The Stone Philosopher
IF dominant powers of the current world (dis)order become its followers in the future, the Palestinians-who the power-happy media dehumanisingly call "terrorists"-may well emerge as heroes. Dubbed as "terrorists" in 1908, the British regime hanged the young anti-colonial activist, Khudiram Bose; with India's independence in 1947, Bose had become an official hero.
Israel justifies its ongoing assault against Gaza as "retaliation" to the "terrorist" attack by Hamas on October 7. This narrative elevates October 7 as the benchmark to rationalise Israel's wanton murder of over 12,000 Palestinians-more than 50 per cent among them are children and women-against the 1,200 Israelis killed by Hamas.
Germany's Jürgen Habermas, considered the most prominent living philosopher and engaged in defending "the project of modernity and universalism", exactly echoed this Israeli line. On November 13, Habermas issued a statement with the following key points.
First, "the current situation" is 'created by Hamas'...atrocity". Second, Israel's "retaliation" against Hamas is "justified". Third, worried not about planetary justice, but Germany's (inter) national image, Habermas rushes to say that its "democratic ethos" "oriented toward...human dignity" rests on "a political culture for which Jewish life and Israel's right to exist are" central due to crimes of the Nazi era. With the mention of Palestinians only once, it is clear how their lives, traditions and dreams have little-if any-value for Habermas.
Upon examining these points, let's note that Habermas' past is fascist; in many ways, he was a führer. Aged 10, he joined Hitler Youth. Manning anti-aircraft defences during WWII, he fought against the allies. The third point, therefore, is linked also to Habermas' youth.
Deafening Silence about Settler Colonialism
Denne historien er fra December 11,2023-utgaven av Outlook.
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Denne historien er fra December 11,2023-utgaven av Outlook.
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The Art of Leaving
Saying goodbye to the public arena is no easy call to make
Mortar Memory
Along the quiet stretches near the border and the Line of Control in Jammu, a fragile calm once held sway, until the sudden thunder of heavy mortar shells since May 7 shattered it
Borders on the Boil
Whether it is Pakistan, China, Bangladesh or Myanmar, the unfinished business of history haunts the region every day
Neighbourhood 'Frisk' Policy
India needs to relook at Bangladesh as it partners with China to rebuild World War II air bases
Fields of Nowhere
MYAJLAR is one of the last towns on the Jaisalmer border, which, at 464 km, is one of the longest that India shares with Pakistan.
Brittle, Bitter Borders
In the marshlands of the Rann of Kutch, where the border is invisible yet hotly contested, belongingness becomes tentative
Red Fade
Since the regime change, something has been changing in Chhattisgarh. With top Maoist leaders killed, the remaining are insisting on a ceasefire or peace talks. The state must make the most of the situation
Sir Creek and Adam's Bridge
With the recent military standoff between India and Pakistan following the Pahalgam terror attack on April 22 that claimed the lives of 26 people, the Indo-Pak border region with its long history of tensions is once again in the limelight.
Lines Drawn in Blood
In villages caught between two nations, memory and fear shape everyday life. The land is under floodlights, children are sent away in silence, and home is a place one must keep returning to
Maps and Minds
Maps have divided transnational ethnic groups Nagas, Zos, Bhutias, Bengalis and Nepalis, among others, but the Naga or the Zo mind does not accept the boundaries on government maps
