The recent protests in Sweden against the Davis cup tennis matches between Israel and Sweden are not new, except to the extent that bigger crowds are willing to employ increasingly violent resistance against such events.
Reuters mysteriously titled an article about the pro-Palestinian protests, “Anti-Israel protest routed at Sweden tennis match,” after some failed to break through riot police barricades.
Perhaps the odd inclusion of the term “routed” was inspired by tennis terminology. Later the title was changed to remove the sports metaphor, “Anti-Israel protest staged at Sweden tennis match.”
“Routed” sounds war-like, and many sports references are also combative in nature. Unlike “staged,” it captures the more violent aspect, and therefore seems more apt, even if less objective and more objectionable. After all, the violent protests were only a part of the demonstrations, albeit, an important one.
Only 200 of the 6,000 protesters clashed with riot police outside the tennis match in Sweden on Saturday. Although they tended to come from politically marginal political action groups, those willing to engage in such civil disturbances deserve some support.
For one thing, more attention is paid to 200 rioters than the 5,800 peaceful protesters — meaning it offers them a louder voice. This alone does not justify violence against riot police. However, along with the scale of Israel’s destruction and intransigence, their inability to harm innocent bystanders, and the lack of state action against Israel, such civil disobedience is warranted.
Some of them began pelting police with stones, fireworks and paint bombs. Organizers of the official, non-violent demonstration shouted at the masked protesters to discontinue their attacks.
One factor cannot be ignored. There was one policeman for every six protesters, an overwhelming presence of force that may have provoked even more anger. Large shows of state force can often de-stabilize tense protests, though finding the right balance can be difficult as well.
This is not to demean the larger number of demonstrators in any way. Each person must decide their level of participation. I certainly would have been with the non-violent crowd. I just think it is useful to convey a response proportionate to the scale of the wrongs being addressed, and such actions express the moral impulse that Israel should be treated as the rogue it is, rather than given the comforts of normalcy such sporting events bestow.
Protesting with good manners seems less and less effective. Israeli impunity costs its allies almost nothing when demonstrators show up, scream chants, and go home quietly. In other words, if you are going to demonstrate, make some real noise.
Anyone watching the matches may be stunned by the lack of spectators. The host city banned the public from the games for fear of the inevitable protests — denying demonstrators a venue for response. Malmo, which is Sweden’s third largest city, was heavily criticized by the International Tennis Federation (ITF) and by Israeli players for its decision to close the stadium to the public. I would join them by saying it leaves them unaccountable and denies protesters the proper forum.
The level of violence should be better understood. It was far from a murderous mob and did not inflict damage on life, which is why I will not condemn them. Police said they arrested only eight protesters and detained about 100, most of whom were released after identity checks. A truly violent crowd would have resulted in more arrests. I think such levels of disruption that harm no one but get vast attention are justified.
It is stunning that such disturbances happen in a country that is not known for them — this is a significant testament to growing worldwide opposition to Israel’s occupation. Policymakers would be wise to lead the trend. Support for Israel in its current form is simply untenable.
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Posted by riskability | March 9, 2009, 7:15 pmAnd every time this sort of thing happens people have less sympathy with Gazans.
Posted by xoggoth | March 9, 2009, 7:58 pm"However, along with the scale of Israel's destruction and intransigence, their inability to harm innocent bystanders, and the lack of state action against Israel, such civil disobedience is warranted." "There was one policeman for every six protesters, an overwhelming presence of force that may have provoked even more anger." (Why? Did the police beat them up, or even yell at them?) Leave to the Palestinians and their supporters to justify violence. Is it a wonder the whole world can't ever sympathize with you? "It is stunning that such disturbances happen in a country that is not known for them — this is a significant testament to growing worldwide opposition to Israel's occupation." This is only a significant testament that a quarter of the Swedish city of Malmo are Muslims. Remember the riots at 2007? It's hart not to see the connection. The Swedes can only blame themselves for their liberal asylum laws. The Muslims "refugees" sure know how to show their love and gratitude. But hey, maybe they saw a couple of those evil Swedish policemen dare patrol their street, and felt provoked to riot.
Posted by AutoFocus | March 9, 2009, 8:18 pmThat's funny, most of the protesters I saw were Caucasian. It's also funny at how the 'liberal asylum laws' haven't stopped Sweden from being one of the best countries in the world to live. Its population is one of the happiest in the world, and comparatively, quite rich.
Posted by Shafiq | March 9, 2009, 10:44 pmA world without Palestinians would be a world without terror. God Bless the State of Israel and God Bless America
Posted by Crusader | March 9, 2009, 11:24 pmcrusader you a zionist?
Posted by porpalestina | March 10, 2009, 12:54 amwho cares what he is, his views are beyond racist and you should only pity him.
Posted by Arayus | March 10, 2009, 1:01 amSweden lost by 3 goals to 2 unfortunately. Not a big fan of their tax system but their educational system is better than ours down under.
Posted by Motz | March 10, 2009, 1:10 amThank You porpalestina and Arayus. I am proud to reiterate that the only good Arab is a dead Arab. (the above statement is tautological, since no good Arab ever existed). I reiterate my conviction that a world without Palestinians would be a world without terror. God Bless the State of Israel God Bless America
Posted by Crusader | March 10, 2009, 1:44 amShafiq, Was it the Caucasian Swedes who rioted a couple of years ago? I didn't think so. Of course Sweden is a great country, but this is what only makes the Muslim immigrant's rioting more absurd. Why is it that all over the Europe it's almost always the Muslims immigrants that riot? Not the West African immigrants, not the Indian Immigrants, not the West-Indies immigrants, not the South-East Asian Immigrants. They're all immigrants, they all have a hard time, but most of them respect the culture and country they've immigrated to, and try their best to blend in. A great deal of the Muslims, on the other hand, find "blending in" an insult. Why is this? Maybe you should stop justifying riots and violence because "the fact that there were too many policemen present provoked us", and start some serious self-introspection. The problem isn't always because of someone else.
Posted by AutoFocus | March 10, 2009, 6:05 amAutoFocus After doing a bit of research, although it was widely reported that the rioters were Muslim, the vast majority of them were Christian Assyrian (it's funny how the focus was on the few Muslims). All over Europe, when there are riots, they're not always Muslim (the recent Greek riots come to mind as well as others), and other immigrant groups do also riot. It's just the American myth about Europe becoming Eurabia. As for Indian immigrants not rioting, what about the Muslim Indians that don't riot? Most of the time, there is a good reason for civil unrest, and we Muslims have no problem 'blending' in, it's mostly Caucasian people that have a problem with having a 'coloured' neighbour. All over the Europe, Muslims live in areas that are ethnically diverse and they never make up more than 1/3 of the total population. Your views just highlight how ignorant Americans are about European affairs, from the effect of immigration, to our tax laws and Social Welfare system. Maybe you should realise that you're being screwed over by the government and the establishment, and do something about it. You have the likes of Rick Santelli justifying the bail out of the loser banks, then denouncing a bail out of 'loser' Americans, and then becoming a hero??!!
Posted by Shafiq | March 10, 2009, 10:41 amI suppose that Islam has no connection to worldwide terror then? I'm not saying all Muslims are troublemakers, far from it. What I'm saying is that when it comes to terror, riots and violence at the last few decades, nobody is surprised to find that Muslims are in the thick of it. It's not prejudice, it's reality. I think the problem is partially because the liberal and sane Muslims, that I hope you're one of, are willing to turn a blind eye and rationalize this despicable violence. When you're saying "It'd wrong, but…", you're part of the evil. It's just wrong, period. The USA has a black president now not because of the likes of Malcolm X and the Black Panthers, but because of Martin Luther King and the Civil Rights Movement. Can you imagine Martin Luther King justifying riots and terror? Never. When you'll have serious leaders who will whole heartily condemn violence and terror, when your communities will act without hesitation against any kind of violence and rioting (not lame apologies and excuses, but actual action at the source), you'll be on the right path. Right now, as in your post, you are no where near it.
Posted by AutoFocus | March 10, 2009, 2:31 pmFirst, don't equate Malcolm X with violence, the man never engaged in violence, learn your history. Furthermore were all the riots and protesting in South America done by Muslims? All the riots and protests in subsaharan Africa done by Muslims to? The Watts and LA riots in the United States were done by Muslims? The riots and protesting in Burma were done by Muslims? The current riots in Greece? Haiti, Jamaica? I could go on and on. Any place where there are poor people being treated like dog shit, there will be riots, protests, and emerging movements to challenge the situation. This is not a Muslim problem, this is a human problem.
Posted by Arayus | March 10, 2009, 5:00 pmPutting aside ethics for a moment (can we, please?) the questions of non/violence should mainly revolve around how effective it is. The action strategy for a given group in a given society in a given time should aim to achieve a certain goal. Solidarity actions usually aim to reach a larger crowd, raise their sympathy, express solidarity and be inclusive to new activists.
Posted by g.. | March 10, 2009, 5:41 pmIslam is used to justify terror but there are loads of non-Muslim terrorists. Just a few days ago, the 'Real IRA' shot and killed two British soldiers in Northern Ireland when they were getting a Pizza (they also shot the Pizza delivery guy for being an 'accomplice' but he survived thankfully). Were Muslims involved in this? Have I ever justified terror? Haven't there been Muslims all around the world that have condemned terror? Demonstrations are allowed, Martin Luther King did them, and he also supported peaceful sit-ins (which are technically illegal). Now is it a demonstrator's fault if police decide to be overly provocative during these demonstrations (and as a result the demonstration quickly descends into a riot)? Or if the Police decide to forcibly evict people carrying out a peaceful sit-in, causing injury? If the Police use violence on you, isn't it natural you use violence back?
Posted by Shafiq | March 10, 2009, 5:46 pmI've learned my history. I've learned that Malcolm X taught that while the black people were the original people of the world, white people are a creation of an evil scientist named Yakub… And that the history of the White Man is the history of the devil. Not exactly a liberal role model. Again, you miss my point. Just like I'm not saying that all Muslims are violent, I'm also not saying that violence or rioting is restricted to Muslims. I'm just saying that in the last few decades, violence and Islam are very often found together, and that I believe that one of the reasons for that is the reluctance or the fear of peace loving Muslims to deal with the problems in their own back yard. Like your obsession with Israel. Muslim regimes have and are doing a hundred-fold more evil to Muslims than Israel. A small example: instead of demonstrating against the Turkish PM for Turkey's crimes against the Kurds, you applauded him for walking out on the Israeli president. The Turks, if you didn't know, killed a lot more Kurds than both Israelis and Palestinian died together in the last couple of decades.
Posted by AutoFocus | March 10, 2009, 10:04 pm"I've learned my history. I've learned that Malcolm X taught that while the black people were the original people of the world, white people are a creation of an evil scientist named Yakub… And that the history of the White Man is the history of the devil. Not exactly a liberal role model." You obviously didn't learn your history. I suggest you read the autobiography of Malcolm X before you continue to create lies. You are associating the views of Elijah Muhammad with Malcolm X. "I am not a racist. I am against every form of racism and segregation, every form of discrimination. I believe in human beings, and that all human beings should be respected as such, regardless of their color." – Malcolm X. "I'm just saying that in the last few decades, violence and Islam are very often found together" And again you missed my point. Many poor people that are treated like shit will react violently, this is common throughout all of human history. Muslims just happen to make up a large population of the poorer people on this planet at the moment, it is only natural that their religion would play a part in their political and economic struggles. Do we associate the Church with rioting and violence despite the fact that Liberation Theology in Latin America has a strong anti-establishment rhetoric and has participated in numerous riots and protests in Latin America? No we don't. If you knew your history you would understand that our tax dollars aided the creation of Islamic militancy to fight off the Soviets. This policy of creating a demon to fight the devil is coming back to bite us in the ass. "A small example: instead of demonstrating against the Turkish PM for Turkey's crimes against the Kurds, you applauded him for walking out on the Israeli president." Who did that? Me? Kabobfest? I'm vocal against all injustice. The fact is that everyone knows that Turkey has a terrible policy towards its Kurdish population. No one here tries to defend it, very few Muslims try to defend it. But when it comes to Israels transgressions we have entire think tank groups and lobbying groups on capital hill trying to defend Israel's unjust actions and justify giving Israel more money and weapons. Furthermore, my tax dollars are funding the occupation of Palestine while Israel further tarnishes the name of the United States in its unjust colonial adventure. My tax dollars don't fund the atrocities in Darfur, nor the atrocities that occurred in Rwanda, nor the atrocities that occur in Iran, nor the atrocities that occur in Burma, China, Cuba, etc BUT they fund the atrocities that happen everyday to the Palestinians. As Americans all we have to do is cut off aid to Israel until they comply with respecting Palestinian human rights. We hold the valve in this situation all we have to do is turn it off and the conflict would end over night. Instead we continue to fully stock Israels military arsenal and continue to give them free oil when we need it, and continue to bolster their economy. Its ridiculous.
Posted by Arayus | March 11, 2009, 12:09 amIf you read his autobiography, you can't deny that one of his teachings is that of all races, the White People where created by an evil scientist named Yakub. He even tell it took 600 years, and names the geographical place of the process. Not a random rumor, but his actual printed version of (lunatic) reality. Turkey also receives huge funds from the US, and even hosts US military bases, while Israel doesn't. By your logic, the US is responsible just as much for the Kurd's sufferings. Don't BS me about "knowing that Turkey has a terrible policy towards its Kurdish population". When you'll invest only 1% of your efforts against Israel for demonstrations against Turkey, I'll know you're serious liberals, and not haters of Israel just because they're different people in the Middle-East. I'm not even mentioning the horrible regimes in Iran, Saudi-Arabia, Pakistan and so on – All of them are way worst than Israel, yet you seldom hear a Muslim saying a word against them, at least not as harshly as they condem Israel.
Posted by AutoFocus | March 11, 2009, 7:34 amMalcolm X did retract his comments eventually and did become much more liberal later in his life. Never did he advocate violence though. Muslims have condemned all the regimes you've mentioned above. The difference between them and Israel, is that Israel kills Palestinians, and then claims the moral high ground. It asks for support because it's the 'only liberal democracy in the middle-east' but then implements illiberal and undemocratic measures against the Palestinians and Israeli Arabs, and then compares itself to the various dictatorships in the Middle-East. As for Muslims applauding Erdogan, many did and so did I. In the end, he can't be blamed for the actions of his predecessors (who did the killing and oppressing). He has been much more reconciliatory towards both the Kurds and the Armenians and has chosen to work with the government in Iraq to deal with problem of PKK rebels. Favouring diplomacy over military action, hmm. ” target=”_blank”>http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/7057753.stm
Posted by Shafiq | March 11, 2009, 10:22 amMalcolm X did retract his comments eventually and did become much more liberal later in his life. Never did he advocate violence though. Muslims have condemned all the regimes you've mentioned above. The difference between them and Israel, is that Israel kills Palestinians, and then claims the moral high ground. It asks for support because it's the 'only liberal democracy in the middle-east' but then implements illiberal and undemocratic measures against the Palestinians and Israeli Arabs, and then compares itself to the various dictatorships in the Middle-East. As for Muslims applauding Erdogan, many did and so did I. In the end, he can't be blamed for the actions of his predecessors (who did the killing and oppressing). He has been much more reconciliatory towards both the Kurds and the Armenians and has chosen to work with the government in Iraq to deal with problem of PKK rebels. Favouring diplomacy over military action, hmm. ” target=”_blank”>http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/7057753.stm
Posted by Shafiq | March 11, 2009, 10:22 amMalcolm X did retract his comments eventually and did become much more liberal later in his life. Never did he advocate violence though. Muslims have condemned all the regimes you've mentioned above. The difference between them and Israel, is that Israel kills Palestinians, and then claims the moral high ground. It asks for support because it's the 'only liberal democracy in the middle-east' but then implements illiberal and undemocratic measures against the Palestinians and Israeli Arabs, and then compares itself to the various dictatorships in the Middle-East. As for Muslims applauding Erdogan, many did and so did I. In the end, he can't be blamed for the actions of his predecessors (who did the killing and oppressing). He has been much more reconciliatory towards both the Kurds and the Armenians and has chosen to work with the government in Iraq to deal with problem of PKK rebels. Favouring diplomacy over military action, hmm. ” target=”_blank”>http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/7057753.stm
Posted by Shafiq | March 11, 2009, 10:22 amMalcolm X did retract his comments eventually and did become much more liberal later in his life. Never did he advocate violence though. Muslims have condemned all the regimes you've mentioned above. The difference between them and Israel, is that Israel kills Palestinians, and then claims the moral high ground. It asks for support because it's the 'only liberal democracy in the middle-east' but then implements illiberal and undemocratic measures against the Palestinians and Israeli Arabs, and then compares itself to the various dictatorships in the Middle-East. As for Muslims applauding Erdogan, many did and so did I. In the end, he can't be blamed for the actions of his predecessors (who did the killing and oppressing). He has been much more reconciliatory towards both the Kurds and the Armenians and has chosen to work with the government in Iraq to deal with problem of PKK rebels. Favouring diplomacy over military action, hmm. ” target=”_blank”>http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/7057753.stm
Posted by Shafiq | March 11, 2009, 10:22 am"If you read his autobiography, you can't deny that one of his teachings is that of all races, the White People where created by an evil scientist named Yakub. He even tell it took 600 years, and names the geographical place of the process. Not a random rumor, but his actual printed version of (lunatic) reality." You never read the autobiography of Malcolm X. I'm sorry AutoFocus but repeating a lie does not make it true. [Turkey] and even hosts US military bases, while Israel doesn't." Are you trying to imply that they enjoy the presence of foreign military bases on their soil? "I'll know you're serious liberals, and not haters of Israel just because they're different people in the Middle-East. " You actually think that people stand against Israel because they are a "different people in the Middle East?" Opposition to Israel stems from its illegal occupation of Palestine and its brutal treatment of the Palestinians. The Arabs have furthermore shown that they are willing to live with side by side with Israel and with full and open diplomatic ties if it ends its occupation. As is outlined by the Arab Peace Initiative of 2002 and 2007. Click here for the full text: ” target=”_blank”>http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/1844214.st… Even Hamas is on board for this solution. The solution does not ask for anything radical, it merely asks for Israel to allow for only 22% of historic Palestine (West Bank and Gaza) to constitute a sovereign Palestinian state (the same thing the United States and the Quartet and everyone else has been asking for). In return the Israelis would have peace with not just all its Arab neighbors but Iran as well, and they would have full diplomatic and economic relations with their neighbors. Furthermore, the big Arab oil monarchies have pledged to help Israel with compensation in regards to the Palestinian refugee problem. Not only are they willing to make a full peace with Israel, they are also willing to pay for Israels sins. Israels response for the past 7 years: "we'll look into it."
Posted by Arayus | March 11, 2009, 6:59 pm"If you read his autobiography, you can't deny that one of his teachings is that of all races, the White People where created by an evil scientist named Yakub. He even tell it took 600 years, and names the geographical place of the process. Not a random rumor, but his actual printed version of (lunatic) reality." You never read the autobiography of Malcolm X. I'm sorry AutoFocus but repeating a lie does not make it true. [Turkey] and even hosts US military bases, while Israel doesn't." Are you trying to imply that they enjoy the presence of foreign military bases on their soil? "I'll know you're serious liberals, and not haters of Israel just because they're different people in the Middle-East. " You actually think that people stand against Israel because they are a "different people in the Middle East?" Opposition to Israel stems from its illegal occupation of Palestine and its brutal treatment of the Palestinians. The Arabs have furthermore shown that they are willing to live with side by side with Israel and with full and open diplomatic ties if it ends its occupation. As is outlined by the Arab Peace Initiative of 2002 and 2007. Click here for the full text: " target="_blank"><a href="http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/1844214.st…” target=”_blank”>http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/1844214.st… Even Hamas is on board for this solution. The solution does not ask for anything radical, it merely asks for Israel to allow for only 22% of historic Palestine (West Bank and Gaza) to constitute a sovereign Palestinian state (the same thing the United States and the Quartet and everyone else has been asking for). In return the Israelis would have peace with not just all its Arab neighbors but Iran as well, and they would have full diplomatic and economic relations with their neighbors. Furthermore, the big Arab oil monarchies have pledged to help Israel with compensation in regards to the Palestinian refugee problem. Not only are they willing to make a full peace with Israel, they are also willing to pay for Israels sins. Israels response for the past 7 years: "we'll look into it."
Posted by Arayus | March 11, 2009, 2:59 pm"If you read his autobiography, you can't deny that one of his teachings is that of all races, the White People where created by an evil scientist named Yakub. He even tell it took 600 years, and names the geographical place of the process. Not a random rumor, but his actual printed version of (lunatic) reality." You never read the autobiography of Malcolm X. I'm sorry AutoFocus but repeating a lie does not make it true. [Turkey] and even hosts US military bases, while Israel doesn't." Are you trying to imply that they enjoy the presence of foreign military bases on their soil? "I'll know you're serious liberals, and not haters of Israel just because they're different people in the Middle-East. " You actually think that people stand against Israel because they are a "different people in the Middle East?" Opposition to Israel stems from its illegal occupation of Palestine and its brutal treatment of the Palestinians. The Arabs have furthermore shown that they are willing to live with side by side with Israel and with full and open diplomatic ties if it ends its occupation. As is outlined by the Arab Peace Initiative of 2002 and 2007. Click here for the full text: ” target=”_blank”>http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/1844214.st… Even Hamas is on board for this solution. The solution does not ask for anything radical, it merely asks for Israel to allow for only 22% of historic Palestine (West Bank and Gaza) to constitute a sovereign Palestinian state (the same thing the United States and the Quartet and everyone else has been asking for). In return the Israelis would have peace with not just all its Arab neighbors but Iran as well, and they would have full diplomatic and economic relations with their neighbors. Furthermore, the big Arab oil monarchies have pledged to help Israel with compensation in regards to the Palestinian refugee problem. Not only are they willing to make a full peace with Israel, they are also willing to pay for Israels sins. Israels response for the past 7 years: "we'll look into it."
Posted by Arayus | March 11, 2009, 6:59 pm"If you read his autobiography, you can't deny that one of his teachings is that of all races, the White People where created by an evil scientist named Yakub. He even tell it took 600 years, and names the geographical place of the process. Not a random rumor, but his actual printed version of (lunatic) reality." You never read the autobiography of Malcolm X. I'm sorry AutoFocus but repeating a lie does not make it true. [Turkey] and even hosts US military bases, while Israel doesn't." Are you trying to imply that they enjoy the presence of foreign military bases on their soil? "I'll know you're serious liberals, and not haters of Israel just because they're different people in the Middle-East. " You actually think that people stand against Israel because they are a "different people in the Middle East?" Opposition to Israel stems from its illegal occupation of Palestine and its brutal treatment of the Palestinians. The Arabs have furthermore shown that they are willing to live with side by side with Israel and with full and open diplomatic ties if it ends its occupation. As is outlined by the Arab Peace Initiative of 2002 and 2007. Click here for the full text: ” target=”_blank”>http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/1844214.st… Even Hamas is on board for this solution. The solution does not ask for anything radical, it merely asks for Israel to allow for only 22% of historic Palestine (West Bank and Gaza) to constitute a sovereign Palestinian state (the same thing the United States and the Quartet and everyone else has been asking for). In return the Israelis would have peace with not just all its Arab neighbors but Iran as well, and they would have full diplomatic and economic relations with their neighbors. Furthermore, the big Arab oil monarchies have pledged to help Israel with compensation in regards to the Palestinian refugee problem. Not only are they willing to make a full peace with Israel, they are also willing to pay for Israels sins. Israels response for the past 7 years: "we'll look into it."
Posted by Arayus | March 11, 2009, 6:59 pm