Image c/o AboutAmazon.com By Tucker Long News Reporter On September 26, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) filed a lawsuit against online shopping giant Amazon for illegal conduct that allows the website to wield monopoly power. The FTC lodged this complaint along with seventeen state attorney generals, alleging that Amazon unfairly uses its power as a digital marketplace to “inflate prices, degrade quality, and stifle innovation for consumers and businesses.”
Amazon is not being sued for its size or market share, rather the tactics the company uses to push out smaller sellers and promote its own merchandise, degrading the experience for not only the sellers but the customer as well. Amazon not only provides webspace for online retail, but they also sell their own merchandise, in direct competition with third-party sellers. According to a source on NPR, around 60% of products sold on the website come from sellers other than Amazon. Because Amazon is the largest online retailer, its actions can have strong effects throughout different online retail spaces. The FTC is alleging that if a third-party seller’s merchandise is selling at too low of a price point somewhere else on the internet, Amazon can bury that seller’s products on Amazon so far down in the search results that they lose significant traffic and relevancy. Sellers are not able to just up and leave Amazon because it is still the best way to sell products online, and because of this Amazon is keeping prices high across the internet. Furthermore, Amazon is able to add conditions to their “Prime” service for sellers that make it more difficult to sell elsewhere online. Services like Prime and their advertising service are costly and technically optional, though it is said that they are “virtually necessary for sellers to do business.” Because Amazon is so fundamental when it comes to the online retail industry, third-party sellers cannot just pivot and take their business elsewhere, rather it is still more lucrative to play by Amazon’s rules. The company is able to decrease revenue for their own sellers and make it so other online retailers cannot prosper, this is seen by the FTC as abuse of monopoly power. On top of this, the FTC is claiming that Amazon promotes paid advertisements and Amazon’s own products above more relevant or better-reviewed ones, making the customers’ experience worse. In a report released on November 2, The Washington Post writes that according to newly released details from the lawsuit, Amazon executives, including founder Jeff Bezos, are instructing this kind of behavior. The suit is quoted as saying that “Amazon executives internally acknowledge this creates ‘harm to consumers’ by making it ‘almost impossible for high quality, helpful organic content to win over barely relevant sponsored content.’” Amazon denies the allegations put forth by the FTC. In a statement put out on their website, the company says that while they “respect the role the FTC has historically played in protecting consumers and promoting competition.” They believe that their current iteration is “misguided”. If successful in their lawsuit, Amazon claims that the FTC will be forcing them “to engage in practices that actually harm consumers and the many businesses that sell in our store—such as having to feature higher prices, offer slower or less reliable Prime shipping, and make Prime more expensive and less convenient.” Amazon aims to bring low prices to customers and to help independent sellers be successful on their website, according to David Zapolsky, Amazon’s general counsel. Currently, the FTC is trying to prove that Amazon broke the law, and if so, to put a stop to it. The outcome is still far from being determined, with FTC chair Lina Khan saying, “At this stage, the focus is really on liability.”
0 Comments
Image c/o AP Photo/Ted S. Warren, File By Edith Cuevas News Reporter Pleasant Hill pilot Joseph Emerson has been charged with 83 counts of attempted murder after attempting to shut-off a plane’s engines mid-flight. As an off-duty pilot, Emmerson was able to fly with the pilots in the cockpit jump seat. Takeoff was smooth, according to the New York Times. It was when cruising altitudes were reached that Emmerson began to show signs of agitation.
“I’m not ok,” he told the pilots. This is when Emerson reached over and attempted to pull the fire-suppression handles, which were designed to cut the fuel supply and shut down both engines. “I thought it would stop both engines, the plane would start to head towards a crash, and I would wake up.” Emerson continued to tell the New York Times. In the weeks leading up to the incident, Emerson had ingested psychedelic mushrooms. According to ABC 7, the ingestion of psychedelics can have a lasting effect on a person but can also trigger an underlying mental health illness. According to Emerson’s wife, Sarah Stretch, he had become depressed in 2018 following the sudden death of his best man, Scott Pinney. “The loss of Scott was devastating to us, and for Joe especially. I feel like he has never come to terms with his death.” This weekend getaway was meant to commemorate the death of Pinney. This is what plunged him into the hallucinogenic state that Emerson was in such desperation to wake up from. There are restrictions imposed by the FAA that prevent pilots with depression from flying, and it also prevents the use of prescriptions for any mental health treatment. According to the FAA, this is to prevent any potential issues in the cockpit including mental breakdowns or suicide attempts. Pilots had to undergo routine medical assessments, disclosing various medical diagnoses, such as depression or anxiety, along with details of consultations with health professionals. Many pilots avoid seeking medical treatment fearing permanent grounding. In a significant shift in 2010, the FAA approved specific antidepressants for pilots dealing with mild or moderate depression. However, the pilots that opted to take the medications were still grounded for a month for a monitoring period. The entire process of gaining approval to resume active flying could extend even longer, with no guarantee of ultimate approval. The potential impact on careers, as noted by aviation doctors, industry lawyers, and pilots, prompted many aviators to either falsify information about their treatment or altogether sidestep seeking help. Instead opting for the risk of a $250,000 fine and five years in prison Emerson told The New York Times, “I started to have this feeling that this wasn’t real. I thought of a lot of traumatic things that in that time where I was like, ‘Am I dead? Is this hell?’ I am reliving that trauma.” According to Emerson, he was briefly brought back to reality, he then left the cockpit on his own and immediately asked one of the flight attendants for help. As he walked down the aisle, he looked at the passengers, all seemingly unaware of what had just happened. That is when Emerson began questioning the reality of what was going on. “You need to handcuff me right now, or it’s going to be bad,” is what Emerson told the flight attendant according to the police officer who interviewed the flight crew. “I am horrified that those actions put myself and others at risk,” Emerson said. “That crew got dealt with a situation there’s no manual, checklist or procedure that’s been written for. And they did an exemplary job keeping me and the rest of the people on that plane safe.” The FAA announced that they will be creating a committee to provide recommendations on breaking down barriers that prevent pilots from reporting mental health issues. “A mental health diagnosis is not a career ender. We have completed clinical research and amended policy to make it much easier for pilots on a widening number of antidepressants to continue with their careers,” said the FAA’s Federal Air Surgeon Dr. Susan Northrop. A historic space to honor veterans of past and present. Image c/o Expedia By Lillian La Salle Associate Editor On Veterans Day, the Bay Area’s own Alameda County celebrated its veterans at the USS Hornet Museum, which celebrated its 80th year of being commissioned by the United States Navy as an Essex-class aircraft carrier, as well as its 25th year of being made a museum. The ceremony honored veterans and all those who worked to maintain the Hornet and consisted of a wreath laying, a flyover, and a number of different speakers. An NBC Bay Area news report stated that speakers included East Bay Congresswoman Barbara Lee as well as Retired Rear Admiral Jonathan Yuen, who spoke about the accomplished veterans and the great milestones the USS Hornet represented for the United States. According to the Air Museum Guide, the USS Hornet (CV-12) has lots of history, including helping with WWII, the moon landing, holding historic aircrafts and helicopters, and honoring the prior USS Hornet (CV-8) which sank during the Battle of Santa Cruz Islands in 1942. The rich history of past engineering masterpieces are housed in this massive ship, and the public is strongly encouraged to tour and learn more about the American Navy, and others who worked to maintain the ship. Other exhibits include daily logs and photos of pilots who used to fly from the Hornet during WWII between 1944 to 1945. This ship acts as a time capsule honoring all those who made sacrifices during their service to America. With this upcoming holiday season let us keep these veterans in our thoughts, and if you are in the Bay area be sure to stop by the new Hornet Museum to witness the amazing exhibits it has to offer.
Lafayette Teachers Seek Appreciation and Increases Despite District Financial Challenges By Daniela Orecchia American Journalism Student Teachers in the Lafayette School District are demanding a 14% increase and recognition for their years of service during a critical period for Lafayette education. Concerns about the community's educational future are raised by the district's financial difficulties and the increasing exchanges between administrators and teachers. The teachers' demands for a significant pay raise and appreciation for their commitment are at the heart of the current labor crisis. Although Superintendent Brent Stephens has called attention to the financial obstacles, educators contend that the request is about more than simply money—it's about appreciating their dedication to teaching. Deeper worries regarding the district's educational system's sustainability and resource distribution are brought to light by this conflict.
In a statement sent via email, Brent Stephens described the costs associated with granting the teachers' requests. He clarified that a 12% raise would need a $1.8 million budget cut over the following three years. Due to the financial strain, educators are challenging the district's allocation priorities, particularly with regard to the emphasis on science, art, and music programs and classroom materials that are supported by Lafayette Parent Instruction Education (LPIE). There are many issues other than just money that worry teachers. Many have mentioned earlier cutbacks, like accepting less healthcare coverage, as reasons for their feelings of undervaluation. These complaints draw attention to the larger problems at hand and cast doubt on the district's dedication to its teachers as well as the distribution of resources. The Lafayette Teachers Union and the School District will hold an important compromising session on October 27 under the guidance of an outside mediator. The result may not only influence educators' immediate futures but also have long-term effects for Lafayette's general educational quality and the caliber of instruction. Mrs. Thompson, a concerned parent, said, “My child deserves the best, and part of that is having instructors that are driven and committed to their work. Although I agree with the teachers' demand for recognition, I'm concerned about how the district's financial situation may affect the standard of instruction as a whole. It's a delicate balance that requires careful consideration.” Mrs. Martinez, another parent explained, “My whole support is with the teachers' 14% pay increase proposal. It's only right that the commitment of our educators be acknowledged because they are crucial in determining our kids' futures. A fair salary for our teachers is a fundamental right, as they provide valuable education that benefits our community.” Julia, an education major at Saint Mary's College of California said, “I am majoring in education, therefore I am aware of the extreme commitment required to become a teacher. Developing young minds is the commitment, not just a job. In order to draw in and keep enthusiastic teachers, a 14% raise is not only warranted, but also essential. Respecting the experts who mentor our kids is the first step towards investing in their future. Acknowledging the skills and knowledge teachers contribute to the classroom through years of service is just as important as providing a salary.” In addition to endangering the district's finances, the continuous conflict calls into question the importance of education and the welfare of its teachers. The results of the negotiations could have a ripple effect on the Lafayette School District, affecting the quality of instruction and the kids' entire educational experience. The larger implications raise concerns about the district's educational system's sustainability as well as the priorities for allocating resources. Based on data from the Lamorinda Weekly, this study attempts to educate the public about the labor issue in the Lafayette School District, with a focus on the grievances of the teachers, current negotiations, financial problems, and the potential for a strike. In addition to educators and administrators, parents, students, and the community at large are all concerned in finding a solution to this problem. The outcome of this labor dispute affects not just administrators and teachers but also parents, kids, and the community at large as talks are about to begin. The outcome will dictate the district's financial stability as well as the importance given to education and the welfare of its teachers. The district's educational system's sustainability and resource allocation priorities are called into question by the larger implications. Many local bay area residents are scared in regards to the rising crime rates. From car break-ins in San Francisco to armed robberies in Walnut Creek, things are only getting worse. A few local bay area residents are able to give input on their experience with crime and how they are having to change their lifestyles because of it. By Francesca Caronna American Journalism Student It is not a shock to most that crime in the Bay Area has increased in recent years, making residents move out of certain areas and overall be more cautious. From car break-ins in San Francisco and Oakland, to muggings in Walnut Creek, it has gotten out of hand. Some Bay Area locals have strong feelings about the crime at hand and are uneasy about the level it has increased.
Bay area native, Radha Rai grew up in Berkeley but recently her family moved to Danville, which is a suburb more inland. Rai stated “My family decided to make the move to the suburbs because Berkeley started to get a little too dodgy for our liking.” This seems to be a common experience for residents of Berkeley, Oakland and even San Francisco, where individuals and families are relocating to areas with less crime. Oakland and San Francisco are notorious for auto theft and car break-ins, in fact residents are so used to this criminal behavior, they often watch it happen and sometimes video record it. However, according to a local news station, it is often not reported to the police (KTVU2 News). Senior resident of Orinda, John Caronna, was recently getting dim sum from his favorite restaurant in Oakland where he unfortunately experienced a taste of the increased crime rates. Caronna said “I was literally out of my car for two minutes when it got broken into. I heard people yelling that someone’s car window was getting smashed and I turned around and it was my car.” This is a harsh reality that Bay Area residents are experiencing, and as Caronna stated “I just never thought it would happen to me.” The rising crime rates are not just on the other side of the Caldecott Tunnel, according to KRON 4, it is happening in Lafayette and Walnut Creek as well. There have been reports of muggings and robberies occurring in downtown Walnut Creek, where perpetrators are targeting individuals that are specifically wearing Rolex watches and other luxury jewelry. It has gotten to the point where residents are having to take preemptive measures. Local resident, Stephanie Caronna, frequents walnut creek often and she explained “I take my watch off and avoid wearing nice jewelry or carrying any obvious name-brand bags when I go to Walnut Creek now.” The lengths people are being forced to go in order to not become a target is the harsh reality of the world we live in right now. Crime like car break-ins, auto theft, and muggings are happening more often and bay area residents are scared. They are having to change their lifestyles, the accessories they wear, and their residence due to the rising crime rates. Many residents find themselves not going to certain restaurants or stores as often because they are known as crime hotspots. It has been declared the deadliest mass shooting in the United States in 2023. (Image c/o AP Photo/Matt York, File) By Edith Cuevas News Reporter Just-In-Time Recreation was hosting a youth bowling league when gunfire erupted, killing seven people, including a fourteen year old bowler. The perpetrator, Robert Card then continued the spree of violence at nearby restaurant Schemengees Bar & Grille. Another eight lives were claimed at the scene. The other three succumbed to their injuries in the hospital.
One of the injured victims was ten-year-old Zoey Levesque, who told the Los Angeles Times during an interview, “I never thought I’d grow up and get a bullet in my leg. Why? Why do people do this?” The suspect led the police on a two-day statewide manhunt, triggering a stay-at-home order for the city of Lewiston, and stretched as far as 50 miles away from the initial sites. He was found with a self-inflicted gunshot wound at a recycling center less than ten miles away from Schemengees Bar & Grille. The New York Times has reported that Card was a known subject to the police department. Card was first brought to the attention of a school resource officer by his ex-wife and teenage son. They attempt to voice their concern about Card’s mental health, claiming that he had begun to hear voices, became paranoid, and angry. The family members expressed growing concern over the growing collection of fifteen firearms that belonged to Card. The school resource officer brought this to the attention of the sheriff’s office. With this new information, the sheriff’s office reaches out to the Army Reserves in an attempt to learn more about Card’s behaviors. From this conversation, the solution was to work closer together with the Army Reserves and deal with this issue together. Earlier this year in July, the Army Reserves decided that Card needed medical attention due to his erratic behavior during a training exercise. It was at the hospital that the staff decided that Card needed more medical treatment and was moved to a psychiatric center, where he spent a total of two weeks. Immediately after, Card attempted to purchase a silencer. Which, of course, was denied to him by the gun shop owner due to his previous mental health treatment. According to the New York Times, Card purchases even more guns legally in October, and uses them to carry out the most violent attack in the United States this year. The state of Maine is looking to cover the funeral costs for the families who lost their loved ones in this tragedy. A spokesperson for the governor of Maine told the Seattle Times, “The administration is working to ensure that the families of victims do not have to bear any financial costs for the funerals of their loved ones.” (Image c/o SFist) By Isabella Wynn News Reporter Nothing ever happens around here, right? The Lamorinda area is a safe, quiet cluster of cities and towns where the demographic appears to be mainly made up of old, rich people, some college students, and young families. Have you ever wondered if there is more going on than you may think? That perhaps the Lamorina area is too quiet?
You may have heard about big-name celebrities living in the area. My sources tell me that Buster Posey and Alanis Morissette live in Lafayette and Zendaya allegedly spent a lot of her childhood in Orinda. This may be fun news, but there’s nothing scandalous about where these celebrities live or grew up. I’d like to introduce you to The Purple People. In the lovely, little city of Lafayette resides Lafayette Morehouse. “Morehouse” lifestyle practices were founded by a man named Dr. Victor Baranco in the 1960s. Popularly known as a “sex cult”, this “intentional living community” defines themselves as researchers studying pleasurable group living. In exploring human nature they have discovered how group living can lead to the most enjoyable life. And these people really do seem to be living pleasurably. They present their research findings through payable courses open to new and existing community members. Most notably is their $16,800 course titled “Expansion of Sexual Potential Intensive.” Members may also be invited to train for a certification in the demonstration of female pleasure and teaching the Fundamentals of Sensuality course. In addition to these courses, a momentous occasion for Lafayette Morehouse occurred in 1976 where Victor Baranco and his female counterpart, Diana, hosted a public event demonstrating female sexual pleasure and its extensive possibilities for three consecutive hours. Diana is still a member of Lafayette Morehouse and teaches courses. Known as The Purple People (although community members dislike this nickname), Lafayette Morehouse is located on the outskirts of Lafayette on the edge of the Summit Ridge neighborhood in Walnut Creek. Their property holds communal houses, tennis courts, a night club, and a pool. They also drive golf carts around their property. In my attempt to visit the 23 acre Lafayette Morehouse property, I was met with a hard-to-find dirt road. Upon entry I was bombarded with screaming signs stating “Private Property” and “No Trespassing.” Morehouse is, of course, located at the very end of the long dirt road. I slowly drove past huge, gray houses with steep driveways until I could catch a glimpse of purple buildings. Out of respect for the property owners, I unfortunately could not will myself to explore further, but I can confirm they exist at the address found on Apple Maps. Given their nickname, the Purple People live in purple houses and travel by old-school purple limousines. They even used to operate More University between 1977-1997, where students could study and get degrees in Humanities and Sensuality & Lifestyles. Their three 5-star Yelp reviews paint Lafayette Morehouse as a welcoming, educational community teaching students how to successfully grow their relationships through better communication and intimacy practices. However, Morehouse wouldn’t be a cult without some scandals. One of Morehouse’s few rules is “don’t do anything you don’t want to do,” yet some have openly shared with the press that the group uses intimidation tactics to keep members quiet and coercion into taking illegal drugs. Dr. Baranco was charged with LSD possession in 1994. Aside from these small scandals and the very little information about them, Morehouse appears to quietly keep to themselves. Living in their purple houses and driving their purple cars, The Purple People live their pleasurable lives in many different types of relationships and lifestyles; ranging from celibacy to polyamory. They spend their time throwing parties and practicing gardening, cooking, building, painting, and working on cars. They believe in perfection and achieving their highest potential. These Morehouse practices have made their way out of Lafayette. Communal living experiments using Morehouse principals have been located across the United States. With most groups residing in California, including the original Morehouse in Lafayette, groups have also been located in other states such as New York, Georgia, Hawaii, and more. Doesn’t sound too bad, right? Spending your time partying, gardening, playing tennis, learning new skills, and having the best sex of your life? Morehouse believes in living your best life at your highest potential. Now, this isn’t a promo. Let’s not forget about the fact that Morehouse is ultimately a cult, however they don’t appear to be harmful and I am in no place to judge other people’s lifestyle choices. Please do stay respectful of their property. Next time you find yourself in Lafayette, keep an eye out for those old school purple limousines and people traveling in groups. You may be grocery shopping with Morehouse members and you wouldn’t even know it. Louisiana Republican won enough votes weeks after McCarthy ousted (Image c/o Ting Shen / Bloomberg / Getty) By Drew Paxman Editorial Designer Representative Mike Johnson of Louisiana was sworn in as the 56th Speaker of the House on October 25 after weeks of political infighting within the Republican Party.
“We will do our duty here, we will serve you well,” Johnson said in his first speech before being sworn in. “We will govern well, and we’ll make you proud of this institution again.” The vote came three weeks after former Speaker Kevin McCarthy was ousted by a caucus within the Republican Party. The removal of McCarthy led to weeks of deliberation within the GOP, who nominated representatives Steve Scalise, Jim Jordan, and Tom Emmer. Scalise and Emmer withdrew their nominations; Jordan withstood three Speaker votes before being ousted in a secret ballot. Republicans and Democrats do not see eye-to-eye on the election of Johnson to the speakership. “The question here is ‘Is Mike Johnson the right guy at the right time?’” described Republican representative Chip Roy of Texas. “And I think he is…he’s got his pulse on where the American people are.” “I do have concerns about him,” Democratic representative Judy Chu of California countered. “He is a MAGA extremist that was one of the leaders to overturn the presidential election on January 6. That goes against everything that our country stands for.” Johnson made his first objective as Speaker very clear: to forward a bill to support Israel on the House floor.“We stand at a very dangerous time…the world is in turmoil,” Johnson said. “But a strong America is good for the entire world.” By Tucker Long News Reporter The United States, the world's largest supplier of weapons, has been hard at work trying to keep up with the international demand for arms. America has been supplying ammunition, smart bombs, and interceptors for the Iron Dome missile-defense system to Israel, with President Biden assuring that more military aid is on the way. Countries in the middle east like Israel and Saudi Arabia are significant buyers of American weapons, and war in the region will surely increase their arms purchases.
This comes at a time when military spending and arms sales are already surging due to the war between Russia and Ukraine, as well as heightening tensions in East Asia due to the perceived threat of China. According to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), in 2022, total military expenditure reached a new high of $2240 billion. The three largest spenders are the U.S., China, and Russia, who account for 56% of all arms spending. As the war in Ukraine rages on, so does military spending on both sides. Russian military spending grew by 9.2% in 2022, this comes as President Biden says that he will not prioritize support for Israel over support for Ukraine. The conflict in Eastern Europe has led to what the SIPRI referred to as “Cold-War levels of military expenditure” in Western and Central Europe, spending $345 billion in 2022, in real terms the highest level since 1989. This increased demand in weapon sales has led to other countries getting in on the action when the US is not able to keep up their supply. Notably in Poland, a nation bolstering their military, weary of Russia, has been increasing their military spending, buying not only from the U.S. but also South Korea and Turkey. American allies in Asia, such as Taiwan, are also buying more weapons due to a perceived threat coming from China. Among the fervor for arms sales, large powers such as India and Indonesia are switching weapon suppliers, looking away from Russia and China, and towards Western nations. This is being seen as a way to improve relations and form ties between these countries and the United States, as long-term contracts require close government coordination on both sides. Indonesia backed out of a deal with Russia for fighter jets in 2018, now having a tentative deal to purchase American-made Boeing F-15s and Lockheed-Martin Blackhawk helicopters. This increase in armament throughout the world could certainly have disastrous effects. According to Dr. Nan Tian from the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute, “The continuous rise in global military expenditure in recent years is a sign that we are living in an increasingly insecure world.” While it is true that having weapons contracts between nations can strengthen alliances and generate economic activity, it leads to a highly armed and more volatile world. It is feared that the surge in weapons sales and larger militaries can mean smaller conflicts becoming bigger, leading to the involvement of major powers, and ultimately more bloodshed. Contextualizing the Past Landscape and Relations “Palestinians from Gaza leaving the occupied West Bank to go to Jordan in 1968” (Image c/o New York Times) “Exodus 1947, Jewish refugees wait to board the President Warfield on a quay in Sete's harbor, on their way to Palestine” (Image c/o U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum) By Jenevieve Monroe News Editor In the past week, the United States has emerged as a pivotal actor in the ongoing global discourse regarding the Middle East’s humanitarian crisis between Israelis and Palestinians. Nations from around the world have shared varying perspectives and concerns surrounding the conflict. The focus of dispute between these two groups begins with the land itself: both Palestinians and Israelis claim ancestry, religious sanctity, and indigenous rights to the land East of the Mediterranean Sea.
In the perspective of many Israelis, their state has existed since the ancient kingdoms of Judea and Israel, biblically known as the Land of Canaan. The Israelities occupied and conquered the land of Cannaan in the late 2nd millennium BCE; this occupation was justified using the Bible, which identified Canaan as the Promised Land for the Israelites. The people who had been living in this region prior to Israeli occupation were known as the Caananites, and are considered to be the ancestors of some Arabs and Jews today. Some Palestinians state that they are descendents of the ancient Canaanites. According to Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas, “This land is for its people… who were here 5,000 years ago.” Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu denies this, however, stating that the ancestors of modern Palestinians “came from the Arabian peninsula to the Land of Israel thousands of years” after the Israelites. The disagreement between these claims was largely contested between native Palestinians and Jewish refugees following World War I. The indigenous people in this area, labeled as the Canaanites in the Bronze Age, did not have a distinct ethnic group and faced occupation for centuries. Some scholars believe these lands have been given the name “Palestine” as a derived version of the word “Philistia”, which comes from the Philistines that occupied the region in the 12th century BCE Since the existence of Canaan, these lands have been conquered for centuries by the following powers: Israelites (13th to 9th BCE), Philistines (12th BCE), Assyrians (8th and 7th BCE), Babylonians (6th BCE), Persians (6th and 5th BCE), Alexander the Great (4th BCE), Seleucids (3rd and 2nd BCE), Romans (1st BCE and 1st CE), Umayyad/Abbasid/Fatimid Caliphates (7th to 12th CE), Crusaders (12th CE), Ayyubid and Mamluk Islamic dynasty (12th to 16th CE), Ottoman Caliphate (16th to 20th CE), League of Nations’ British Mandate (20th CE), and the State of Israel (20th to present). With this diverse history of conquest came different forms of oppression. For Jewish inhabitants around the 2nd century BCE, they were severely persecuted. They revolted against and were violently suppressed by generations of Roman rulers. Under the Babylonian empire in 6th century BCE, the sacred Jewish First Temple was decimated and many Jewish civilians were forced into exile. This trend continued under the Roman empire, where Roman legions under King Titus destroyed the Second Temple during the Jewish-Roman wars and forced an even greater Jewish diaspora from Jerusalem in 70 CE. After the revolt, the Romans changed the region’s name from Judea to Syria-Palaestina as a means of erasing Jewish identity. By the 7th century CE, the prophet Muhammad founded Islam in this region and viewed his beliefs as an extension of Abrahamic Judaism and Christianity. Many Christians, Muslims, and Jews generally coexisted in these lands for centuries following. The prophet’s death in 632 CE prompted Islamic expansion into the region and Jerusalem was conquered by 638 CE. For the next four centuries, the region was under Islamic rule and Caliphate. From the 11th to 13th century, Christianity had overtaken Europe and the Crusaders captured Jerusalem. The city was renamed as the “Kingdom of Jerusalem” and deemed a Crusader state. This transition of power from Islam to Christianity led to centuries of violence between Muslims and Christians in the region. These conflicts led to the Mamluks, an Islamic dynasty, recapturing Jerusalem from the Crusaders. In 1517, the region was once again conquered. The Ottoman Empire governed Palestine from 1517 until 1920 when they were defeated in World War I. After the end of World War I and the fall of the Ottoman Empire , the League of Nations seized the territory of Palestine and transferred its authority over to Britain. The document solidifying this was called the British Mandate for Palestine in 1920. The League of Nations’ mandate told Britain to control the lands and natives “until such time as they are able to stand alone” while simultaneously creating a Jewish national homeland in the region. This became a major point of contention because Britain, acting as an imperial power, promised the region to both Jewish Zionists and native Palestinians. From 1915 to 1916, the British government indicated support for Arab independence and Arab self-rule in a series of communications known as the Hussein-McMahon Correspondence. Their support specifically referenced Palestinian liberation. Less than a year later, the British government issued the Balfour Declaration. This document expressed British support for the establishment of a "national home for the Jewish people" in Palestine and an explicit clause stating no harm would come to non-Jewish natives in the region. The hopes for a Jewish homestead was not new to diplomats; the creation of Zionism was a way for Jewish people to unite under a theocratic state and avoid persecution. Britain orchestrated a great influx of Jewish immigrants into the region, resulting in territorial disputes between natives and immigrants. This event was a catalyst for the overarching debate on who owns the land: current residents or immigrants with ancient ties to the region? By 1936, the dispossession of Palestinian land, the lack of self-determination, and several altercations put many native Arabs in distress. This caused the Arab Revolt, which lasted from 1936 to 1939. The revolt began with spontaneous acts of violence by the followers of Sheikh ʿIzz al-Dīn al-Qassām, a man who had been killed by the British. One example of this was the murder of two Jews that year. The revolt became a series of protests, strikes, and acts of civil disobedience against British mandatory authorities. Over time, the protests escalated into violent attacks against the British forces and Jewish settlements. An array of two-state solution proposals were prepared as a form of compromise. The Peel Commission (1927) and the UN Partitions Plans (1947) responded with geographic delinations of land ownership between immigrants and natives. However, resolution between the groups never happened because Palestinians felt their land rights were not equitably represented in the distribution policies. Both the British government and Jewish Zionists disregarded the outcome of this democratic process and declared the region as Israel on May 14th, 1948. Following the declaration, major conflict ensued between the groups which became known as the Arab-Israeli War. The conflict resulted in significant territorial changes, with the newly established State of Israel gaining control of more land than what was proposed in the United Nations Partition Plan of 1947. The State of Israel viewed the resolution of this war as the result of several armistice agreements that delineated ceasefire lines; for native Palestinians, however, these events are called the 1948 Nakba (also known as “The Catastrophe”). For approximately 700,000 Palestinians, they were forced out of their homes by Israeli police brutality and became refugees. Violent massacres ensued, like the Deir Yassin massacre, and villages were destroyed. Palestinian families were separated, properties and livelihoods confiscated, and citizens expressed experiencing an overall loss of identity and culture. The Nakba has left a profound impact on Palestinians to this day. Extensions of conflict similar to this ensued throughout the decades. One significant example was the 1967 Six Day War. Border disputes heightened between Israel and several Arab states; diplomatic tensions also peaked with Egypt’s strategic closure of a waterway that Israel depended on for trade. The State of Israel launched a preemptive strike on June 5, 1967. War broke out in lethal, swift waves between countries. By the end of the War, Israel had won several victories that expanded their territory, displacing even more Palestinians. All of Jerusalem was claimed as Israel’s “eternal capital”. This war left a legacy of diplomatic implications for Israel. A summit was held after, known as the Khartoum Arab Summit, which voted on a resolution called the “Three No’s”, meaning no peace, no recognition, no negotiation with the state of Israel. Persistent violent clashes continue to this day. While property rights center these historical tensions, religious rights do as well. Both Jews and Muslims share sacred religious sites in Jerusalem. For those who practice Islam, Palestine is home to the Al-Aqsa Mosque and the Dome of the Rock. Islamic tradition considers it to be the third holiest place in the world. According to the Qur’an, Muhammad was divinely transported one night from Mecca to the site of the Al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem. It was there that he led Abraham, Moses, Jesus, and other messengers of God (known as Allah in Islam) in ritual prayer. That same evening, Muhammad was taken up to heaven from the site of the Dome of the Rock and spoke directly with Allah. For those who practice Judaism, the site of the mosque has become a focal point of conflict between these two groups. It is also deemed sacred to the Jewish community due to its historical association with the Temple of Jerusalem in ancient Israel (also known as Temple Mount). The First Temple was constructed at this site in the 10th century BCE by King Solomon, the son of King David. This temple was a place of worship, housing the Ark of the Covenant, which was believed to contain the tablets of the Ten Commandments. The First Temple stood for several centuries but was destroyed in 586 BCE by the Babylonians. This event is a crucial part of Jewish history, since it ultimately led to the Babylonian Exile and began a series of Jewish diasporas. A second temple was built in the 6th century BCE under the Persian Empire's, only to be destroyed by the Romans in 70 CE. The site today embodies what Jewish people call the Temple Mount. It is imperative to provide context for the religious importance of these sites, as their accessibility has been a contentious issue between Palestinian Muslims and Israeli Jews. The site of the Al-Aqsa Mosque is under coordination with the Jordan government to allow Palestinian Muslims access for worship, but entry into the building is controlled by Israeli police. The holy grounds, known as Al Haram Al Sharif (Noble Sanctuary), are solely for Muslim worship. Many Palestinian Muslims fear that the precedent of religious coexistence between groups is being eroded by a far-right Jewish movement. According to CNN, Israeli police conducted several raids in the Al-Aqsa Mosque earlier this year. “Videos shared on social media showed Israeli police beating screaming Muslim worshipers with batons.” Israel Defense Forces state that they stormed the mosque after “hundreds of rioters and mosque desecrators barricaded themselves inside” and were said to be throwing fireworks and stones at them. The violence prompted rocket fire from southern Lebanon and Gaza, to which Israel retaliated with airstrikes. For Muslim Palestinians, however, this event was viewed as an act against their ethnic group and religious practice. A Palestinian resident of the Sheikh Jarrah neighborhood commented on the issue to CNN saying, “I feel pain. True pain deep inside…This is a house of God. It is for worship. Not for occupation or provocation. Even as we pray, we are provoked and monitored by the Israelis.” The historical context of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict is a complex array of narratives, indigenous claims, and violent historical events. It encompasses a connection to the land, religious practice, and centuries of both coexistence and contention. The recent terrorist attacks on October 7th have since caused further strain on these hostile relations. Over 1,400 Israeli citizens were killed and 5,132 injured by Hamas. Hamas is considered a terrorist group by the U.S. State Department. The events have been deemed the “deadliest day for Jews since the Holocaust”. Israel Defense Forces have since responded against Hamas by using air strikes against the city of Gaza and trapping all citizens, a city home to more than 2 million civilians. It is considered to be Hamas's home base. The IDF has also deployed airstrikes in the West Bank against a mosque alleged to hold Hamas militants. The bombings are ongoing at this time and the latest death toll stands at 4,741 Palestinians killed and over 20,386 injured. This situation underscores the urgency of the Middle East’s developing humanitarian crisis as the toll of fatalities continue to mount. |
StaffMadison Sciba '24, Archives
November 2023
Categories |