Behind the Bastards It Could Happen Here Weekly 199
7 snips
Sep 13, 2025 
Dana El Kurd, a political science professor and expert on Palestinian politics, discusses the intricate challenges of Palestinian statehood and the implications of international recognition efforts. Cooper Quinton, a malware researcher at the Electronic Frontier Foundation, dives into essential digital hygiene practices, particularly for activists and journalists facing spyware threats. Their insights shed light on pressing issues like community activism, the impact of crime discourse, and the rise of technological surveillance that endangers civil liberties.
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Oslo Gave Governance, Not Sovereignty
- Oslo created limited Palestinian self-governance without ending Israeli occupation.
- Dana stresses Oslo left Palestinians with constrained autonomy and no real sovereignty.
Two-State Talk Often Reinforces Subordination
- Major powers often conflate 'statehood' with conditional, demilitarized entities subordinate to Israel.
- Dana argues Palestinians seek genuine sovereignty, not symbolic recognition under restrictive terms.
Recognition Risks Being A Political Fig Leaf
- Recognition can be a low-cost political gesture that delays real measures like embargoes or accountability.
- Dana and legal scholars urge enforcement actions over symbolic recognition.
