In addition to the Book Discussion Group* al hamdullileh we've set up two other working groups today:

1) MN Countries: for those interested in the regional representation, including Muslim majority countries (and grassroots activism) part of my earlier message.

Join here https://news.1rj.ru/str/+y5LX_NIDCz8wMDM0

2) MN Volunteers: for those interested to *otherwise* volunteer their time and skills to Middle Nation, whether as part of tech team, helping build a translation team, education, general organisation or other.

Join here: https://news.1rj.ru/str/+ew0ORT85k6UyMzk0

NB you can sign up to both, but please respect the different purposes of the groups and join whichever you think appropriate...

*Arabs and Israel for Beginners
Book Discussion Group link (see earlier post):
https://news.1rj.ru/str/+JhmPLGY_fadkZTM0

In at least one state in Malaysia, all part-time Starbucks staff have been put on unpaid leave

Believing non-existent evidence of Israeli victimhood, disbelieving proof of Israeli crimes

Why are the Arab leaders silent?

Long one, big file. You can find it on Youtube, but putting it here for the archives

Nothing is more antisemitic than Zionism

Expulsion of Palestinians would be catastrophic

There appears to be a coordinated propaganda campaign to undermine the Muslim and Arab leaders, and Muslims in the West specifically have been conditioned to believe and spread it, because fundamentally, they themselves don't know whose team they're on.

When somebody tells me my analysis is naive or unrealistic, or otherwise wrong, and it is an issue I follow closely...I just start the countdown to the "I told you so moment"

Unveiling the Victorious Narrative: Why the Muslim Perspective is the True Lens for Understanding History and Current Affairs

Obviously, this is a disastrous move for the Malaysian franchise. In fact, they may as well be invoking the Sedition Act against themselves because what they are doing will only amplify the boycott sentiment.

At this point, franchises like McDonald's and Starbucks need to seriously consider severing ties with the corporate HQs, and go through the necessary steps to rebrand as independent operators.

For activists in the Global South, it will also be more useful to simply emphasize "buying local" and avoiding all Western brands without specifying which ones. And, as I have said repeatedly, do not necessarily say "boycott supporters of Zionism", but rather "only support those who support Palestine".

https://www.malaysianow.com/news/2023/11/15/mcdonalds-turns-to-sedition-act-as-boycott-bites-despite-pr-campaigns

One of the lasting negative impacts of America's so-called "war on terrorism" was the stigma and censoring of institutional Islamic education. This has created a generation or two of self-taught, Google-trained Muslims who severely lack organised knowledge in Usul, and Islamic history; and these same generations were also infused with Western-style activist mindsets .

Owens-Shapiro & the Daily Liar

The United Front against Western Imperialism

Supporting justice and morality requires independence

Analyzing Public Opinion vs. Protests: Unpacking John Mearsheimer's Insights on Palestine Support

Stuart Seldowitz and the arrogance of Zionists

In association with the Middle Nation, a team of Malaysian activists have organised "A Day for Palestine" event this Sunday in Cyberjaya.

The event will launch an innovative program to connect Palestinian university students in Malaysia with local "Ansar" to help and support them during their studies far from their families and homes.

The sincerity and motivation of the Malaysian people in their commitment to Palestine is an inspiration, and their focus on practical measures through which to express this commitment is something we should all strive to emulate!

https://bit.ly/adayforpalestine

Imagine being an Israeli who has been kept alive in Gaza by Hamas amidst the unprecedented bombing campaign of Gaza by your government.

While Gazans are being killed, city blocks flattened, bombs and missiles falling continuously; and you have now witnessed and experienced all of that for the first time ever as an Israeli; and experienced Hamas fighters doing everything they can to protect you from IDF attacks for 6 weeks.

Your government has been doing everything to kill you, and Hamas has kept you safe while their own people are dying.

What are the chances that ANY of these hostages will ever be allowed to speak publicly?

Advice on protests

That moment you realise Hamas has protected you from your own army