The Israel-Hamas Conflict: A Call for Reasoned Discourse
The war between Israel and Hamas has sparked heated debates and polarized discussions on American college campuses. Professor Peter Rutland urges students and faculty to engage in a serious and reasoned discussion about the conflict, rather than using it to score political points. This article delves into the complexities of the Israel-Hamas war, providing insights into the historical context, diverging narratives, and the role of the United States in resolving the conflict.
The Polarization on American Campuses
The war between Israel and Hamas has caused turmoil on American college campuses, leading to the resignation of the presidents of Harvard and the University of Pennsylvania. Instead of fostering a serious debate about the causes of the war, the issue has been co-opted by partisans on the left and the right to pursue their long-standing conflict over identity politics and cancel culture.
A view shows damaged buildings in Gaza, amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and the Palestinian Islamist group Hamas, as seen from Israel, January 12, 2024. REUTERS/Tyrone Siu
The United States, as a key player in the conflict, has the leverage to influence the government of Israel's Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu. Institutions of higher learning, dedicated to academic freedom, should be conducive to fostering robust discourse on the resolution of the conflict in Gaza. However, the current state of discourse on most American campuses reflects a lack of genuine debate, with parallel conversations organized by those who 'Stand with Israel' and those seeking 'Justice for Palestine.'
Diverging Narratives and Historical Context
The diverging narratives surrounding the Israel-Hamas conflict have resulted in a widening gulf among Americans. While polls show that a majority of Americans support Israel, young Americans, including many college students, are sympathetic to the Palestinian cause. This shift in perspective is attributed to the real-time exposure of harrowing events in Palestine on social media, contrasting with the distant historical perspective of the Holocaust.
Many college students are taught to view American society as a product of 'settler colonialism,' framing the plight of the Palestinians within this context. However, Professor Rutland argues that the Gaza war is better understood as a conflict between two competing nationalist projects, rather than a simple case of settler colonialism. He emphasizes the importance of acknowledging inconvenient historical truths that complicate the 'settler colonialism' narrative.
Massachusetts Institute of Technology President Dr. Sally Kornbluth testifies during a House Education and Workforce Committee Hearing on holding campus leaders accountable and confronting antisemitism, at the U.S. Capitol, in Washington, D.C., on Tuesday, December 5, 2023. (Graeme Sloan/Sipa USA)(Sipa via AP Images)
The Role of the United States and Call for Reasoned Discourse
The Israel-Hamas conflict is deeply rooted in historical grievances and complex power dynamics. Professor Rutland presents a nuanced perspective, highlighting the embattled and threatened minority status of both sides. He stresses the need for a serious and reasoned discussion, free from the dichotomous framing of the conflict as a struggle between right and wrong, good and evil.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu attends the weekly cabinet meeting at the the Kirya military base in Tel Aviv, Israel Sunday, Dec. 31, 2023. (Abir Sultan/Pool Photo via AP)
The United States, with its ability to influence Israel, plays a vital role in de-escalating the conflict. It is imperative for students and faculty on American universities to work together in forging a solution, rather than using the conflict to fuel culture wars and score political points. By recognizing the legitimate grievances on both sides, a path towards peace can be pursued.
