Jacobin Radio The Dig: Thawra Ep. 16 - Siege of Beirut
Jul 31, 2024
Abdel Razzaq Takriti, an expert on Arab radicalism, discusses the devastating consequences of Israel's 1982 invasion of Lebanon. He highlights the forced evacuation of the PLO and reflects on its impact on Palestinian communities. The conversation covers the seismic shift in Arab revolutionary politics, the humanitarian crisis during the Beirut siege, and the decline of anti-imperialist movements in the region. Takriti also emphasizes the resilience of local forces amidst chaos and the lasting geopolitical ramifications of this pivotal moment.
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Syria's Double Game in Lebanon
- Syria intervened in Lebanon to prevent the PLO and Lebanese left from winning outright.
- Syria allied with Maronites to weaken PLO and maintain control, with US support.
PLO-CIA Secret Engagement
- PLO leader Ali Hassan Salameh maintained secret security ties with the CIA to open dialogue with the US.
- The CIA was more open to engagement with the PLO than US diplomats.
Significance of Land Day
- Land Day protests in 1976 marked the unified resistance of Palestinian citizens of Israel.
- Palestinians faced land expropriation, military rule, and systemic discrimination under Israeli state.