2023-11-22
I'm all for rational debate, but when the emotions overrule the preparedness to listen, rational debate becomes ... difficult.
The Israel vs Hamas debate has a high emotional content on both sides which doesn't actually facilitate the exchange of ideas and arguments in reasoned debate, because the protagonists are far more focused on making their own points than on listening to their opponents points and forming rational responses.
Surely this is why we have rules of debate in parliaments and in the United Nations that focus on allowing each in turn to have their say, uninterrupted.
When reporters take sides and become emotionally driven protagonists in the debate, journalism suffers. If their audience is to have a fair chance to calmly weigh the pros and cons presented by each side, then they need to conduct themselves to favour rational debate over and above the need to score points for "their team".
Still, full marks to Avi for publishing this debate, as far as it goes, on YouTube.
(26 minutes)
Like / Dislike this video here.
In terms of the actual debate, much hinges on whether Israel has the right to firstly self defence, and secondly, if so, is its response justified?
Both points are contentious. Many will and do reflexively concede the first and argue the second, because everyone has the right to defend themselves, right? And the Hamas attack was an act of terrorism, right? So the answer is clear - but - are matters really so simple?
Scott Ritter thinks differently, and explains exactly why he thinks it (albeit also rather over-emotionally - but his arguments bear hearing, and I suggest watching right to the end).
We are not talking here of our personal feelings or even personal conduct, we are talking of the international consensus on the rules of acceptable / "lawful" conduct in war. In this case, the history goes back at least 75 years, and takes some unravelling.
As always, it's our viewpoints that count, but we should check out both sides of the debate before making up our minds. World War 3 may depend upon our decisions.
