Why does the German and the British left deal so differently with the conflict between Israel and the Palestinians? Are they internally structured nationally? A new study wants to find out more.
German "Antideutsche" marching pro Israel I
German "Antideutsche" marching pro Israel II
In demonstrations against the war on Iraq there was a second very important issue – the occupied Palestinian territories. The whole movement, which was and still is a broad coalition, seemed to agree in their views and action against the Israeli occupation and the so-called Apartheid wall. In this sense the British left is united with movements across the world. Some discussions indicating differences started (and could be read on indymedia) when some gay activists accused Israel for the Occupation and the Palestinian National Authority for being homophobic. The unity against Israel seemed to be to strong to stand the fact that “the good side”, the Palestinians are an ambiguous case, too.
The situation is completely different in Germany. There is one camp of the German left, which appeared over the last 10-15 years which although still often calling itself “left wing” gave up crucial and uniting left positions. They supported the war on Iraq, and they strongly identify with Israel, often with the tendency to neglect the crimes committed to the Palestinians. The disagreement between them, the so-called “Antideutsche” (Anti-Germans) and their opponents led to hard disputes and even affrays. “Communists” of both sides for example have completely antagonistic policies.
Obviously these views have their bases in special implications of the German history. But why can the left with its general aims be so different in estimating one special conflict? Is the way the movements deal with the Palestinian issue determined not by certain ideologies, but by the own national context?
To find that out, a German activist, journalist and sociologist (by the way: he is the writer of these words, too) wants to analyse the role and function of the conflict in the Middle East for the left in the two countries and compare them for some articles and his PHD-thesis.
In October he, well, let’s say I, will be in Great Britain to make interviews with activists and to collect material related to that issue. And still I need help.
Please contact me
- if you have material like leaflets or books that address the conflict and are not available in the internet, especially if it is older!
- if you want to take part in the interviews (October, 1st to 19th, I will definitely be in London and Manchester, but obviously also in Glasgow and other towns, where I find participants)
- if you have hints (Which persons or experts do I have to talk to? Who is important in activism? Who has unorthodox or untypical ideas on the issue?)
- where and when do groups, that deal with the issue meet in the time I am in Britain?
I am interested in everything about the relation of the British left and the conflict between Israel and the Palestinians. I am very grateful for any help.
Email:
ullrich@uni-leipzig.de
The situation is completely different in Germany. There is one camp of the German left, which appeared over the last 10-15 years which although still often calling itself “left wing” gave up crucial and uniting left positions. They supported the war on Iraq, and they strongly identify with Israel, often with the tendency to neglect the crimes committed to the Palestinians. The disagreement between them, the so-called “Antideutsche” (Anti-Germans) and their opponents led to hard disputes and even affrays. “Communists” of both sides for example have completely antagonistic policies.
Obviously these views have their bases in special implications of the German history. But why can the left with its general aims be so different in estimating one special conflict? Is the way the movements deal with the Palestinian issue determined not by certain ideologies, but by the own national context?
To find that out, a German activist, journalist and sociologist (by the way: he is the writer of these words, too) wants to analyse the role and function of the conflict in the Middle East for the left in the two countries and compare them for some articles and his PHD-thesis.
In October he, well, let’s say I, will be in Great Britain to make interviews with activists and to collect material related to that issue. And still I need help.
Please contact me
- if you have material like leaflets or books that address the conflict and are not available in the internet, especially if it is older!
- if you want to take part in the interviews (October, 1st to 19th, I will definitely be in London and Manchester, but obviously also in Glasgow and other towns, where I find participants)
- if you have hints (Which persons or experts do I have to talk to? Who is important in activism? Who has unorthodox or untypical ideas on the issue?)
- where and when do groups, that deal with the issue meet in the time I am in Britain?
I am interested in everything about the relation of the British left and the conflict between Israel and the Palestinians. I am very grateful for any help.
Email:
ullrich@uni-leipzig.de 
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