Category: Genocides

A case for claiming that Israel is committing a genocide

make a case for claiming that Israel is committing a genocide, and name all Israel’s supporting countries

ChatGPT said:

The question of whether Israel is committing genocide is highly controversial and deeply contested, both legally and politically. What follows is a presentation of the arguments made by those who claim that Israel is committing genocide, based on international legal frameworks, as well as a list of countries that support Israel diplomatically and militarily. This does not represent a legal conclusion but a synthesis of existing claims and geopolitical alignments.

Claim: Israel Is Committing Genocide

Those who argue that Israel is committing genocide often refer to the 2023–2024 war in Gaza and earlier actions in the occupied territories. They cite the following legal and factual points:

1. Definition of Genocide Under International Law

Under the UN Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide (1948), genocide is defined as acts committed with intent to destroy, in whole or in part, a national, ethnical, racial or religious group, including:

  • Killing members of the group
  • Causing serious bodily or mental harm
  • Deliberately inflicting conditions calculated to destroy the group
  • Imposing measures to prevent births
  • Forcibly transferring children of the group

2. Alleged Acts That Support the Genocide Claim

Critics and some legal scholars argue that Israel’s actions meet this definition through:

  • Mass killings of civilians in Gaza, especially during the 2023–2024 war (over 37,000 Palestinians reportedly killed, many women and children).
  • Destruction of civilian infrastructure, including hospitals, schools, and homes.
  • Blockade of essential supplies, including food, water, fuel, and medicine, contributing to famine and mass suffering.
  • Statements by Israeli officials that could be interpreted as showing genocidal intent. For example, some politicians have referred to Palestinians as “human animals” or have called for the depopulation of Gaza.
  • Forced displacement of over 1 million Gazans from the north to the south under siege conditions.
  • Denial of humanitarian aid, which contributes to deliberate conditions of life calculated to destroy.

These arguments were central to South Africa’s case against Israel at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in 2024, where the court found that some of South Africa’s claims were plausible and ordered Israel to prevent genocidal acts, although it has not yet ruled definitively on whether genocide occurred.

3. Support from Legal and Human Rights Experts

  • Multiple UN special rapporteurs, including Francesca Albanese, have warned of a risk of genocide.
  • Prominent legal scholars (e.g. Craig Mokhiber, former UN official) have stated that genocide is underway or imminent.
  • Human rights groups such as Al-Haq, B’Tselem, and Human Rights Watch have accused Israel of apartheid and warned of crimes against humanity.

Countries That Support Israel

Support varies in form: military, diplomatic, economic, or rhetorical. The following countries have consistently supported Israel, especially during the Gaza war:

Primary and Consistent Supporters

These countries defend Israel’s actions, supply it with military aid, or shield it diplomatically at the UN:

  1. United States
    • Provides over $3.8 billion/year in military aid.
    • Vetoed multiple UN Security Council resolutions calling for a ceasefire.
    • Has supplied weapons during the war in Gaza.
  2. Germany
    • Strong diplomatic supporter of Israel.
    • Provides military equipment, including submarines and ammunition.
  3. United Kingdom
    • Supports Israel’s right to self-defense.
    • Opposed unilateral ceasefire calls early in the war.
  4. Canada
    • Politically aligned with Israel, though some distancing occurred in 2024 due to public pressure.
  5. Australia
    • Traditionally a supporter of Israel, but recent shifts include abstentions at the UN.
  6. France and some other EU states
    • Have condemned Hamas and supported Israel’s right to defend itself, but many have also called for a ceasefire and humanitarian access.

Regional Allies and Normalizing States

Countries with diplomatic relations and cooperation with Israel under the Abraham Accords or otherwise:

  • United Arab Emirates
  • Bahrain
  • Morocco
  • Sudan (normalization process frozen)
  • Egypt (peace treaty partner)
  • Jordan (peace treaty partner)

While many of these countries have criticized Israel’s actions during the war in Gaza, they still maintain diplomatic or economic ties.

Final Note

Whether or not Israel is committing genocide is a matter currently before the International Court of Justice (ICJ). The final legal determination will rest on interpretations of intent, scale, and pattern of conduct, which are difficult to prove under international law.

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Revolution in Burkina Faso

explain the politico-economic colonial history of burkina faso and its present policy, especially the anti-french and free land policy

ChatGPT said:

Burkina Faso’s politico-economic history is deeply shaped by French colonialism, Cold War geopolitics, and more recently, a populist military-led rejection of French neocolonial influence. Here’s a breakdown of the colonial past, post-colonial developments, and current policies, with a focus on anti-French sentiment and the free land policy.

1. Colonial History (1896–1960)

French Conquest and Colonization

  • In 1896, the area now known as Burkina Faso was colonized by France and named Upper Volta.
  • The French used indirect rule, co-opting local chiefs but retaining control over administration, taxation, and military conscription.
  • Economically, France transformed Upper Volta into a labor reservoir and cotton-producing colony to serve French textile industries.
  • Indigenous land was turned into plantations and extraction zones, undermining traditional systems of land ownership.

Exploitation and Resistance

  • French policies disrupted communal land systems, imposed forced labor, and extracted taxes.
  • Resistance movements emerged, including peasant revolts and opposition from Mossi and other ethnic groups.

2. Post-Colonial Period and Sankara’s Revolution (1960–1987)

Independence and Early Instability

  • Gained independence in 1960 as the Republic of Upper Volta.
  • Early governments were pro-French, conservative, and unstable—dominated by military coups.

Thomas Sankara (1983–1987): Anti-Colonial Revolutionary

  • Captain Thomas Sankara seized power in 1983, renamed the country Burkina Faso (“Land of Upright People”).
  • Policies:
    • Land reform: Redistributed land from feudal landlords to peasants.
    • Anti-imperialism: Denounced the IMF, World Bank, and French neocolonialism.
    • Self-sufficiency: Promoted local production, anti-corruption, and public health campaigns.
  • Sankara’s radical approach made him popular domestically and controversial abroad.
  • Assassinated in 1987 in a coup led by Blaise Compaoré (widely believed to be supported by France and Ivory Coast).

3. Neocolonialism and Political Continuity (1987–2014)

Blaise Compaoré Era

  • Pro-French, neoliberal, and authoritarian.
  • Reversed many of Sankara’s reforms.
  • Allowed French military presence and mining concessions to French corporations.
  • Widespread corruption, poverty, and dispossession of rural land through privatization schemes.

4. Recent Period: Popular Revolt and Military Rule (2014–Present)

2014 Uprising

  • Compaoré was ousted by a popular uprising.
  • Civil society called for democratic reforms, but instability persisted.

2022–Present: Ibrahim Traoré and New Military Leadership

  • Captain Ibrahim Traoré, a young military officer, seized power in 2022.
  • Presents himself as an anti-imperialist in the tradition of Sankara.
  • Accuses France of neocolonial exploitation, particularly via its control over:
    • Gold mining (e.g., through companies like Iamgold and Endeavour).
    • Currency control via the CFA franc.
    • Military bases and interventions (e.g., Operation Barkhane).

5. Present-Day Policies

Anti-French Foreign Policy

  • Expelled French troops and demanded the closure of military bases.
  • Suspended cooperation with the French government and media (e.g., banned RFI and France24).
  • Turned toward Russia, Turkey, and China for support (military training, arms, infrastructure).

Free Land Policy

  • The government, under Traoré, has announced a policy of redistributing unused land:
    • Aimed at landless youth, former soldiers, and peasants.
    • State grants land free of charge to productive citizens, not to foreign investors.
    • Reinvigorates communal and nationalized ownership principles reminiscent of Sankara.
  • This is also part of a “patriotic production” policy to achieve food sovereignty and reduce dependence on Western imports.

6. Summary: Political-Economic Character Today

AspectBurkina Faso Today
LeadershipMilitary-led by Capt. Ibrahim Traoré
IdeologyAnti-colonial, nationalist, pan-Africanist
Foreign RelationsAnti-French; pro-Russia, Turkey, China
Land PolicyFree land redistribution for citizens
Mining PolicyNationalization threats; review of French mining concessions
Currency PositionAdvocacy for abandoning CFA franc
Inspirational FigureThomas Sankara

Further Context

The current trajectory is part of a broader Sahelian realignment seen in Mali and Niger, where military juntas are also rejecting French influence. This pan-Africanist shift draws on historical memory and contemporary frustration with the failure of liberal democracy to deliver material improvement.

Would you like a comparison of Traoré’s policies with Sankara’s or other Sahelian leaders like Assimi Goïta of Mali or Abdourahamane Tiani of Niger?

_______________________________

why is burkina faso alighning with russia

ChatGPT said:

Burkina Faso is aligning with Russia for a mix of strategic, ideological, and practical reasons. This alignment is part of a broader Sahelian realignment away from France and Western powers, and toward new patrons perceived as more respectful of national sovereignty and more useful in counterinsurgency and development. Here are the key reasons:

1. Anti-French Sentiment and De-Westernization

Colonial Hangover and Neocolonialism

  • France is widely viewed in Burkina Faso (and the Sahel more broadly) as a neocolonial power that:
    • Controls economic policy (through the CFA franc system).
    • Exploits natural resources (especially gold).
    • Maintains military dominance under the guise of “counterterrorism” (e.g., Operation Barkhane).

Failure of Western-backed Governments

  • Decades of French-supported regimes (especially Blaise Compaoré’s rule) led to:
    • Elite corruption.
    • Rural dispossession.
    • Continued underdevelopment.
    • Rising jihadist insurgency.

Russia, by contrast, has no colonial past in West Africa and is seen as a counter-hegemonic alternative.

2. Security Cooperation Against Jihadist Insurgency

Burkina Faso is under siege from ISIS- and al-Qaeda–linked groups in the north and east.

Western (especially French/UN) Failures

  • Despite years of French military presence and UN missions, insurgencies worsened.
  • French troops were seen as protecting elite interests and mining zones, not civilians.

Russian Offer: No Conditions

  • Russia (and its affiliated private military networks like Wagner) offers:
    • Direct military support, advisors, weapons.
    • Rapid deployment and hardline tactics.
    • No democracy or human rights preconditions.
  • The Burkinabè junta sees this as more effective and politically convenient.

3. Ideological Alignment: Sovereignty and Multipolarity

Shared Anti-Western Narrative

  • Russia positions itself as a champion of global South sovereignty against Western dominance.
  • Burkina Faso’s leadership echoes this, calling for:
    • A multipolar world order.
    • A new African consciousness.
    • Rejection of IMF/World Bank conditionalities.

Symbolic Affinities

  • Thomas Sankara, a national hero, was also sympathetic to Soviet-aligned ideas of self-reliance, anti-imperialism, and nationalization.
  • Today’s junta under Ibrahim Traoré presents itself as reviving this legacy.

4. Economic Interests and Infrastructure

China–Russia–Africa Alternative

  • Russia has partnered with China and Turkey to provide:
    • Infrastructure projects.
    • Energy investment.
    • Technology and education exchanges.
  • Traoré’s government seeks alternatives to Western-dominated financial institutions and debt traps.

Mining and Resource Control

  • Burkina Faso has begun reassessing mining concessions (mostly French-owned).
  • Russia may provide investment and technical help in exchange for mining access, especially in gold and uranium.

5. Regional Realignment: The Sahel Axis

Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger have formed a new bloc:

  • Alliance of Sahel States (AES).
  • All three expelled French troops and ambassadors.
  • All three have welcomed Russian influence.

They aim to build a mutual defense pact and regional integration independent of ECOWAS and France.

Conclusion: Realignment for Sovereignty and Security

ReasonExplanation
SecurityRussia offers hardline support against jihadists, unlike the ineffective French presence.
Ideological fitShared anti-imperial, multipolar worldview aligns with Traoré’s rhetoric.
Anti-French sentimentDeep historical grievances and ongoing distrust of France.
Regional momentumInspired by Mali and Niger’s moves; part of a Sahelian trend.
Economic pragmatismSeeking new partners for trade, energy, and infrastructure without Western conditions.

Russia is not only a military ally, but also a symbolic pivot to a different kind of international politics—one that offers Burkina Faso a chance to redefine sovereignty on its own terms.

Would you like a follow-up comparison between Russian and French engagements in West Africa, or more on the Wagner Group’s specific role in Burkina Faso?

Genocide in Gaza

You said:

I am puzzled why the genocide in Gaza is not widely recognized or condemned. Explain.

ChatGPT said:

The lack of widespread recognition or condemnation of events like those in Gaza can stem from a complex interplay of political, historical, and social factors. Here are some reasons that could explain this phenomenon:

  1. Framing and Narratives:
    • The way the situation in Gaza is framed in media and political discourse can significantly influence perception. If the narrative emphasizes national security, terrorism, or self-defense, it may overshadow or delegitimize the suffering of Palestinian civilians.
    • Words like “genocide” carry heavy legal and emotional weight, and many governments or organizations may avoid using them without a formal determination by international bodies like the United Nations.
  2. Geopolitical Interests:
    • Many powerful nations, including the U.S. and EU countries, have strategic alliances with Israel. These alliances can lead to reluctance to criticize Israeli actions, as doing so could strain diplomatic or military relationships.
    • On the other side, Palestinian advocacy often lacks equivalent global influence, particularly in terms of economic or political leverage.
  3. Historical Context and Guilt:
    • The legacy of the Holocaust and the historical persecution of Jewish people has created a strong global commitment to supporting Israel as a refuge for Jewish people. This history can sometimes result in a reluctance to critique Israeli policies for fear of being labeled antisemitic.
  4. Media Coverage and Bias:
    • Mainstream media in many countries often reflects the perspectives of their governments or dominant political and economic interests. As a result, reporting may downplay the scale of Palestinian suffering or present the conflict as a balanced “clash” between two sides, rather than one marked by disproportionate power dynamics.
    • Media blackouts or restrictions on journalists in Gaza also limit the ability to convey the full extent of human suffering.
  5. Complexity and Fatigue:
    • The Israeli-Palestinian conflict has persisted for decades, leading some people to view it as an intractable issue. This can result in apathy or avoidance of engaging deeply with the situation.
    • The constant stream of global crises (wars, pandemics, climate change) can also dilute public attention and outrage.
  6. International Law and Accountability:
    • The structures of international law, such as the UN Security Council, often hinder accountability. Veto powers (e.g., by the U.S.) can block resolutions condemning actions in Gaza.
    • The International Criminal Court (ICC) has been criticized for being slow and ineffective in pursuing justice in cases involving powerful states or their allies.
  7. Misinformation and Polarization:
    • Social media amplifies polarizing narratives, making it harder to establish a consensus about what is happening and how it should be addressed.
    • Both pro-Israel and pro-Palestinian advocates use social media to frame their narratives, often leaving the broader public unsure whom to believe.
  8. Dehumanization and Racism:
    • Palestinians are sometimes dehumanized in global discourse, framed primarily through the lens of extremism or terrorism. This framing can desensitize people to their suffering.
    • Broader Islamophobia or orientalist attitudes in the West also play a role in diminishing empathy for predominantly Muslim populations.

This combination of factors creates an environment in which events in Gaza are not universally recognized as genocide or widely condemned, despite the severity of the situation. Addressing this requires persistent advocacy, critical media engagement, and a willingness to challenge entrenched political and social biases.

Warmongering Netanjahu

I am against giving power to any single individual – be it a monarch, a president, or prime minister. I prefer the government of Switzerland, where power is diffused among seven members of a Federal Council.

The history of wars is predominantly a history of single leaders.

The current war against Ukraine is the decision of one man: Putin.

And the current genocide of Gaza is also the decision of a single leader: Benjamin Netanjahu, the Prime Minister of Israel.

But he has recently tried to deflect world attention from his genocide of Gaza by destroying the Iranian consulate in Syria on April 1, 2024. This was a deliberate attempt to get Iran to respond, which it did.

For many years now, Netanjahu has tried to get the US to attack Iran for harboring a nuclear weapons program – akin to the charge against Iraq for harboring a program for weapons of mass destruction.

If this lunatic is not removed, he may plunge the world into World War III.

Gaza and Genocide Deniers

In my opinion, of all the scholars of the Palestinian-Israeli relations that I know, Norman Finkelstein is the best informed and the most reasonable in his recommendations — which are to follow the international law, the United Nations resolutions. and to pay attention to human rights watchdogs — like Amnesty International.

I agree with him, and I also agree with the International Court of Justice that a plausible case can be made that a genocide is taking place in Gaza.

With the ICJ finding in mind, I have watched various debates on this issue on Youtube, taking note on who affirms and who denies that a genocide is taking place in Gaza.

The most scholarly debate on Youtube is the following:

The participants were Norman Finkelstein and Mouin Rabbani, on one side, and Benny Morris and Steven Bonnell (aka Destiny), on the other.

Commentary: Since the debate was set-up by Lex Fridman, he must be held responsible for including Destiny, who was obviously in a company beyond his competency, and who Finkelstein, during the debate, called a moron and an imbecile.

Putin’s Invasion of Ukraine

In a recent artickle, “Who caused the Russo-Ukrainian war, NATO or Russia?”. Alexander J. Motyl answers the question better than do the Pope, John Mearsheimer, or Jeffrey Sachs by placing the cause on Russia instead of on NATO.

But his question is not revealing enough. Although we do speak of countries as if they were agents, this kind of talk is misleading. It is the governments of countries which are the responsible agents, and we must understand the structure of governments before we can locate the responsible parties. For example, the recent Supreme Court ruling overturning Roe vs Wade was decided by the majority members of the nine-member Supreme Court, and we can name them. But Russia is not like, for example, Switzerland with a seven-member executive; it is a country with a permanent leader – a dictator: Putin, who does not need to consult anyone in order to take action. It was Putin’s decision to invade Ukraine. Putin – not Russia – is the cause of the genocidal invasion of Ukraine.

See also: Why Mearsheimer is wrong about Russia and the war in Ukraine. Five arguments from Alexander Stubb.

See also: