10.19.2005
Not meaning to labour the Israel point, I do however think it is well worth looking at an emergent argument in the U.S. between two prominent academics. The story is one I have come across a number of times recently (Gary Younge, Guardian) and surrounds the conflict between academics Norman Finkelstein and Alan Dershowitz. The debate centers around a new book to be published, or finally at this stage published, called Beyond Chutzpah: On the Misuse of Anti-Semitism and the Abuse of History (University of California Press 2005).
The reason I am posting is that a very excellent review by Neve Gordon which contains a lot of background on the story came to my attention. There is also a piece from the Jerusalem Post cited on Finkelsteins website but unfindable in the Posts website, here. There is finally an interesting Wiki entry.
One thing is guaranteed to come from all this, the book will sell shed-loads. As to whether these books highlight the way toward some enlightened peace in the middle east. If the authors arent willing to engage in enlightened argument, it doesnt bode well for their work either.
RR
Categories: Comment, USA,
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