[Marxism] Hamas is hoping for an IDF ground operation

[S. Artesian]

I appreciate Jscot's passion here, but his analysis is dead wrong.


First, Eric has probably attended just as many Gaza solidarity/anti-Zionist 
demonstrations as anyone on this list and so has demonstrated his 
solidarity.

Secondly, if war is the continuation of politics and economics, why the 
suspension of criticism, if in fact an original position is one of critical 
support, or physical defense?

Jscot's same argument has been, is, and will be made about every conflict. 
It was made during the Spanish Civil War-- this is no time for criticism of 
the popular front government, or the Spanish CP which was busy arresting and 
imprisoning militants of differing Marxist groups; this is no time for 
criticism of the USSR engaged in combat with Nazi Germany; this is even no 
time for criticism of France, suffering under the German occupation; this is 
no time for criticism of the US, allied with the Soviets against the 
Germans; this is no time for criticism of Isabel Peron in Argentina; this is 
no time for criticism of Allende in Chile; this is no time for criticism of 
Saddam in Iraq--  and on and on it goes.

But suppose, just suppose Eric criticized Hamas before the assault, for its 
actions, its policies, its class, or lack of, programs?  Suppose Eric 
predicted that as a result of these actions, the ability to deter an Israeli 
assault would be compromised?  Now what does he say?  "I told you so?"  Or, 
after expressing his support for the defense of Gaza, against the assault, 
should he point out where and how the policies of Hamas, or the Spanish pop 
front govt., or Allende's popular unity government, or the Soviet's 
debilitation of international revolution, .... actually damaged the 
opportunity to prevent such assaults?

When is the "right time" to criticize?  Before an assault?  How about after? 
How about after the Spanish pop front govt was defeated; Allende overthrown; 
the Soviets are rolled back to suburbs of Moscow; or Gaza is occupied by 
Israelis or an "international peace-keeping" force?  Is it ok then?  Or 
maybe after the Battle of Kursk, the battle that actually sealed the fate of 
Germany and turned the tide in WW2?  After Pinochet is out of office?  After 
Franco dies? After the US infantry roles into Baghdad?  Is that a better 
time?

Yes, Hamas was elected, based on the bankruptcy of the PLO policies; the 
PLO's complicity in the immiseration of the Palestinian people..  And all 
through that period of the PLO's complicity, those who criticized the PLO 
for its actions, policies, etc.  heard exactly the same thing-- "This is no 
time for criticism."