nowcomment.com/documents/360800?scroll_to=3190484 https://nowcomment.com/documents/360800?scroll_to=3190484 You brought up a really good point, as the situation(the apartheid) in Gaza wasn't really brought up even when people talked about it, word hadn't really spread around. I think that was one of Hamas's intentions, to essentially sacrifice for the greater good despite the losses. The greater good being the attention of the world. Mon, 20 Nov 2023 11:08:34 -0500 https://nowcomment.com/documents/360800?scroll_to=3189185 https://nowcomment.com/documents/360800?scroll_to=3189185 Personally, the fact that other countries are getting involved shows how terrified they are for the outcome of the ongoing situation between Israel and Palestine. To the point where outside militant groups are engaging with Israel's army. As more and more countries are getting involved, these countries could very well also be a part of the collateral. I'm honestly very unsure about the consequences of this conflict. In my opinion, this whole conflict needs to be resolved quickly, or else the repercussions could be catastrophic. Fri, 17 Nov 2023 20:45:05 -0500 https://nowcomment.com/documents/360800?scroll_to=3189181 https://nowcomment.com/documents/360800?scroll_to=3189181 President Biden pushes aides to normalize the relations between Saudi and Israel. Since Oct. 7, the Israeli army has engaged with the Lebanese militant group(Hezbollah) that is allied with Hamas and backed by Iran. Fri, 17 Nov 2023 20:24:12 -0500 https://nowcomment.com/documents/360800?scroll_to=3189177 https://nowcomment.com/documents/360800?scroll_to=3189177 Saudi Arabia called for a cease-fire while also avoiding blaming Israel. Here it seems they are supporting Palestine. Though from what I've seen or heard, they haven't done much to show support for Palestine other than calling for a cease-fire. Arab countries could do a lot to interfere with this situation, such as blocking trade ports, threatening the use of oil in Muslim countries as a means of leverage, or even denying airspace for Israeli flights. So far, all they've done was make threats and haven't done anything to support Palestine other than calling for a permanent cease-fire. Fri, 17 Nov 2023 20:03:44 -0500 https://nowcomment.com/documents/360800?scroll_to=3189159 https://nowcomment.com/documents/360800?scroll_to=3189159 The leaders of many nations are currently split when it comes to Israel and Hamas. Some of these leaders visited Tel Aviv showing solidarity for Israel. Other leaders of these Nations are calling for cease-fires in Palestine. Fri, 17 Nov 2023 19:15:19 -0500 https://nowcomment.com/documents/360800?scroll_to=3188291 https://nowcomment.com/documents/360800?scroll_to=3188291 The situation in Gaza has led to people fleeing their homes in seek for shelter/safety. A claim of 8,000 people have been killed in Gaza, many being children. The United Nations has called for an urgent humanitarian cease-fire to allow aid into Gaza, even though this aid has been carried into Gaza. Officials say a lot more is needed. Thu, 16 Nov 2023 19:53:52 -0500 https://nowcomment.com/documents/360800?scroll_to=3188286 https://nowcomment.com/documents/360800?scroll_to=3188286 Whenever I hear or see "Israel has the right to protect itself" I always think back to videos/images(un-edited) portraying what was going on on both sides. I know these videos and images aren't fake because there are just too many to even consider it being fake. Whenever I go on social media I see the aftermath of Israel's bombing of Gaza, several bodies, people crying and most of all the surroundings. Buildings resorted to nothing but rubble, people fending for their own, the surroundings looking like something out of a movie. Now when I try to see the aftermath in Israel, I see no destroyed buildings nor do I see people cowering from constant bombings. I see people living normal lives, even near the border, the soldiers look like they are having a field day. Maybe I just haven't seen all of it, the aftermath of what actually happened in Israel, but there's one thing I know for sure. The fact that no one in the government is saying that "Palestine has the right to protect themselves as well." it's Hamas vs Israel, so why is Palestine in the equation? Why can't America send support to the Palestinians instead of Hamas, it's not like Palestine is Israel's "enemy" right now RIGHT? While writing this, I got a bit heated, I might've said some things that could probably be answered but I can't think right now to even realize it. I'm just gonna cool my head. Mon, 20 Nov 2023 14:34:48 -0500 https://nowcomment.com/documents/360800?scroll_to=3188256 https://nowcomment.com/documents/360800?scroll_to=3188256 Israel's response to the Hamas attack ended up with retaliation, Israel sent in air strikes while also limiting supplies such as food, water, and fuel. Even the electricity has gone out, internet services went down and now Israeli troops are advancing its ground operations inside Gaza. Thu, 16 Nov 2023 19:20:38 -0500 https://nowcomment.com/documents/360800?scroll_to=3188250 https://nowcomment.com/documents/360800?scroll_to=3188250 I don't understand Israel's response, I find it completely unreasonable. It's reasonable TO respond due to what happened in Israel, but it isn't reasonable with HOW they responded. They start air-striking Gaza because they think some of Hamas is there, but isn't Hamas also keeping civilians hostage? If they are air-striking Hamas territory, aren't they basically just bombing their own civilians? It doesn't make sense to me, was there no prior thought for the repercussions before sending in life-ending missiles of destruction toward not just Hamas but innocent people as well? Thu, 16 Nov 2023 19:15:21 -0500 https://nowcomment.com/documents/360800?scroll_to=3188201 https://nowcomment.com/documents/360800?scroll_to=3188201 Hamas ended up on news headlines because they sent rockets into Israel's territory and not only that, they managed to infiltrate border communities. They ended up killing and taking at least 239 civilians of Israel. This led to the controversy between Israel and Hamas to resurface. Hamas probably did this in retaliation for the settler colonialism that's going on in Palestine. Thu, 16 Nov 2023 18:43:13 -0500 https://nowcomment.com/documents/360800?scroll_to=3188188 https://nowcomment.com/documents/360800?scroll_to=3188188 I have many questions as to how it took days for the Israeli forces to take control after the attack. Regarding how advanced Israel is with their military, I would think they would've caught Hamas. It's just very surprising to me that Hamas was able to affect Israel this badly. Thu, 16 Nov 2023 18:43:40 -0500