The idea of doing a blog never before occurred to me, but having been given the opportunity, I find it a welcome challenge at the start of my ninth decade on the planet. I hope it will allow me to find at long last unity in diversity, exploring several distinct concerns that constitute my private and professional life, my academic identity and my engagement as a citizen, and fulfill an ambition to write more poems than in the recent past. I hope, also, that it will stimulate enough of a response to frame dialogues over time on a variety of themes, and that I will not feel either overwhelmed or completely on my own while navigating through cyberspace.
I am not sure, of course, that the interest in this venture will extend much beyond those who are family or unconditionally loyal friends, or even in such close quarters. Because I have had strong involvement with a number of activist struggles over the years, my awareness has to some extent been shaped by happenings in public space. My scholarly life, which has always been in tandem with this activism, is not likely to be of much interest except possibly to others working on similar problems from congenial perspectives. Only time will tell.
I hope that this blog will over time become interactive, a way of engaging in digital communication about shared concerns and common interests.
For me, also, it will be a continuing experiment with lots of questions to answer. Will anyone take note? Can I sustain my own effort to communicate regularly? Will the blog assume a predominantly political character? Or will it serve primarily as an outlet for mostly suppressed literary and philosophic interests? Will it come to please or embarrass relatives and friends?
All I know is that for me at this moment I am about to dive into an unknown sea from a dizzying height!
With the experience of a year and a half, I have become aware that there are many diverse comments that have responded to my posts. I welcome free and open discussion, provided there seems to be a constructive intent and the views submitted are expressed in a civil manner, but I do not necessarily endorse the views of or agree with every comment that is published and do not have the time to respond to all comments. I also lean toward inclusiveness, and have allowed comments on the blog that others may find objectionable, but have excluded some that are personally vindictive or encourage ethnic or religious hatred.
Global Justice in the 21st Century 
I look forward to following your blog. You have been an inspiration to me, so thank you for doing what you do.
Really? A clown that hates America? A guy that blames the world problems on America? Wow, and I thought he was a joke.
Falk is obviously bias against Jews. This has diminished his credibility completely with me. I have no interest in his nonsense.
Surely u r rite, the worlds problems couldn’t possibly have anything to do with the actions and the activism of the most influential and powerful country in the world.
I agree 110%
My comment below posted in the wrong location. It should be here and I repeat it: I agree 110% with Eden!
Richard Falk is an honest man and tells the truth about the rabid insane killing has beset the world leaders of the western world of aggression and pillaging….
It’s been about a week that I have followed you, and it feels very comfortable–like coming home at night after a day of smiling and nodding no matter what, and finally slipping off one’s shoes, and bra, too and breathing in a rare breath of true fresh air. Thank you.
Thanks, Alice, for such an encouraging comment! I can only hope that I will manage to sustain your comfort level!
Alice, Let me translate, Relax and enjoy and listen to me hate America, and blame them for the worlds problems. You just sit there and listen to me, and by the way feel free to not have a mind of your own.
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Richard, I am encouraged by your honesty and strength…please be well and you are appreciated by all good people all over the world for your love of truth
Hey Richard i´m looking for a son to Frank Falk and Christina Falk from Sweden. He also namned Richard and born 1932 i NJ. Maybe you know him?
Sorry to disappoint, but I have never heard of any of these Talks, and know of no family connection
to Sweden. Best wishes.
Sir I saw a large stack of books , I could be wrong but we’re they there to impress us ? I only want you to know this , perhaps your veiw of Isreal is what it is because you need to read a book called the bible in you will all kinds of evidence of should be the rightful owner of the Holy Land . It is not the Arabs or Islam
But since when is the bible or any sacred the text the basis of a valid claim to establish a modern political
community. Membership in international society depends on what I would call Westphalian rules.
Dear Mr. Falk,
I need your personal Email to send you an invitation to an important conference. thank you in advance
best,
Ola: I look forward to your message. It can be sent to me at
Best wishes,
Richard Falk
Alice, Maybe you should just relax and have a cup of tea while the rest of us fight for freedom!!
Richard:
Your Cancun reflections piece is brilliant, and fits precisely David’s and my rationale for our ecological commons governance project. Commoner Pilgrimage, one might say.
Thanks, as always!
BTW, please make room for more than one email address; also a Cc line for easy email sharing.
Burns: I am encouraged by your response. I agree that your project fills a consciousness gap that is totally absent among the negotiating parties here in Cancun. Old style national interests dominate the atmosphere. The USG is partly responsible as it has shifted its identity from benevolent hegemon partially serving global interests while promoting its own to parochial and fiscally challenged hegemon unable to throw its weight around any longer,
but still setting the tone, which now is one of ‘beggar thy neighbor.’
Dear Richard,
My mother (Graciela Chichilnisky) and I send our love. I just came across your blog, but it’s wonderful to see a member of your generation of scholars engaging the wider community of “readers” through this medium. You have our full support for your arguments and views, and our gratitude for your consistent willingness to speak your mind.
Dear Natasha: No comment has give my more pleasure and encouragement than your message! I hope you are fine. If you have time and inclination
tell me what you are doing. With love to you both, Richard
Hi Richard, can you please give me a call, Riz Alani at 604-922-5056 to discuss targeting by the US government (I’ll explain more when we talk..)
Hi Riz: Let me know a bit more what you have in mind. I am traveling, and it is not easy for me to call. My email address is
Hi Richard, thanks for the fast reply! I didn’t get your email address.. Also do you have a fax number? I want to send you my story. I was targeted by the US govt for writing about Palestine (that’s why I contacted you..) anyways, I want to address this with the UN..
Sorry about the glitch with email address:
I have no fax that works, and so it is better to send by attachment. Also, my term as Special Rapporteur expired
in June 2014, and I have no current connection with the UN.
I see that I am not able to send my email address from this site. Look up my email address via Princeton University website.
ok I got it.. falk@global.ucsb.edu Isn’t your wife working with the UN now? Anyways, I really think you would find my story REALLY interesting as what happened to me could happen to anyone, especially the low key harassment aspects.. (which would be especially applicable to you, no offense..) Anyways, I’ll send it soon and if you can advise/direct me in any way, it would be much appreciated. I’m doing my best to contact Makarim Wibisono and/or Dr. Riyad H. Mansour as well.. Also I’m filing a formal complaint form to the UN as well as I’ve pretty much exhausted other avenues..
Will anyone take note? Are you kidding? Observing from the height of my seventh decade, I can assure you that I will be reading…and expecting you to take me to dizzying heights…as you always have!
John: It is such an unexpected surprise to be back in touch, and to be the recipient of your typically generous words. I remember vividly and fondly our times together back at Princeton. If not Redlands, then you should make it to the coast. We are still living in Santa Barbara, teaching at UCSB.
John, really, you can’t think on your own?
What a well done blog. Thank you for sharing and I look forward to following along!
Dear Richard,
I am delighted to have come across your blog. I have missed you since I left the CCIA of the World Council of Churches. I look forward to being in touch and following your amazing thinking. thank you for this. Warmest regards from Cyprus.
Dear Salpy: How nice to hear from you!! What are you doing? Happy holidays!!
Salpy: I didn’t have the full text of your comment when I sent my reply! Thanks for your encouragement. What keeps you on Cyprus?
I took a small break from the professional world to raise my adorable little daughter, Leonie, who is now three and a half. Moved to warmer and sunnier Cyprus a little over a year ago after a couple of years feeling lonely in cold and mostly dark Stockholm. With all its challenges we are at least surrounded with my loving family. Now learning to juggle between the worlds of motherhood and international affairs…I have an idea I want to share with you. Can you send me your email. Would love to see you in Cyprus. Happy holidays and all the best for the New Year.
Dear Richard,
Even though I use to read your articles at the Transnational, TFF, homepage, I discovered your own blog today. When I have the time, I´ll take a deeper look at the articles.
However, I have already started reading “Anarchism without Anarchism”. I sense that the philosophical anarchist thoughts are just right in time.
If you send me an e-mail address where I can reach you,
I´ll give you some promising results of my experiments with dialogue and critical descriptions of the current decline of politics and ideology.
Thank for your work for human rights, peace, justice, and your stand in the Israel/Palestine tragedy.
Warm regards,
Björn Lindgren
Björn Lindgren
Törsbogatan 79
S-388 91 Vassmolösa
SWEDEN
Tel. (0)480 – 41 19 82
E-mail: bjorn.lindgren@telia.com
Dear Richard. I would like you to urgently contact me regarding your recent troubles with UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon (that was published by AFP yesterday). I could pass to you some extremely sensitive materials that would force Ban Ki-moon to shut up forever. You can have a look at what I am talking about on my web site: http://www.911-truth.net or on the site mentioned above.
Sincerely yours,
Dimitri Khalezov.
Thanks for your blog! Just got a link via a fbook friend for your post: “The Toxic Residue of Colonialism: Protecting Interests, Disregarding Rights”. Your title got me in straight away – I am printing it off to read on the bus home tonight. Am tuned in right now to direct radio reports from Tahrir Square – post Mubarak’s speech where he didn’t step down – and I reckon your article is going to provide some insights in these historic and turbulent moments. J
What would many of us do without the presence of the excellent suggestions you talk about on this site? Who has got the persistence to deal with vital topics for the health of common readers like me? My spouse and i and my pals are very fortunate to have your web blog among the kinds we frequently visit. It is hoped you know how considerably we enjoy your working hard! Best wishes through us all.
Thanks for this encouragement, which is much appreciated, giving me incentive to keep going!
I hope Mr. Falk will act on this…..
As a regular contributer to the comment section of Steve Clemons’ site, “The Washington Note”, all who participate there will attest to my prolific, longstanding, and hearty criticism of Israeli policies, and our subsidation and support of those policies.
However, I recently recieved a link to Falk’s article, that linked me to a site called “Veterans today”. Interested in the comments the article received, I was alarmed to find examples of virulent anti-semitism, and even more alarmed to find that such comments were going unopposed by the rest of the commentors and contributers….
http://www.veteranstoday.com/2011/02/19/falk-the-united-states-stands-alone-with-israel-in-the-un-security-council/comment-page-1/#comment-175593
Here is an example of one such comment….
“If it was up to me , id bring back Hitler from the dead n have him eradicate all the fucking evil zionist jews around the universe. No bignosed corrupt jew will remain. He would be the one to make their sick fake religion disappear. As for Americans, their politicians lick the balls of the gay jews. America was once a great nation, now its a piece of shit homosexual gay land of the pussies”
Worse, when I took this commentor to task for his putred contribution, I was reprimanded by another commentor, who expressed the opinion that I should maintain some sort of “unity” with this kind of poisonous expression of hatred.
I sincerely hope that this comment will catch Falk’s eye, and that he will take the trouble to separate himself from such rhetoric by engaging that comment section with a comment of his own. Those of us that truly do wish to see a change in Israeli policies, and our support and subsidation of those policies, must surely realize how damaging blatant anti-semitism is to our efforts.
Do the right thing, Mr.Falk.
Thank you for you comment. I would certainly want to repudiate this kind of anti-semitic hate speech.
It stirs the very emotions that create such inflammatory misunderstandings and fears on all sides. It is
also complicated by the way in which zealous Zionists smear those who are critical of Israel or supportive
of the Palestinian struggle by calling them ‘anti-semites,’ ‘self-hating Jews,’ and the like. Taking your point
seriously, however, I will clarify my own position, at least, my devoting a blog to this issue.
Thank you Mr Falk. Reading your astute observations and opinion on the heels of this shameless veto, I at no time was under the impression that anti-semitism fuels your narrative. It is truly a shame that criticism of Israel not only garners the unwarranted accusation of anti-semitism, but it also attracts the attention of actual anti-semitic bigots, who attempt to attach their hatred to the coattails of constructive dialogue.
I agree completely!
You breed that type of hate Mr. Falk, your responsible for this kind of action. Feel pretty proud of yourself don’t you? You can stir the pot, generate this kind of vile hatred and then stand up and say “Oh, I repudiate that.”
Your as responsible as the person that said it.
Regarding your “prolific, longstanding, and hearty criticism of Israeli policies”, on which basis is it made?
simple observation..and some sense of common humanity, with especial concern for those who are most vulnerable and at risk.
“common humanity with especial concern for those who are most vulnerable and at risk”?
How do you suggest Israel should defend its citizens from the violent people you give a blank check to?
Marhaba Mr. Falk. Thank you for your wonderful blog. I’ve recently stumbled across your site, and have enjoyed reading your articles.
I would like to share your work on RamallahOnline.com, and hope that you will allow me to do so.
Looking forward to hearing back from you.
-Nick Marouf
Thanks, Nick, I would be happy to have my blog on RamallahOnline.com, and
will check out the website. Greetings.
Dear Richard,
there is an interesting article about Jewish identity which might interest you:
http://rightstatewrongage.blogspot.com/2011/02/time-place-and-identity.html
Best Wishes,
Right State
Dear Right State:
I learned a great deal from this article, which looks at Jewish identity from a perspective that is entirely
different from my experience. I found its main weakness to be its lack of empathy for the suffering of the
Palestinian people, and their ordeal of long-term occupation, denial of rights, dispossession, exile, and
victimization via one-sided warfare.
Richard Falk
“via one-sided warfare”?
How can you say that the warfare is one-sided?
Throwing rockets, blowing an autobus or a pizzeria is not a warfare from the other side?
Mr Falk, through some sort omoment, or intellectual short circuit, I seem to have responded to “Right State’s” essay on the wrong thread. So I place it here in the hopes you will simply remove it from the “US standing alone” thread. If not, no big deal.
Sorry for the double posting……..
An excerpt from “Right State’s” essay…..
“It (Israel) tries desperately to act according to the most saintly international moral standards…..”
Oh my.
Like dumping white phosphorous on women and children??? Flooding Palestinian farmland with raw sewage?? Targeting peaceful protesters with outlawed high velocity tear gas cannisters??? Incarcerating children without providing them with legal redress??? Razing orchards??? Shooting farmers and fisherman?
Although I did wade into “Right State”‘s rambling justifications for the crimes and abuses of Israel, I found myself pondering why I was bothering to read past the half sentence I quoted above.
I have no doubt that “Right State” actually believes that “Israel tries desperately to act according to the most saintly international moral standards”. The problem I have with such a belief is that the holder of such a belief can only hold such a belief by being despicably unmindful of the suffering Israel inflicts on great numbers of Palestinian people. “Saintly international moral standards”, in “Right State’s” world view, obviously must include the short list of almost daily Israeli attrocities that I cite above. And indeed, it is a short list compared to the lengthy factual itemization that one could provide listing the instances and policies practiced by Israel that are hardly “saintly” or “moral”.
I am hard pressed to decide what I find most disturbing…..
The virulent anti-semitism that often finds its way into a discussion or debate about modern Israeli policies……f brain malfunction, senior
….or….
….the callous and overt racism displayed by someone defending Israeli policies by casually dismissing the hardships and injustices that Israel regularly metes out to the Palestinian people.
I just sent this weblog post to a friend of mine
Mr. Falk, What a refreshing surprise! I laud you in overcoming your fear and the adversity of family disapproval for launching your blog!
Your breath of fresh air: your writing(s) were introduced to me on Al Jezeerah (i.e. “Kicking the Intervention Habit”). It made me see things quite a bit more objectively (as much as I’d like to see the Libyan populist uprising succeed and Gaddafi and arrogant son(s) leave).
It is a sad US commentary: that I now have to get my dependable, non-entertainment-based news from Al Jezeera.
As a lifelong political advocate, filmmaker and student myself, in living abroad (as should every American at least once in their lifetime), I have found I’ve gained invaluable media-selection perspective.
In Norway, where I lived and made films (in exile) during the Vietnam era, doing psycho-dramas on the national TV station (NRK), where East and West students at the U. of Oslo swapped stereotype roles, acting out one another’s presumed stereotypes, I discovered the value of true democratic journalism.
In Norway there are eight political parties – far left (Communism) to far right (Conservative – well, you know, Fox-ism). Each has their own newspaper (propaganda organ). And people of all parties read each others’ daily. The result – an amazingly civil, prudent and helpful and hurtless society (with 4 generations of retirement budgets pre-paid with N. Sea oil money.)
As to your vitality in keeping up you blog – I say, ‘Keep on, keeping on!’ (I’m currently in the midst of a film project shedding light on current affairs; I’m trying to re-enlist the likes of 85 year-old Sidney Lumet (my film director hero), Hal Holbrook, 85, et al, and my film writing U. of Iowa mentor, Howard Stein, 85, who vacations annually in Santa Barbara – I and his former students visit him there.
In fact, I’m deliberating about forming a new mantra. “Do not trust anyone below the age of 80.” Any buy-in from your side??
Neal
PS> Seriously, for your readers: if the progressive Left is to stand any chance of winning in 2012, they must realize the use and requirements that come with (owning and operating) a propaganda media (i.e., MSNBC).
While from Friday night on, through-out the weekend when American voters and workers are home, and might watch the news and be affected, MSNBC diverts entirely to ‘Lock-up Documentaries’ – or, as Bill Mahrer says, “Convicts Liberals are trying to rehabilitate, or, are filmed eating each others brains behind bars.’
Meanwhile, Murdock, the Koch’s, et al’s, Fox News is blasting its Hate-noise, ‘Live,’ 24/7, to the Weekend Cable News audience. (If you’re a news junkie, I am, you watch what’s available – and, I do watch them sometimes.)
In a 50/50 split US election, where a few hundred votes (and the Supreme Court) decides who wins, who rules and who’s Out, it seems to me a full-court, 24/7/365 full court press is needed – and should be obvious.
That said, I’ll revert to Al Jezeera for my objective news. And, I’ll await your next insightful article or blog piece. Once again – thanks! And, thanks for battling on behalf of the Palestinian hostages – Israel’s so much better off recognizing them! (Again, maybe painfully obvious to you and me. Not to them – obviously.)
Thanks, Neal, for your thoughtful and congenial comments, as well as your much appreciated
encouragement of my blog life!
I agree with your political assessments, and do not see much sunlight in the near term..
Of course, I am cheered, as well, my your trust in the geezer generation!
Richard
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Mr. Falk, Thanks for keeping your International Judicious hat in the ring on Al Jezeera with your “live” (Skype) weigh-in on the Goldstone Report. Prime Minister, ‘Everything-we-say-is-always-true’ Netanyahu, of course, wishes to quash any criticism of Israel and its (his) actions. The military general is always quick on the attack. Hopefully, the U.N. will take its time in carefully considering the Goldstone report and what is actually taking place. I know this Tragedy, that is Palestine, is near and dear to your heart. Two-state it, I say, and get it over with!
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Professor Falk:
As a former student of the late John Humphrey I have long admired your writings and your undertakings. You were therefore the first authority I turned to when the NATO forces began their current mission in/over Libya. I read the article that appears on your website and the Security Council Resolution 1973 and have some questions trying to reconcile the two, given the text of Chapter VII of the UN Charter.
1. Why do you consider the Security Council decision to be legal if it contravenes the wording and the intent of the Charter? (Art.39’s requirement that the action proposed be such as to “restore or maintain international peace and security”)
2. What is the reference (citation) for the World Court decision that states that SC decisions are binding and authoritative?
3. If the States that abstained from voting on the SC resolution acted irresponsibly in your view, how would you characterize those that voted for it?
4. How can a military intervention ever be judged as legal under the Responsibility to Protect doctrine, reliant as the latter’s implementation now is on its conformity with Chapter VII requirements, including that re “restoring or maintaining international peace and security”?
At this point someone just sent me word that Judge Goldstone has retracted part of the findings in his report on Operation Cast Lead. This is very disturbing. It must be the more so for you, given your own experience as UN Special Rapporteur of Palestinian Territories.
My thanks in advance for your comments, Professor Falk, and my best wishes for your continuing success, particularly as Special Rapporteur.
Judy: your questions are appropriate, and raise difficult questions that cannot be briefly answered. Let me try very briefly. The argument that has prevailed over the last 50 years or so is that UN practice of treating an abstaining vote by a permanent member as not preventing a SC decision has now become uncontested despite the text of the Charter.
The decision of the ICJ is in the Lockerbie case in which the Court disavowed any authority to review decisions of the Security Council even if they violate international law.
The states that voted for the resolution believed in the mission while those that abstained seemed opposed and yet realized that by abstaining the decision would be valid and the mandate to use force would receive UN certification.
You may be right about the Right to Protect norm. I have not thought through the relationship to the Charter and to international law. It is definitely a concern that needs to be explored.
Thanks for raising these hard questions!
Dear Mr. Falk
If you find time to visit my website and reply to me I would be most grateful. http://new.home.tripod.com
What I’m hopeful to hear is your opinion and guidance about what we the citizens can do to make International Law more stronger and more effective in an effort to protect minorities world wide? When I say minorities, one would usually assume third world countries, but my concern is with minorities in highly developed countries like Australia. It has been said and written a lot about Australia not being able (willing) to accept minorities, even when families are invited on skilled visas. My personal account can highlight my concern/s. What is your view about Australia and their approach to minorities? What is your view about International Law in relationship with Australian minorities? Do you see any progress in that respect? Kindly Thankyou, VS
Professor Falk,
Your blog is awesome! Is there any way you could enable an RSS feed for the blog, so people like me could read it in an RSS reader (instead of relying on email updates)? It is a supported feature of the WordPress software.
I will try to arrange this as soon as I can. Thanks for your encouragement.
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Oh my goodness! a tremendous article dude. Thank you Nevertheless I’m experiencing difficulty with ur rss . Don’t know why Unable to subscribe to it. Is there anyone getting similar rss downside? Anyone who knows kindly respond. Thnkx
KUNA yesterday is published the article: “Technical problems hinder probes into situations in Palestine – International Criminal Court Chief..” | 24/05/2011, which we reblogged at our blog at http://bit.ly/ir2sYH . Now it is quit disturbing, even an investigation by the ICC is impossible due to “technical problems”, caused in the paper wall the International seems to have become to investigate crimes against humanity, immediately resulting in kind of a statement Palestinians wouldn’t be of mankind at all, opposing, an UN member which itself, violates many UN regulations, International laws, the Geneva Convention as well as the Hague Convention ergo Regulations and so on. This seems to result in a huge paradox. We are hoping you could dedicate a blogpost to these events at ICC concerning this issue without we have to “endure” the analysis of so many biased or influenced media about this matter.
With Kindest regards from occupied palestine weblog
You certainly deserve a round of applause for your post and more specifically, your blog in general. Very high quality material!
Dear Prof Falk,
Thank you for initiating this wonderful blog. I have just obtained a copy of your book, Religion and Humane Global Governance (Palgrave, 2001), which (after reading its introduction) promises to be a fascinating study, as always. Perhaps one scholar from my own country (Sri Lanka) who would agree with your basic thesis is Judge CG Weeramantry, who continues to promote a multi-religious and multi-cultural perspective of international law (just as he did while being a Judge of the ICJ).
All the best!
Thanks so much for your encouragement! I know Judge Weeramantry and much admire his work and outlook. His dissenting opinion as World Court judge in the case on the legality of nuclear weapons is of historic importance, morally, legally, and politically.
Kalana, Let me translate for you, Don’t listen to him, listen to me. I have all the answers, not you. Remember, I think for you because you cant
Dear Richard,
I just have to say hello! You are one of the most inspiring people I have come across in my life. Your humanity is clearly portrayed in the most eloquent of ways as you implore people to consider other options. You could have knocked me over with a feather when I discovered that you are over 80 years of age – a wise elder whom I wish more people would listen to! Please keep up your amazing work – you must know that there are many of us out here in the wider world that follow your inspiration.
Thank you, also, for putting your voice behind the One State Solution and freedom for Palestine Movement. I grew up in apartheid South Africa, and I know that the only viable option for a meaningful peace in the Middle East is equal rights and a merged, open, happy, and loving society. I am featuring your short video interview this weekend on my interactive essay The Most Dangerous Game – http://fornequiem.com/themostdangerousgame/
The best to you,
Steve
Thanks, Steve, for such generous and encouraging words. With greetings, Richard
Hola! Interesante, no va a continuar con este artículo? Have a nice day I just sent this post to a bunch of my friends as I agree with most of what you’re saying here and the way you’ve presented it is awesome.
Thanks, Chris, for this encouragement, which is much appreciated! Richard
I have been browsing online more than three hours today, yet I never found any interesting article like yours. It’s pretty worth enough for me. Personally, if all site owners and bloggers made good content as you did, the internet will be a lot more useful than ever before.
I am deeply dismayed by your posting a RACIST cartoon, but your DENIAL of having done so is truly scary. In case your readers are unfamiliar, they should read you own words here:
“It is a complete lie. I know nothing about such a cartoon, and would never publish such a thing, ever.” This was followed by your apology for actually having published the cartoon.
You, sir, are a shameful liar. You do not belong in the human rights field. I suggest running for political office.
why would I possibly have withdrawn it and apologized had I intended such an outrage?
I just overlooked the details of the cartoon, and that is an instance of carelessness that I take full responsibility for, but I am sure that in my 80 years on the planet you will not find a single instance of deliberate racism on my part.
Wow – how about a bit of perspective here! Whoever you are, take a look at Richard’s work. You will find no stronger advocate for human rights. Respect your elders, and take a look around you to make absolutely sure that you have never made a mistake before you make such outrageous claims.
What happened to your cute little cartoon you ant-semitic UN tool?
I think that your name will be remembered…..
for your ignorance,
for your racism,
for your anti-semitism,
for your little cartoon.
How interesting. On the one side Mr. University Professor Falk, Hamas, Hizbollah, Al Qaida, and a few others. On the other side…. well almost everyone else.
Now what do you suppose that tells us?
That Zionists have way too much power, and that almost everyone has been duped because they control media, education, policy. That’s what I suppose it tells us.
Why is it that any message that sheds light on the truth of a situation is automatically “Anti Semitic”???… Is it not true that justice ,to America, is slanted and obtuse towards Palestine?. Does it mean you hate jews when you show ISrael and Americas wrongs??
With your permission may I repost this article on the Journal of Foreign Relations?
Thank you,
John Lyman
Editor-in-Chief
Journal of Foreign Relations
Yes, by all means. Thanks, Mr. Lyman, for seeking my permission. Could you give me the link for the Journal of Foreign Relations.
Dear Mr Falk,
I have just stumbled across an action in the US DC district court involving Bauer vs Mavi Marmara and others.
Click to access Gaza.pdf
It does not make a lot of sense to me other than an attempt to get at the Freedom Flotillas through the US courts. I wonder if you would be kind enough to explain to me what is going on please?
Yours sincerely,
Richard Lightbown
Dear Mr. Longbown:
Thanks for calling this litigation to my attention. It is as you suggest an effort to impose civil damages on NGOs supporting the Freedom Flotilla, and discourage future such initiatives
that are regarded as anti-israeli. I hope that it will be dismissed by the court but on this issue one never knows how ‘political’ and irresponsible American institutions might be.
Richard Falk
Dear Mr Falk,
I realise that Shurat HaDin has a huge budget and in Nitsana Darshan-Leitner we have a formidable opponent.
Nevertheless is not this THE chance to test the legality of the Gaza closure in the US courts? On gazetting alone the blockade is very shaky. With the humanitarian situation attested to by the ICRC and UN organizations such as OCHA it is, as the UNHRC FFM pointed out illegal under Geneva Convention IV.
Is this not the best opportunity that is likely to come for a long time?
If the legality is shown to be false does this case not then fall apart, or is this wishful thinking?
Sincerely,
Richard
Dear Professor Falk,
just a few days ago I came across to know in which positions you still are and you were and how much you are fighting for human rights as well as for more humanitarian awareness (and environmental protection).
I do hope that you will never give up dear Professor Falk.
Also there are so many good tidings coming up by the young generation based on more awareness for humanitarian aid as well as for our globe.
Young people want to know the truth and are searching for. Many young people don’t believe what they are told by mass media.
It will take some time until their voice will much more heard.
But it will – I am sure.
To be honest: I admire you for all your efforts for a better world you did in the past and are still doing.
I am very happy to have discovered your blog !
With my best regards and wishes,
monalisa
Dear Monalisa: I am always grateful for your generous words and perceptive and humane comments. My blog is my luxury indulgence in an otherwise crowded schedule. I have never learned to manage time in accord with selfish priority. warmly, Richard
Dear Prof. Falk,
as longer as the war goes on in Libya, as more I see that the Al-Jazeera news agency (TV) supports somehow NATO. This shouldn’t wonder because Qatar is somehow involved too.
Anyhow, I see that the world is too silent against crimes done by some Western countries involved in wars of nowadays.
This can never be a victory as this kind of war is made of pure barbarian roots. To destroy a country in order to get resources on the cost of human lives shows the way back to Middle Ages clearly.
In order to get somehow a more objective information what is really going on I have to listen and to see other TV news. Its a real shame that in so-called democratic countries no real objective information or at least a minimum of true information is supplied.
Anyhow, I send you my best wishes for your wellbeing,
monalisa
As always, thanks, for your sensitive comments that seem so responsive to the same realities that I perceive, but most political elites avoid! Richard
Greetings Professor Falk:
Your Wikipedia entry cites you for the following description of your family: “Assimilationist Jewish with a virtual denial of even the ethnic side of Jewishness.” The sources is listed as “Fifty Key Thinkers In International Relations.” The good folks @ Google Books were nice enough to display the table of contents online, and the chapter cited is about Richard…. ROSECRANCE. Did you describe your family thus? Looks like weaselly tactics by someone opposed to your ideas editing Wikipedia. No local public library has the title. Thanks for any response.
Dear Richard
I certainly share your views and have a similar, although not as articulate, blog on wordpress at http://paulmailletpeacemaker.wordpress.com
As a retired colonel I was asked by the flotilla 2011 to be a neutral inspector of cargo, and had an revealing exchange of views with both the flotilla and Isreali embassy in Ottawa.
We are now trying to do some work in Yemen.
best wishes with your blog. I will read it with interest.
regards
Paul Maillet
Colonel (retired)
Email: pmaillet@magma.ca
Tel: 613.841.9216 Cell: 613.866.2503
President Paul Maillet CENTER FOR ETHICS
Web: http://paulmailletethics.wordpress.com
Peacemaker Initiative
Web: http://paulmailletpeacemaker.wordpress.com
Hi Professor Falk,
A student group at the University of Pennsylvania is trying to contact you about a potential speaking engagement in February. Could you please write to pennbds @ gmail . com and let us know the best way of contacting you? We can send you all the details via email. I look forward to hearing from you!
M. Note
Professor Falk,
I have been reading your writings for many, many years. What a wonderful surprise to find your blog. Thanks!
Taline Voskeritchian
Boston
Blog:PassagesHome:talinedv.wordpress.com
Taline Voskeritchian:
Thanks for your encouragement, much appreciated. And I hope you will not disappointed
by my blog that is a kind of voyage of adventure for me.
Richard
Professor Falk,
I attended your lecture at McGill University last month on drone assassination. I was very pleased with what you had to say and have been following your blog since.
I am currently working on a documentary and would like to know if you had time to on your busy schedule to possibly conduct some type of interview.
If you would like more information on the project please let me know.
Best regards and hope to hear from you,
CB
Thanks for your message. If we can find a convenient time I would be glad to do the interview,
although you must let me know the focus of your interest and the purpose of the interview.
Dear Charles Bourassa:
Thanks for your message. I would be glad to do the interview if we can find a convenient time and you let me know what you are working on and the purpose of the interview.
Richard Falk
Hi Richard,
I really enjoy your writing, and hope you can answer a question for me. You have written in your essays (and I have seen many times elsewhere) that Iran has not invaded any country in over 200 years.
I have been trying to trace the history of Persia/Iran to the last invasion. In 1795, the Persian shah, Agha Mohammed Khan, invaded the nation of Georgia. Does that qualify as the last invasion of another country?
If not, what was the specific event that qualifies? I have researched this off and on for a while, and the answer is elusive.
Thank you in advance for your help.
Dear Mr Falk,
Hope you are well.
Having read a number of your blogs as well as many other articles in regards to the Libyan Crisis, I was inspired to write an article against NATO’s intervention.
Would it be possible if I could send the article to you, just so you can have a read and kindly provide me with feedback in regards to the arguments I pose?
Kind regards,
Sheeraz
Sheeraz:
I will be glad to read your article. Send it me via email: Thanks for your supportive words.
RF
Dear Professor Falk
You are a great inspiration and a crucial and credible voice for Palestinian rights. For me, you are, along with Noam Chomsky, a deeply respected elder of justice and human rights activism.
Thank you
Dear Professor Falk,
I am an admirer of yours and have followed your writings both here and on AlJazeera for a while now. I am having a hard time finding a way to contact you, so I must rely on this medium.
Thank you so much for your credible and thought-provoking pieces. I found your recent piece on Nuclear Weapons particularly interesting, as it is a topic I have thought about previously. I do have one comment, though. I was attempting to buy a copy of your book The Path to Zero but noticed the really high price; I cannot justify to my parents buying a 115 dollar book. Would you know if there are plans to release a more affordable version in the future?
I must say that knowing I would be taught and mentored by esteemed luminaries such as yourself – even though you teach no longer – influenced my decision to apply to Princeton for this coming fall. I hope I may be able to work out the financial aspects and be able to attend.
Once again, thank you for your commentary and voice in the cause for human rights.
Thanks for such supportive words. I hope you will be able to attend Princeton.
Actually, I am still teaching, but here in Santa Barbara in the Global Studies Program of the University of California.
I agree that Path to Zero has been priced at a ridiculous level. If you send me your address I will see to it that you receive a copy.
Wishing you well,
Richard Falk
Dear Mr. Falk,
Thank you beyond measure for the brilliance of your heart and mind, your unwavering
dedication to truth as a professor, writer, and representative of the human rights and
dignity of the Palestinian people—for profoundly demanding that they be seen and
acknowledged and freed to live their humanity after decades upon decades of their plight, their sorrow, that has never left my heart or awareness on their behalf.
Yesterday you wrote that we should honor the hunger strikers, not avert our eyes, and
do our utmost to act in solidarity with their struggles. This led me to make you aware
of our simple response, an effort we’ve just put together over the past day or two that we’re calling Fasting on Fridays: In Solidarity with the Palestinian Hunger Strike. So I will simply direct you to our site, and allow whatever feels appropriate to you in terms of passing along this information.
Again, deepest gratitude for the strength of your years of conviction, service, and
humanity.
Sincerely,
Domenica Bianca
Thanks, Domenica, for such gracious and supportive words.
I am humbled by the Palestinian bravery and dignity under the greatest of burdens, sustained over the course of decades.
Your fasting initiative is an excellent idea, acknowledging and creating attentiveness. My schedule is difficult but I may join in this ritual of symbolic identification.
Warm best wishes,
Richard
Richard, I just learned about the mass media right wing shit storm aimed at you for your blog commentary on the Boston shootings and the relationship to US global domination, etc.
I just read your words above about diving “into an unknown sea from a dizzying height!” and, in light of what’s happening, your words seem prophetic.
I read several citations in an article today in RSN, and came here to find the original post so I can read it more closely. I’m sure your insights are brilliant and spot on. Look forward to reading the post.
Someone in your position needed to speak truth to power. I applaud your courage and truthfulness. I think it was Pascal who said, “men hate the truth that blames them.”
Stay strong, my friend. You are on the right side of this issue, but I fear what the Power Elite will do to suppress you and the self critical wisdom your words represent for our increasingly jingoistic and totalitarian state.
Dear Prof Falk,
Good day.
My name is Anton M. Pillay.
I recently read you latest Al-Jazeera article on Syria and was someone confused and concerned on this ‘new’ type of media which purports to speak the truth. In fact, I believe this sort of writing is highly dangerous to a peace process.
For example you state “What happened in Houla, although still contested, seems confirmed as the mainly the work of the Shabiha”
This sentence makes no sense at all!
On one hand the Syrian government say the rebels did it and vice versa. So where did you obtain this information?
Your further elaborate that : “more than 10,000 Syrians had died.” Where did you obtain this figure? Are you also in same boat which says that 100 000 Iraqis died in the recent American occupation?
I am worried about this new media propoganda. I find it very dangerous.
Kind regards
Anton
South Africa
Dear Prof. Falk,
Thank you for coming to Seattle and addressing the larger Interfaith community. Your graciousness in coming, pro bono, and allowing the goodwill offering for medicines to be taken to Gaza was greatly appreciated! Good to finally meet you~!
The two words, three actually, that I heard most bantered about afterwards were ‘eloquent,’ ‘elegant’ and lastly, again, ‘gracious.’
With you as mentor many, many people as your fans from all over the world of all stripes, hold your vision of a freed Palestine foremost. Know that we are here; and thanks to you, ‘we are not Silent!’
All the best,
Neal Golden
PS> Sorry it was too dark afterwards to shoot hoops; as I know you are also a great sportsman! Maybe next time… 🙂
Thanks, Neal, for such a supportive response. I was encouraged by the visit to Seattle. I think an awareness of American complicity in the severe daily injustices inflicted on the Palestinian people is widening and deepening.
Next time, I will do my best to shoot a few baskets, but it has been awhile!!
With my greetings,
Richard
What about the injustices inflicted on the Syrian people?
Hi, Professor Falk. I want to join in thanking you for your terrific talk in Seattle, most of which I heard yesterday on KPFA.
For people too impatient to listen, I think it would be great to have a transcript. Do you know if anyone has done one (aside from the excerpts at Mondoweiss), or has plans to? If not, I just might do it myself, provided that you have no objections to having it circulated. (If you got my e-mail about this, forgive the duplication – I’m just not sure the address I used is current.) Thanks.
Why do you have such an obsession with destroying the lives of innocent civilians in Israel? Your actions threaten the way of life of thousands of people who have done no harm to you or anyone else. You ignore hatred and violence in every country except Israel despite the literal thousands raped, tortured, and killed elsewhere. Can you say with a straight face that the people of Egypt, Libya, Saudia Arabia, Algeria, and Sudan are worth doing business with but those who happen to be born in Israel are not? I, like you, have been throughout the Arab world and to Israel and have found much more violence and disregard of human rights in many of the Arab countries than in Israel.
Dear Mr. Falk,
Last week, watching the only hourly news I feel has any value, Al-Jazeera, I was pleasantly surprised to see a brief interview with you. You offered a rational critique of U.S. foreign policy. I wonder why were don’t see more of such on the mainstream American news programs.
Palestine & Israel
Terrorist is the name they give me
Terror I am forced to spread
For what is mine this world want give me
My land to earn my bread
An orphan child would search for love
The love that he has lost
This world may put the highest price
He’ll get it back at all cost
My cause is fair so I don’t care
For the tides that rise at night
For what I fight is for my right
Tell me, is that unfair
Let them have what is theirs
Give me,that is mine
If we live on equal rights
Most things shall than be fine ( Jacob M 1980)
Wow, Thats great, maybe you can go over to Palestine and read that to them. I’m sure they would love to put a bullet in your head!!
Dear Mr. Falk, I hope this finds you well. My name is Christine Petré and I am editor at YourMiddleEast.com. Your Middle East is a fully independent newspaper; no affiliation to any external interests. We aim to challenge mainstream media by offering unbiased and balanced reporting from the MENA region. It would be a pleasure to publish some of your words so please do not hesitate to let me know if you’d be interested. I look forward to hearing from you, but until then.
All best wishes/ Christine
christine@yourmiddleeast.com
Dear Christine Petré:
Thanks for your gracious inquiry. I was not sure whether you were asking about making use of my blog posts, or doing special articles. The former is fine, the latter would be difficult as I feel over-committed as it is.
With warm best wishes,
Richard
I’ll translate, I really dont have time for you, just listen to what I have to say because you can’t think on your own
Read your comment about the Boston bombings…..Go Fuck yourself Falk! And get the hell out of our country you piece of shit.
You are a clown, What do you know about America and the fights we went through for FREEDOM? I have read your blog? If you just admitted that you are a Socialist I could understand, but you blame America, no solutions, just blame America. In a way I feel sorry for you because you don’t know America at all, just your thoughts. Come and visit us, but that would bring you to reality.
He speaks for me.
My people have been here since the Mayflower. My Grandfather somewhat removed, Wooding Sperry, fought in the Revolution, his son fought in the War of 1812, my people were with the 141st and 84th Pennsylvania and are buried with the 141st at Gettysburg, my Great Uncle was with Pershing in France, my Uncle was on Iwo Jima, my Father was on Saipan, my Aunt was a Marine, my Cousin was a Naval Aviator at the Battle of Midway and I am a former Army Officer Central Highlands of Vietnam, Bronze Star. My Great Great Grandfather had a second family with an Apache woman in Silver City NM.
I do not know how much more “American” you can get.
And I do not know how much more clearly one can see the world than does this guy, Richard Falk.
I wish you had been at the finish line
My comment is awaiting moderation. Maybe your Islamic friends should have shown some moderation before they murdered 4 innocents including an eight year old boy and a peace officer that died protecting you at MIT
Are you planning to attend any of the Boston funerals for your “canaries”? Or are you afraid of “blowback”?
I’m so happy I stumbled onto your blog Mr. Falk. You are truly an inspiration for me as a young student activist who aspires to couple my political engagement with my intellectual interests in academia. I have a question for you because I very much do want to be just like you one day. I’m involved in the Tamil struggle for liberation and I have an affinity for the Palestinian struggle. As an academic, I want to study international law with a specific focus on the laws of war and self-determination. To this end, I know that I do want some type of legal education but I don’t want to practice law. I would like to jump right into an LLM (if I’ll be able to) without going through the LLB, and then from there I would like to study for my PhD in International Relations. Like you, I want my activism and my academic work to always complement one another.
Any advise you can give me will be extremely appreciated. In your opinion, do you think its still a good idea for me to pursue an LLB first and then jump into the LLM? Thank you for your time. Of course, I don’t expect a response because I know you’re a very busy man but any time you do have will be appreciated.
To young Activist-Scholar, Mr. Falk is one of the finest human beings, and spirit, to ever visit the planet. You would do well, and should feel blessed, to let him mentor him early in your career. Good luck! And, God’s speed in your endeavors.
Will you please write about US Government and Media’s collusion in Israel’s Nuclear Deceptions?
Lots of details here: http://www.causes.com/VANUNU
Here is a 2004 Israeli TV report of Dimona posted by Vanunu:
I found your blog through my friend Pam and I have been following for months now. Not only is your blog inspirational, but it also validates many of my findings and research about the Middle East. Your insights are similar to mine and familiar to me. Sometimes I think I can write like you, but of course, I cannot. Thanks for being a neutral, and humane voice.
Such an encouraging and supportive comment, greatly appreciated. Keep writing
and it will gradually assume the shape that pleases you and satisfies others!
Dear Dr. Falk, I would like to get in touch with you re. your earlier piece on a people’s global assembly … this is in connection with work I am doing on a radical ecological democracy framework arising from initiatives in India. And my father sends his warmest regards!
Ashish
Dear Ashish:
So good to hear from you! Plese convey my warmest greetings to your father, whom I miss very much.
We can be in touch via email at Looking forward to being in contact.
Richard
First time here.
You have a lot of followers. Just like the Blind is leading the blind.
You pretend that freedom is essential in a democratic society.
What is interesting is that nobody is arguing about this.
But being an UN representative does not gives you the Freedom of everything.
You remind me of an old teacher I had. If you were not thinking like he thought; too bad the grades were very bad. He was teaching his view and not his view as an option of different view. There are tons of analogy we can do here with figures from the past.
I do not have your view, many are different and are as solid as yours. It is a question of perspectives.
Give up your function at the UN. Your time is over and let’s have somebody with a different vision than yours Mr. Falk.
Je suis choqué et attristé que votre organisation puisse m’étiqueter comme un antisémite et un Juif cultivant la haine de soi. C’est totalement diffamatoire et de telles allégations sont entièrement basées sur la déformation de ce que je crois et de ce que j’ai fait. Amalgamer mes critiques d’Israël avec la haine de soi en tant que Juif ou la haine des Juifs est une calomnie. J’ai longtemps été un critique de la politique étrangère américaine, mais cela ne fait pas de moi un anti-Américain. C’est la liberté de conscience qui est le noyau définissant la réalité d’une société véritablement démocratique, et son exercice est essentiel à la qualité de la vie politique dans un pays donné, en particulier ici, aux États-Unis, où sa taille et son influence exercent une grande importance sur la vie et le destin de nombreux peuples exclus de toute participation à sa politique. – See more at: http://www.oulala.info/2013/01/richard-falk-lettre-ouverte-au-crif/#sthash.9ATCCvbe.dpuf
Thanks for your message. Yes, I have strong views on the issues relating to Israel/Palestine that
reflect my years of witnessing. But No, I have always encouraged classroom disagreement in my teaching
experience and do not recall a single grievance expressed by a student with different views than mine.
I agree that it is time for someone else to take over my UN job, and hope only that he or she will do
their best to be honest in reporting the realities on the ground in occupied Palestine!
Season greetings.
Hello,
My name is Siamak Zahraie, right at the end or 1978 before the 1979 revolution in Iran I was on the same flight that took Mr. Ramsey Clark to Iran. I was accompanied by Bahram Atai and I believe you were accompanying Mr. Clark. If my memory serves me right, I was wondering if you have any record about the date of that flight or if you have other information that you could share with me. I am working on my memoirs and this would help me to fill some of the gaps in my information. Please feel free to contact me by the e-mail that is provided. Thank you so much.
Siamak Zahraie
Seattle, WA
That you use your own jewishness as a means of getting attention for yourself as you bash Israel and seek to undermine its security makes you the most loathsome form of life–the self hating jew. Israel is a wonderful country and a blessing to mankind, and has never known a day of peace from its miserable muslim neighbors since the day it was founded. The real problem in the area is muslim xenophobia, and to claim otherwise is a patent lie. Mr. Falk is an ugly and demented soul, who deserves eternal damnation. When he dies, which we jews pray will be soon, I promise to find his grave and urinate on it. I make this vow to my fellow jews and in commemoration of the brave people of the State of Israel who have learned the lessons of history–that we jews are solely responsible for our own security and that we must be vigilant. We know all too well about Falk and his ilk. They were the jews who pushed other jews into the ovens. Mr. Falk–there is no hope for your soul, and you will know eternal hell on the blessed day when your ugly and wretched body fails you. Burn in hell!!
Dear Prof Falk,
I regret that you have to suffer such extremist, fanatical bile because of your courage and integrity in working ceaselessly for universal human rights. I admire your measured, but outspoken criticisms of breaches of international law and I congratulate you on completing six years of outstanding work as a Special Rapporteur to the UNHRC. I wish you a happy and satisfying retirement and hope that your successor continues the excellent work that you and your predecessor have done on behalf of justice for the victims of Israeli crimes.
Thanks so much for these appreciative words, and I share your hope that the next
SR will have a less stormy time, but will be persistent in providing an honest witness
to the violation of Palestinian rights, and sustain my vision of a just and sustainable
peace for both peoples premised on their equality.
“for the victims of Israeli crimes”, I wonder who is an extremist here.
If you feel so strongly about the “ethnic cleansing” then take you stupid ass over to Gaza and fire some more rockets at the innocent people of Israel. Asshole!!!!!
Dear Professor Falk – I’m Rion Kampeas, the Washington bureau chief for the Jewish Telegraphic Agency. I’d like your comment on Ambassador Samantha Power’s comment on your departure, as reported here by Reuters: http://news.yahoo.com/u-says-glad-noxious-u-n-rights-envoy-231359232.html
Contact me at the email below, or on this site. Thanks!
Richard you’ve been an idiot, confused vagabond all your life; what a sorry thing breathing wasting air!
If you want to stop the death and destruction in Gaza, how about trying to get the international community to rid the world of Hamas and those around the world that support this terrorist organization. Israel has much to account for, but Hamas is the problem in this current situation, not Israel
Go to memrity.org and listen for yourselves to the words that come out of the Hamas leaderships mouths. Listen to the words that come out of the mouths of Kuwaiti and Iranian and Qatari leaderships mouths. These people do not care about the lives of the Palestinians.
In the words of Kuwaiti Cleric Tareq Al-Suwaidan speaking in support of Hamas:
“The blood (we) sacrifice is undoubtedly precious, but the equation is: ‘Our dead are in Paradise, and theirs are in the Hellfire.’ We are not afraid of martyrdom. Just a short while ago, you were chanting: ‘Death for the sake of Allah is our loftiest desire.’ Well, the death that you desire has just come to you. We have no problem with death. We are different from the Israelites. ‘You shall find them to be the people most eager to protect their lives,’ while we desire death, desire martyrdom. The difference is very clear.”
“All the mothers of the Islamic nation – not only Palestinian mothers – should suckle their babies on the hatred of the sons of Zion. We hate them. They are our enemies. We should instill this in the souls of our children, until a new generation arises and wipes them off the face of the earth. This is what we want.”
Does this sound like a man who wants coexistence?
Or how about this guy, from a Friday sermon in Qatar delivered by Sheik Tareq Al-Hawwas which aired on Qatar TV on July 18, 2014.
“Oh, Allah increase the pressure You exert upon the plundering Jews. Demonstrate upon them the miracles of Your might, for they are no match to You. Count them one by one, and kill them to the very last one. Do not spare a single one of them. Oh Allah, disperse them. Oh Lord, freeze the blood in their veins. Oh Allah, tear them asunder. Oh Allah, sow discord in their hearts. Oh Allah, do not let them prevail. Make an example of them for their allies. Oh Allah, bring down the planes of their air force, burn their infantry and sink the ships of their navy.”
Or this guy, spokesman for Hamas: Hamas spokesman Sami Abu Zuhri, which aired on Al-Aqsa TV on July 8, 2014:
Interviewer: “Are people still going up to the rooftops?”
Ayad Abu Rida (Reporter) : “Witnesses told us that there is a large gathering, and people are still going to the Kawari family house, in order to prevent the Zionist occupation’s warplanes from targeting it.”
Interviewer: “What is your comment about this? People are reverting to the (human-shield) method, which proved very successful in the days of martyr Nizar Riyan…”
Sami Abu Zuhri: “This attests to the character of our noble, Jihad-fighting people, who defend their rights and their homes with their bare chests and their blood. The policy of people confronting the Israeli warplanes with their bare chests in order to protect their homes has proven effective against the occupation. Also, this policy reflects the character of our brave, courageous people. We in Hamas call upon our people to adopt this policy, in order to protect the Palestinian homes.”
Does it sound like Hamas is worried about Palestinian civilians being killed?
For Hamas and their supporters to call the deaths of Palestinian civilians “martyrs on one hand and calling their deaths murder on the other hand” is pure hypocrisy. Hamas is leading the Palestinians to their deaths and relishing in those deaths. Hamas is a cult of death and will only be satiated once the the land is soaked in the blood of both Israeli’s and Palestinians, both Jews and Muslims, their love of death encompasses all faiths, all religions, all ancestry.
Good morning, prof.Falk, my name is Ekaterina Maximova, I’m a russian journalist. I would like so much to speak to you about some issues related to the work of the UN and some international affairs. Would be honored if you contact me on my e-mail e.maximova.life@gmail.com
Thank you so much
Hi Richard, we are wondering if you would be willing to come speak sometime soon in Montreal, Quebec. Please send us an email if possible.
In principle, yes, but I would have to know more details, and I do have a difficult
schedule in the months ahead. Later today I am leaving for two weeks in New Zealand.
Best wishes..
Dear Professor Falk, it´s only now that I became fully aware of your great contributions to spreading a true picture about the Middle East situation and the Western war against the Southern Hemisphere in general! Let me express my appreciation and my solidarity with you against the shameless efforts to smear you with “Antisemitism”! The systematic ignorance about and the smear campaigns against Jewish critics of Israel´s and the West´s colonial politics are depressing.
The story of how Israel as the tail of the dog named US imperialism became able to “wag the dog” is pretty much important in this context. I tried to line it out in this article: http://wipokuli.wordpress.com/2014/08/12/usa-and-israel-the-helpless-giant-and-his-mad-dog-are-there-more-dirty-secrets/
With great respect
Andreas Schlüter
Sociologist
Berlin, Germany
http://wipokuli.wordpress.com
I thought our conference may interest you and your followers.
FINAL CALL FOR PROPOSALS
Deadline: 15 December 2014
COMPLICITY CONFERENCE
A two-day conference exploring issues of complicity, organised by the University of Brighton’s Understanding Conflict: Forms and Legacies of Violence Research Cluster.
Tuesday 31st March – Wednesday 1st April 2015
University of Brighton, UK
Opening Address: Professor Bob Brecher – University of Brighton
Keynote Day One: Professor Thomas Docherty – University of Warwick
Keynote Day Two: Professor Shlomo Sand – Tel Aviv University
The problem of complicity is a longstanding feature of everyday moral experience, and yet comparatively little work focuses explicitly on it. Furthermore, in an increasingly neo-liberal world, it is becoming increasingly difficult to avoid complicity both in its creation of a particular model of the person and with its attendant demands on how we live, on what we do and do not do and on how we think. If Georgio Agamben is right to insist that ‘Today’s man … has become blind not to his capacities but to his incapacities, not to what he can do but to what he cannot, or can not, do’ (‘On what we can not do’, Nudities, 2011, p.44), then complicity is taking centre stage in our everyday lives. It thus requires our attention in terms both of practice and of theorisation.
This conference will seek to begin that work. We invite proposals (max. 300 words) that address one of the broad inter-related themes.
DAY ONE
• What is complicity?
• Theorising complicity in relation to related moral-political issues.
DAY TWO
• Empirical cases.
We anticipate that related issues will be of interest to a wide range of people working in and studying, among other areas, cultural studies, philosophy, political theory, media studies, photography and journalism, art practice and visual studies, film studies, the armed forces, international security, armaments, banking, finance and globalisation, politics and geopolitics, sociology, NGO and charitable sectors, colonialism and post-colonialism, health studies and NHS, queer theory, women’s studies and women and the family.
Proposals of no more than 300 words should be emailed by 15 December 2014 to conflictcluster@brighton.ac.uk
For a full list of possible issue subjects and more information on the work and scope of the University of Brighton’s Research Cluster Understanding Conflict: Forms and Legacies of Violence.
Visit http://arts.brighton.ac.uk/research
http://arts.brighton.ac.uk/research/conflict/cluster-activities/complicity-conference
This conference strikes me as choosing an important theme that is not often, if ever, given the attention it deserves.
Dear Professor Falk – I just heard you interviewed on a local radio station and was heartened to hear your intelligent, nuanced and extremely well-informed analysis of the Palestinian crisis. What I hadn’t expected was the calm manner in which you delivered highly-charged information.
It’s scary how deeply we have sunk into the morass of anger, ignorance, intolerance and spiritual emptiness created by the last 40 years of the highly corrosive power of “capitalism”. Your voice/analysis is a welcome antidote to the willful disinformation and obfuscation that is at the heart of our media.
Best,
David Simpson
dear Richard–we met in the 1990s when you speak at a conference I helped to coordinate when I was with the Coalition for a Strong UN. As you can see, you are in a picture with me on our home page http://www.centerglobalcommunitylaw.org. I have been following your career since then especially when you were the Palestinian observer. thank you for helping to explain to the deeply embedded nationalist and racist attitudes in the US. I fear that your approach will fall on deaf ears unless humanity matures. To that end, I have been developing a new leadership model in the United Nations community I call Reconciliation Leadership. A paper on the subject and another called Reconciliation as Policy suggest that it is possible to train a new cadre of leaders who work in a global problematique framework. I am currently proposing a pamphlet for the Quaker Institute for the Future called Reconciliation Leadership for the Global Problematique. I wonder if you would be willing to be a reader as I prepare this pamphlet. Your views and experience are vital in helping the human race mature. Two papers presented at the Human Dignity and Humilitation Studies Conference at Columbia with Dr. Sarah Sayeed and a presentation at UNDP in 2013 https://undp.unteamworks.org/file/403366/download/43850. I have a proposal for the Quaker Institute for the Future ready and I’d like to include you if you are interested. Take a look at some of the research pamphlets: http://www.quakerinstitute.org/?page_id=5. Virginia Swain 508-245-6843
Dear Virginia: An early pleasure of 2015 to hear from you! I do remember the conference, but I have no memory
of Susan Rice being there. She attacked me in a nasty fashion while I was in my UN position relating to Palestine.
Yes, I would be glad to be a reader for your new pamphlet. I have also recently become very interested from a number
of angles in the depiction of constructive global leadership. I like your title. And I would be very happy to take part
in the conference under the auspices of the Quaker Institute for the Future. At one time I did lots of things with Quakers,
but since moving to California have lost contact.
It is best to communicate via email
warm greetings,
Richard
Professor Falk, I’m a phd student and I live in Brasil. I’ve been developing my research about an american architect called Peter Eisenman and I search for information about when he met the client of one of his first houses, in the sixties. The name of his client is Richard Falk, so I wondered if you were the client. If yes, Would be possible for me to make contact to you by email?
Thank you in advance. Sincerely, Gabriela Izar.
Dear Gabriela Izar:
Yes, that is me! I was once a close friend of Peter’s, as well as his client, but we never healed the
rift produced by the tensions arising from the construction of the house. I would be glad to discuss further
with you by email With best wishes, Richard Falk
Dear Professor Falk,
Thank you very much for your reply. After sending you that message I did not realize that the reply would be sent in you webpage. So I began another phase of my phd, that of writing the thesis, what culminated in the defense. So would you be still available to be in contact? I suppose I left my email when I filled the form in your webpage. My best wishes, Gabriela
Hello Professor Falk,
My name is Sebastian Lopez and I am from Glendora, California. I am an English major studying Arabic and I often feel disconnected from the political, social, cultural, and other movements that are occurring in many Arab countries. I was recommended by a professor, Robert Canfield, to look into your work. I was wondering if you could recommend some of your own works that would be important to consider and get a handle on some of the issues and ideas surrounding the contemporary (or historical) Arab world. And if there are any other important scholars and figures and sources you would recommend I would greatly appreciate your advice! Thank you very much.
Thanks for your message. I am leaving for Europe in the morning and cannot respond to your inquiry for a few days. I have a book
being published in June with the title CHAOS & COUNTERREVOLUTION: AFTER THE ARAB SPRING that seems responsive to your interests. You
might also look at the recent book by Juan Cole and his blog.
Thank you very much for your reply. I look forward to reading your book as well as the blog you recommended.
Dear Professor,
Since the day I have started reading International Law at JNU New Delhi, Prof BS Chimni has asked me to read your blog and writing to have an altogether different understanding of the subject. When I started reading your writings I realized that we all are actually blessed by your writings. Thanks for contributing to the field.
Regards,
Sudhir
Research Scholar,
International Law,
JNU, New Delhi
What a wonderful message of reassurance to receive at the end of the year! Please convey greetings to Professor
Chimni. Wishing you both a fulfilling New Year!
Much regards Professor!! I shall convey your greeting to Prof. Chimni. I wish you too a very Happy and Prosperous New Year.
Thanks!!!
Hello Dr. Falk,
Just read your open letter to Ban Ki-Moon which is making the rounds (great by the way) in which you mentioned you had a blog. I have enjoyed the pieces you have written over the years which have appeared in various places. Thank you for those. Recently I received an email from Architects and Engineers for 9/11 Truth (ae911truth.org) asking for a big idea on how to move forward. I was at a loss. After almost 15 years, how much justice has been served? Not much – none. As luck/timing/providence would have it, Pilots For 9/11 Truth (http://pilotsfor911truth.org/forum/) gets regular posts. I used to post so I check occasionally. A current thread running is ‘Why International Law Must Dare To Care’. This thread referenced an article by Amy Baker Benjamin called ‘9/11 as False Flag: Why International Law Must Dare to Care’. In it she suggests that as remote as the possibility is, 9/11 should be brought to the UN security council (which would surely be vetoed by the US) and if they do nothing then it could be taken up in the general assembly.
It saddens me to say that the justice system in the US is so corrupt that nothing will come of this here (just as with JFK, MLK, RFK, Waco and countless others). Is an international investigation/trial a possibility or am I engaging in wishful thinking? Your thoughts please.
Thanks in advance and best regards,
Peter
Thanks, Peter, for this challenging comment. I believe the only way that these
issues will be raised is to rely on civil society initiatives. No institutional
arrangement dominated by sovereign states will clarify the 9/11 reality. Perhaps,
a commission or tribunal created by people in various countries would at least
clarify what is reliably known. The 2005 Iraq War Tribunal held in Istanbul is one
example. It requires a big effort and some resources to make such an effort.
Hi Richard! I just found your blog and am going to enjoy reading it. You look well, can’t believe you’re 80, though I shouldn’t be surprised as I have only another 2 years to go. All the best, Louise
Hi Louise: Lovely to be in touch. Hope you are fine, and I can’t believe your
age either, especially remembering our last contact when visiting South Africa
in the 1990s. Warm best, Richard
Sir, I’m working at a historical magazine in Turkey. I need your amail adres.
I can be reached at most easily.
All respect for and blog.
Somehow I am not on your mailing list anymore(? – !!!) would you please put me on your mailing list again? Please do NOT mention (for obvious reasons) my e-mail address on your blog. h94gorter@gmail.com
subscribe to blog; I cannot add recipients on my own, but there may be no way to avoid disclosing your email address.
Perhaps you can inquire. Sorry not to be more helpful.
Dear Mr Falk,
I need your help for my essay for accepting to MA degree. I want to show my essay to you. If it is possible, could you please mail me? Thank you.
My e-mail is ogulcan.sert@gmail.com
Regards,
Ogulcan
I will be glad to read your essay. Send it to me at
With my best wishes,
Richard Falk
Richard, this is a very small complaint about your blog. In your replies to comments, your sentences don’t complete on the line before they go to the next line. In Case you didn’t see my comment from yesterday, I paste it here.
Sean Breathnach
May 17, 2017 at 7:52 am #
I have been following the Israel/Palestine situation for a few years now, mainly by looking at youtube videos of debates by Norman Finkelstein, Ilan Pappe, Noam Chomsky, Miko Pelid etc.
Recently I looked at a Tarig Ali interview with you, Richard and I must say that I was very impressed with your analysis of the Israel/Palestine, middle east situation. I am just sorry that you did not come up on my radar sooner. Now that I have discovered your blog, I am in Heaven. Many thanks for defending the weakest in our society and thanks too for attending the recent conference on the banks of the Lee.
Last Saturday I visited the Hodges Figgis bookstore on Dawson St in Dublin, to purchase your new book. They did not have the book stocked, so I ordered a copy. They are probably the largest bookstore in Dublin, so perhaps a memo to your publisher would push them along.
Regards,
Sean
Professor Falk,
Let us extend an offer to you and/or your readers to participate in an interview by answering the (4) questions posed to Alfred recently in post: “An Interview Of Alfred Gluecksmann” at The Oneness of Humanity. Future posts will carry the same title: “An Interview Of (Your name here)”.
***
Question 1…) What was your primary motivation for entering the world of blogging on the worldwide web – on the internet?
***
Question 2…) How would you describe yourself with regard to spirituality? What were some of the most memorable transforming points across the years (books, personal contacts, mystical experiences, etc.) in the developing of your current spiritual perspective?
***
Question 3…) What is your greatest wish for readers as a consequence after reading/considering your writings?
***
Question 4…and final) Can you offer any advice to people having a difficult time dealing with government and media lies, especially as it pertains to so many average citizens who hold erroneous perceptions on important events and situations around the Earth?
***
If you (or anyone who passes this way – this proposal is open to all) would like to share your (their) thoughts take as many words and as much time as necessary to accurately convey your responses, then – when completely satisfied – email them (please refrain from email formatting as it makes it more difficult to copy/paste/edit into a WordPress post) to jerryalatalo (at) hotmail.com., whereupon I will publish each individual’s response as a stand-alone post – with the ultimate goal of inclusion/compiling in a book.
The potential book’s title has yet to become decided upon. There are no rules besides the obvious (no profanity, etc.), no word-count limits (1,000/10,000 words might suffice as a suggested lower/upper limit) or time deadlines (hoping for pre-Christmas 2017 self-publish date – Kindle, Smashwords (eBook), Amazon (softcover/paperback) … ), but only honest observations.
Thank you and best regards,
Jerry Alatalo
Following your blog… find it interesting and relevant …
Professor,
Please consider visiting the website of the Foreign Policy Alliance and endorsing the resolution posted there….foreignpolicyalliance.org. The Houston based FPA has been flying under the radar but has nonetheless acquired some impressive endorsements.
Dear Richard Falk:
Happy New Year 2020.
Allow me first to tell you that your blog is really refreshing, and I would love to see some of my Japanese academic colleagues having the same courage and level of engagement as you do.
When I was a student at Sorbonne University in Paris, I always thought of academics being in the image of JP. Sartre, one foot on the barricade and one foot in the amphitheater. Now that I teach university students in Japan (disaster risk and ethics), I am either confronted to total atonia, or to polarized groups (like some who are expressing themselves on your blog), who follow an ideology or a set of precepts like one would enter in religion, not accepting any form of critic or discussion.
As I have seen similar patterns among university students in Europe as well, I was wondering what you were making of it and what would you think has been the hinge that led us to this situation… by design?
Best,
Christopher
Dear Christopher:
Thanks for this comment that raises questions applicable worldwide, and especially
in the more developed, affluent countries. I have also encountered a high level of
alienation mixed with unguided passion in then there is Greta Thunberg, and the following
among youth that she has inspired. As aa species we are in the midst of an eco-bio-ethical
crisis that threatens extinction if no transformation of values occurs in coming decades.
Wishing you the best possible start to the decade.
Richard
Professor Falk,
My name is Desiree Mortenson and I am a doctoral student at The Geneva School of Diplomacy and International Relations. I am glad to have found this blog. The picture of your office and the collection of books reminds me somewhat of my own book shelves. Right now, I am conducting a 15 question survey on the opinions of professionals for the purposes of a doctoral dissertation regarding foreign policy in the Middle East and North Africa. I am reaching out to you because of the extensive work that you have done in relation to this region of the world. I was hoping that you or someone in your office would be willing to answer the survey as it would be of great importance for the success of my project. Would it be possible to complete the questionnaire if I send you the link? Any assistance that you can provide would be greatly appreciated.
Desiree Mortenson
GSD Doctoral Candidate
Desiree: Thanks for your message. I will be glad to respond to your survey. I would discourage you from
accepting responses from ‘someone in your office’ as they would be unlikely to have depth and nuance.
Send the link to my email address:
I recently had the opportunity to read your piece in Al-Jazeera regarding the gangster geopolitics.
As a child I was interested in American mobsters while I was attending an orthodox Jewish day school. The “thing” that really caught my attention was the Jewish declaration that the world was out to get them because of their faith. I say now that world is out to get them because Jews are very good at organizing themselves to take over societies from the legal and financial sectors and then hold power from these positions.
Today in the US, the dream of gangsters in the 20’s and 30’s to be able to own the US government to enrich themselves has come true.
I will appreciate you taking on an analysis of how these immigrants mobsters have been able to capture and control the US and other countries like Israel.
Hello Professor Falk. This is Norm Swazo, your former student at Princeton, and, as you will recall, you served as external member of my doctoral committee when I completed my PhD in philosophy at University of Georgia (1988). I am happy to have found this blog of yours and to see you continuing your prolific commentary on world affairs. If you read this I would appreciate receiving your personal email (my email: norman.swazo@northsouth.edu, at North South University in Dhaka Bangladesh). Best wishes and kind regards as always,
Norm
Hello Professor Falk, I have never heard you speak until this evening on RT News and I agreed with everyting you had to say on the Russia, Ukaine conflict. I look forward to studying your work and writings. Wish you all the best,
William Burns and Angela Merkel warned NATO expansion could lead to war with Russia. Does that make them extreme leftists?
You have been an inspiration since the 1960s. I need to contact you about copyright permission on a quote from your observer’s report on the 1967/68 Pretoria “Terrorism Trial” against 37 Namibians, for a biography of Andimba Toivo ya Toivo. Could you be so kind and contact me directly?
I will be glad to be in contact about permissions, and glad to provide it. You can contact me at