From democracy to theocracy

- count down to destruction and ruin

Even though the historical contexts are different - and the political landscape has changed unto an extend the world is unknowable many things remain unchanged. The fact that the mix of freedom fighting, resistance to foreign or alienated authorities and acts of terror is as common novadays as in the past is not just a scary fact, but an indication on that problems still are evolving around the same locations and people, and knowing the content of the toolbox there is no promising silverlining in expectation.

The scenery is resetting to awe and fear.

To much indignation in EU and US the Türkiesh president Recep Erdogan recently compared Hamas to the Mujahideen.

Mostly because the predicate Mujahideen represents a mark of succes in the battle of Soviet troops in Afghanistan when the Soviets broke the neck from trying to control the development in Afghanistan.

In an historical intro perspective the Hamas organization has much in common with the original core of Israel military forces Haganah, which probably is why they are so feared.

It may be bad karma though.

In the Western dominion we would like to think that Hamas and Mujahideens are just two distinct groups with different historical contexts and objectives:

1. Hamas:Hamas is a Palestinian political and militant organization founded in 1987 during the First Intifada (Palestinian uprising) against Israeli occupation. Its full name is the Islamic Resistance Movement. Hamas primarily operates in the Palestinian territories, with a focus on Gaza. It has a political and military wing.Hamas is considered a terrorist organization by Israel, the United States, the European Union, and several other countries. It has been involved in acts of violence and terrorism against Israel.
2. Mujahideen:The term "Mujahideen" is not associated with a specific organization but rather refers to various militant groups, often with an Islamic or jihadist orientation, that have fought in different conflicts around the world.The most notable use of the term "Mujahideen" was during the Soviet-Afghan War (1979-1989) when Afghan resistance groups, supported by various countries including the United States, were collectively known as Mujahideen.Since then, the term "Mujahideen" has been used in various conflicts and contexts, such as the Afghan Taliban, who were originally part of the Mujahideen but evolved into a distinct group.

In traditional summary, Hamas is a specific Palestinian organization we prefer to consider terrorrists, while "Mujahideen" is a more generic term referring to various armed groups, with the most famous historical example being the Afghan Mujahideen.

Talking of organizations regarded as terrorists - there are plenty in the region - all related to the state of Israel.

Beginning the description in the British protectorate of Palestine, the traditions to renounce organizations as terrorists goes long back in time.

In fact nobody likes invaders - apart from the invaders. Even though the British regarded liberation of Palestine from the Ottoman ruling as a gracious act - the people living in the Mediterranean regarded them as a new sort of intruders and invaders.

The aftermath of World War II marked a critical turning point in the long-standing struggle for control over Palestine. Zionist leaders held a fervent desire to liberate the region from British rule and establish a Jewish state.

To achieve this ambition, they collaborated with organizations such as Haganah and extremist Zionist organizations like Irgun and Stern. This collaborative effort involved targeting British authorities in Palestine, culminating in escalating violence - not differing great to what we consider terrorist attacks - that played a pivotal role in Britain's decision to withdraw as the mandate power.

Eventually, the issue of Palestine was handed over to the United Nations (UN). The complex history of these groups, their activities, and the political implications of their actions is beyond this text to describe.

But Haganah, Irgun, and Stern - these Jewish Organizations were as terroristic as any Mujahideen, but in the mild forgiving bright historical light we would like to consider them as paramilitary groups.

Before the establishment of the state of Israel in 1948, three Jewish paramilitary organizations operated in British Mandate Palestine, each with distinct approaches and goals. These groups were Haganah, Irgun, and Stern. While their objectives differed, they were all involved in violent actions against British authorities, including bombings, assassinations, and various acts of violence. These actions were deemed by many countries, including the United Kingdom, as acts of terrorism.

It is both easy and relevant to draw comparisons between the historical Jewish paramilitary organizations and contemporary groups like the PKK, Hamas, Hezbollah, and mujahideen and is not a super complexed task.

Each of these groups operates in unique historical contexts, with distinct goals and methods. All work in a limited geographic area, resisting to military and political persecution and threats. They have both political wings and posses the ability to react to military threats and represents the people they protect. However, it is essential to acknowledge that all these groups, including Haganah, Irgun, and Stern, have participated in conflicts with different actors, resulting in significant political and security consequences.

To gain a deeper understanding of the complexities involved, it's crucial to differentiate these groups in terms of their ideologies, methods, and geographical scope:

Ideological Differences:

1. Irgun and Stern: These Jewish paramilitary organizations aimed to establish a Jewish state encompassing all of historical Palestine. Their primary focus was on combating British rule and achieving Jewish sovereignty.
2. Hezbollah: Hezbollah is a Shia Islamist organization based in Lebanon. Its core objectives are to resist Israeli occupation in Southern Lebanon and advance the interests of the Shia community. While it has a historical conflict with Israel, its goals are more regional and religious in nature.
3. Hamas: Hamas is a Palestinian Islamist organization with the principal goal of establishing an independent Palestinian state in the Gaza Strip, West Bank, and East Jerusalem. It emphasizes the Palestinian struggle against Israeli occupation and control.

Methods:

1. Irgun and Stern: These Jewish paramilitary groups resorted to acts of terrorism and violence against both British authorities and Arab populations in Palestine. They were responsible for numerous bombings and attacks, often targeting civilians.
2. Hezbollah: Hezbollah primarily engages in armed conflict with Israeli forces in Lebanon. It maintains a military wing and is known for its guerrilla warfare tactics, often targeting Israeli military assets. Nevertheless, it has also been involved in terrorist activities in the past.
3. Hamas: While Hamas has engaged in violence against Israeli military and civilian targets, it also functions as a political and social organization. It has participated in elections and governs the Gaza Strip. Its military wing, the Qassam Brigades, has been involved in armed conflicts with Israel.

Geographical Scope:

1. Irgun and Stern: These Jewish paramilitary organizations were primarily active in British Mandate Palestine during the mid-20th century.
2. Hezbollah: Hezbollah is based in Lebanon and primarily operates in Southern Lebanon and, to some extent, Syria. It has engaged in conflicts with Israel along the Lebanese-Israeli border.
3. Hamas: Hamas is based in the Gaza Strip and maintains a significant presence in the West Bank. Its activities are mainly focused on these Palestinian territories.
4. Haganah: The Haganah is in a special liga as a Jewish paramilitary organization in Mandatory Palestine, active from 1920 to 1948. Its primary goals were to defend Jewish communities from Arab attacks and to prepare for the establishment of a Jewish state in the region. The Haganah played a significant role in the lead-up to and during the 1947-1949 Palestine War (the War of Independence or Nakba, depending on one's perspective).Here are some of the key activities and roles of the Haganah:

1. Defense: The Haganah focused on protecting Jewish communities, including kibbutzim and settlements, from Arab attacks and violence. They organized Jewish self-defense units and established a network of watchtowers and outposts to maintain security.
2. Arms procurement: The Haganah engaged in smuggling and acquiring weapons to bolster its military capabilities, as it anticipated the need for armed defense.
3. Training: The organization trained its members in military tactics, marksmanship, and other skills to prepare for a potential conflict.
4. Intelligence: The Haganah gathered information on the Arab forces, political developments, and the British authorities, which was crucial for planning military operations.
5. Covert operations: Haganah carried out covert operations, including bombings and sabotage, against British military installations and infrastructure. Some of these operations were intended to press the British authorities to leave Palestine.
6. Role in the 1947-1949 Palestine War: During the conflict that followed the United Nations' approval of the partition plan for Palestine in 1947, the Haganah played a central role alongside other Jewish paramilitary groups. They eventually formed the core of the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), which was established with the founding of the State of Israel in 1948.

After the establishment of Israel, the Haganah was integrated into the IDF, and its members became the nucleus of the new country's armed forces. The Haganah's activities and the larger context of the Israeli War of Independence are a complex and contentious topic in the history of the Middle East, with different perspectives on the organization's actions and impact on the region.

The history of Zionist paramilitary organizations, such as Haganah, Irgun, and Stern, is both complex and contentious, but with enduring implications for the Middle East.

While they sought the establishment of a Jewish state in historic Palestine and played a role in the British withdrawal, their methods, objectives, and geographical scope not differed significantly from contemporary organizations like Hezbollah and Hamas. Apart from the fact that novadays the Jews are the bad guys taking other people land.

The Understanding of these distinctions is crucial for comprehending the intricate dynamics of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the broader regional context in the Middle East.

Dejavue

The Nakba, an Arabic term meaning "The Catastrophe," holds profound significance in Palestinian history and the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict and refers to the displacement, suffering, and violence experienced by the Palestinian people during and after the Arab-Israeli war of 1948.

The Nakba unfolded against the backdrop of the establishment of the State of Israel in 1948. It resulted in the forced expulsion and flight of hundreds of thousands of Palestinians from their homes and the destruction of numerous Palestinian towns and villages. The term "Nakba" is used by Palestinians to describe the catastrophic events of that period and to commemorate the resilience of their people in the face of adversity.

Several Palestinian towns and areas bore witness to significant violence and massacres during the Nakba, each leaving an indelible mark on the collective memory of the Palestinian people. Five of these sites are outlined below:

The Deir Yassin massacre occurred on April 9, 1948, when Zionist paramilitary groups, including the Irgun and Lehi, attacked the Arab village of Deir Yassin, near Jerusalem. This brutal assault led to the deaths of around 107 to over 100 Palestinian civilians, including women and children. The Deir Yassin massacre stands as one of the most notorious incidents during the Nakba, causing deep trauma to the Palestinian population.

In May 1948, the coastal town of Tantura, now within the borders of Israel, became the site of a massacre where numerous Palestinian residents were killed by Israeli forces. Although historical debate surrounds the exact number of casualties, it is widely acknowledged that a significant number of Palestinians lost their lives in this tragic incident.

Lydda and Ramle: Located in central Palestine, these two towns witnessed intense fighting during the 1948 war. Thousands of Palestinian residents were forcibly expelled from their homes, leading to a substantial displacement of the population. The harsh conditions during the expulsion resulted in the deaths of many Palestinians.

A village in northern Palestine, Balad al-Sheikh was the site of another brutal massacre during the Nakba. The village suffered heavy casualties, and the survivors were compelled to flee their homes, further deepening the tragedy.

In October 1948, a massacre occurred in the village of Dawayima, near Hebron, when Israeli forces entered the area. Numerous Palestinian residents lost their lives, and the village was largely depopulated due to this and other incidents.

These examples represent only a fraction of the violence and mass displacement that occurred during the Nakba. Overall, an estimated 700,000 to 800,000 Palestinians were uprooted from their homes, becoming refugees in neighboring Arab countries or in other parts of historic Palestine. The Nakba remains a deeply significant and emotional aspect of Palestinian history, shaping their identity and resilience in the face of adversity.

The events of the Nakba are remembered and commemorated by Palestinians annually on May 15th, which is recognized as Nakba Day. On this day, Palestinians worldwide honor their history, remember their losses, and advocate for their right of return to their ancestral lands. Nakba Day serves as a reminder that the Palestinian struggle for justice and recognition continues, and the wounds of the past remain unhealed.

The Nakba stands as a pivotal chapter in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, a period of immense suffering and displacement etched into the history and memory of the Palestinian people. By acknowledging the Nakba and its tragic events, we can better understand the ongoing challenges and aspirations of the Palestinian community, and work towards a future where lasting peace and justice prevail in the region.