On 30 January 2025, I spoke with Steve Clemons on his Al Jazeera show: “The Bottom Line.” We talked about the Israeli genocide in Gaza, the stunning concessions Israel made to Hamas in the recent ceasefire agreement, and President Trump’s morally reprehensible commitment to help Israel drive all the Palestinians out of Gaza.
Trump only wants Gaza, Greenland and the Panama Canal to develop properties, monopolize natural resources and maximize profits. He’s not a politician. He’s a businessman and being president of the US just gave access to prime real estate and a military to go get it.
I’ve written a thought experiment exploring the idea that trauma is not merely a byproduct of systems like capitalism and war, but rather their foundational tool for control. The essay examines how trauma perpetuates division and suffering, while also imagining a world beyond it.
As a new writer, I would be deeply honored if you would consider reading it and sharing your thoughts. I greatly admire your work and writings (even though I sometimes find them a bit too pragmatic for my taste), and your professional perspective on my essay would be invaluable as I continue to develop my voice and participate in these conversations.
Thank you in advance for your time and consideration.
Mearsheimer’s claims are anything but “realist.” A realist approach is grounded in facts, but his assertions collapse under scrutiny.
Is it “real” to say that Israel committed genocide when it was Hamas that attempted one on October 7, deliberately targeting civilians for slaughter? Hamas is entirely responsible for every Gazan fatality and injury, embedding itself in hospitals, schools, and residential buildings while using civilians as human shields.
Is it “real” to insist that Israel must find a political solution with the Palestinians when the Palestinians have rejected every offer for statehood, from the 1947 partition plan through every major negotiation attempt since?
Is it “real” to argue that Israel is worse off now than before October 7? On the contrary, Syria is defeated, Hezbollah’s missile arsenal has been severely diminished, Hamas’s leadership and infrastructure are shattered, and Iran’s air defenses have been wiped out, leaving its military-industrial complex exposed to a direct strike.
Reality doesn’t conform to Mearsheimer’s delusions—it contradicts them.
To compare the carnage implemented by Israel to that which occurred by Hamas on October 7th, and reference it as a genocide is an incredible testament to your highly prejudicial, view which prevents you from perceiving reality. Mentally you are blind.
That you see their carnage as equal reveals your own profound prejudice and you haven't got a clue that you gave yourself away in that regard. Richard that is why no one listens to you.
Can you provide any instance where the Palestinians have agreed to establish their own peaceful state alongside Israel, recognizing Israel as a sovereign nation, and stipulating that their so-called ‘right of return’ would apply to their new state of Palestine rather than to Israel?
Richard, you are utterly lost to historical negationism and, even more so, to the 🇮🇱 Zionist aka. clero-fascist ethnosupremacist settler-colonial hasbara/propaganda. You can peddle all the above 🇮🇱 BS 24/7, but the fact still remains - both 🇮🇱 and you are delusional to the point of psychosis. Ergo the reality will always contradict you, on top of your perceived logical incoherence.
Trump is just voicing what was said over a year ago. It was pretty easy to see. Netanyahu's goal is to expel the Palestinians from Israel. Currently Gaza is pretty much uninhabitable. Now they have moved on to the West Bank.
You are either phenomenally misinformed, a die hard Zionist or someone who long ago lost any sense of morality. No one should have to school you on these matters at this point. Please learn the facts of this ongoing Nakba, from occupation to genocide, from legitimate and reputable sources of information not hasbara propaganda or corrupt corporate media.
i think you are right to expect something else from meershimer. he gladly gave putin a pass for putin's genocide in ukraine. so why is he so persnickety about a little genocide in gaza?
Brilliant performance from the Prof. Ever since first hearing John at the start of the Ukraine conflict, his analysis has been both factually correct and ethically right. The same applies to Gaza. That there are so many opposing views, some of which appear in these comments, shows the power on Earth of the Evil one. Trump should listen to John and remember the Book on which he swore his oath of office.
To quote Putin from his 2017 interview with French broadsheet "Le Figaro":
« I have already spoken to three US Presidents. They come and go, but politics stay the same at all times. Do you know why? Because of the powerful bureaucracy. When a person is elected, they may have some ideas. Then people with briefcases arrive, well dressed, wearing dark suits, just like mine, except for the red tie, since they wear black or dark blue ones. These people start explaining how things are done. And instantly, everything changes. This is what happens with every administration. »
oh that's cute. putin who has been in power over 20 years and will stay on till he dies most likely is explaining to americans how bad it is that there is no change in american politics. honestly you guys, really? putin is your go-to guy on proper functioning of democracies.
All of it found to have been manufactured lies by Israeli propaganda. Hamas did abduct people and military personnel with the goal of doing a prisoner swap. However, because Israel is hindering investigations by the international community, we cannot determine how many people were killed by Israeli forces. They shot rockets and opened fire on the houses and trucks carrying hostages without a single thought for the hostages because Israel’s military policy is not to allow Hamas to capture people for hostage exchanges. Shameful
Donald Trump and every western leader currently and the previous supports Nakba. It is a requirement for politicians ....we are just calling a spade a spade.
Nakba was the term coined to describe the Arab’s military catastrophe in 1948 when they invaded Israel and were soundly defeated.
Rather than face up to the responsibility of the disastrous decision leading to the displacement of Palestinians the term Nakba has been reassigned to describe the displacement itself. It’s rather like using the term ‘reckless’ to describe the actions of people joyriding a car then ignoring that and using it to describe the injuries caused by the joy ridden drive.
So your notion of calling a spade a spade is flawed as you can’t see what a spade actually is.
"1920s HOLY LAND TRAVELOGUE " A PILGRIMAGE THROUGH PALESTINE "
"Created in the late 1920s or early 1930s by Philip M. Brown, "A Pilgrimage Through Palestine" borrows its title from a popular book first published in the 1890s. The film travelogue shows views of various cities in British occupied Palestine -- today's State of Israel -- including Nazareth, Jericho, Haifa, Tiberius and more. Mandatory Palestine as it was known, was a geopolitical entity under British administration, carved out of Ottoman Southern Syria after World War I. British civil administration in Palestine operated from 1920 until 1948."
"Independent film by American Andre de la Varre from Prelinger Archives"
PALESTINE, PALESTINE, PALESTINE!! It was always Palestine. Moreover, DNA testing shows that the current-day Palestinians are genetically the only surviving population of the original Jews during the time of Christ. They have lived on this land and converted to Islam and Christianity through the various centuries with various conquerors.
The "Jews" in Israel today are from the Caucus Mountains!!
Trump only wants Gaza, Greenland and the Panama Canal to develop properties, monopolize natural resources and maximize profits. He’s not a politician. He’s a businessman and being president of the US just gave access to prime real estate and a military to go get it.
You are despicable in your mindless hatred.
Dear Professor Mearsheimer,
I’ve written a thought experiment exploring the idea that trauma is not merely a byproduct of systems like capitalism and war, but rather their foundational tool for control. The essay examines how trauma perpetuates division and suffering, while also imagining a world beyond it.
As a new writer, I would be deeply honored if you would consider reading it and sharing your thoughts. I greatly admire your work and writings (even though I sometimes find them a bit too pragmatic for my taste), and your professional perspective on my essay would be invaluable as I continue to develop my voice and participate in these conversations.
Thank you in advance for your time and consideration.
Sincerely, Alexander
https://subversiveindividual.substack.com/p/the-world-runs-on-trauma-a-provocative?r=50c3nr
It felt like trauma reading it.
You didnt like it ?
Huh? Have you been drinking?
You talk big for a guy who likes to come across as a little guy. I don’t know what ur talking about. Nobody does. Just be quiet.
Mearsheimer’s claims are anything but “realist.” A realist approach is grounded in facts, but his assertions collapse under scrutiny.
Is it “real” to say that Israel committed genocide when it was Hamas that attempted one on October 7, deliberately targeting civilians for slaughter? Hamas is entirely responsible for every Gazan fatality and injury, embedding itself in hospitals, schools, and residential buildings while using civilians as human shields.
Is it “real” to insist that Israel must find a political solution with the Palestinians when the Palestinians have rejected every offer for statehood, from the 1947 partition plan through every major negotiation attempt since?
Is it “real” to argue that Israel is worse off now than before October 7? On the contrary, Syria is defeated, Hezbollah’s missile arsenal has been severely diminished, Hamas’s leadership and infrastructure are shattered, and Iran’s air defenses have been wiped out, leaving its military-industrial complex exposed to a direct strike.
Reality doesn’t conform to Mearsheimer’s delusions—it contradicts them.
To compare the carnage implemented by Israel to that which occurred by Hamas on October 7th, and reference it as a genocide is an incredible testament to your highly prejudicial, view which prevents you from perceiving reality. Mentally you are blind.
Blame Hamas. Blame Hamas. Blame Hamas.
That you see their carnage as equal reveals your own profound prejudice and you haven't got a clue that you gave yourself away in that regard. Richard that is why no one listens to you.
Reality doesn't conform to Richard Jaffee's delusions-it contradicts them.
Can you provide any instance where the Palestinians have agreed to establish their own peaceful state alongside Israel, recognizing Israel as a sovereign nation, and stipulating that their so-called ‘right of return’ would apply to their new state of Palestine rather than to Israel?
Richard, you are utterly lost to historical negationism and, even more so, to the 🇮🇱 Zionist aka. clero-fascist ethnosupremacist settler-colonial hasbara/propaganda. You can peddle all the above 🇮🇱 BS 24/7, but the fact still remains - both 🇮🇱 and you are delusional to the point of psychosis. Ergo the reality will always contradict you, on top of your perceived logical incoherence.
Ok, you've got nothing. I figured.
Ok, you've 🤖 got nothing 🧠. I figured. ✌🏼
Trump is just voicing what was said over a year ago. It was pretty easy to see. Netanyahu's goal is to expel the Palestinians from Israel. Currently Gaza is pretty much uninhabitable. Now they have moved on to the West Bank.
You are either phenomenally misinformed, a die hard Zionist or someone who long ago lost any sense of morality. No one should have to school you on these matters at this point. Please learn the facts of this ongoing Nakba, from occupation to genocide, from legitimate and reputable sources of information not hasbara propaganda or corrupt corporate media.
I respond to facts not bullshit.
Well done! That is the correct reply to the facts in my post. That’s a good start in the right direction. Best
Reversed, liar!
excuse me, dummy?
Incredible psychosis!
Mearsheimer is a rabid antisemite.
Why? I dont see him hating on palestinians… (the real semites)🤷🏽♂️
The whole world should be anti semitic...
i think you are right to expect something else from meershimer. he gladly gave putin a pass for putin's genocide in ukraine. so why is he so persnickety about a little genocide in gaza?
Brilliant performance from the Prof. Ever since first hearing John at the start of the Ukraine conflict, his analysis has been both factually correct and ethically right. The same applies to Gaza. That there are so many opposing views, some of which appear in these comments, shows the power on Earth of the Evil one. Trump should listen to John and remember the Book on which he swore his oath of office.
I blame jews
Not a surprise.
Of course you do.
To quote Putin from his 2017 interview with French broadsheet "Le Figaro":
« I have already spoken to three US Presidents. They come and go, but politics stay the same at all times. Do you know why? Because of the powerful bureaucracy. When a person is elected, they may have some ideas. Then people with briefcases arrive, well dressed, wearing dark suits, just like mine, except for the red tie, since they wear black or dark blue ones. These people start explaining how things are done. And instantly, everything changes. This is what happens with every administration. »
Maybe that happens because we are no democracy at all.
oh that's cute. putin who has been in power over 20 years and will stay on till he dies most likely is explaining to americans how bad it is that there is no change in american politics. honestly you guys, really? putin is your go-to guy on proper functioning of democracies.
Jeeze, i guess the pals shouldn't have, you know, raped abducted murdered all them nasty jews
All of it found to have been manufactured lies by Israeli propaganda. Hamas did abduct people and military personnel with the goal of doing a prisoner swap. However, because Israel is hindering investigations by the international community, we cannot determine how many people were killed by Israeli forces. They shot rockets and opened fire on the houses and trucks carrying hostages without a single thought for the hostages because Israel’s military policy is not to allow Hamas to capture people for hostage exchanges. Shameful
oh those evil lying jews utterly terrible people almost as bad as arabs
almost
DON'T BELIEVE THE ZIONIST LIE THAT THE SLAUGHTER OF INNOCENT PEOPLE BEGAN ON OCTOBER 7, 2023:
1. Haifa Massacre 1937
2. Jerusalem Massacre 1937
3. Haifa Massacre 1938
4. Balad al-Sheikh Massacre 1939
5. Haifa Massacre 1939
6. Haifa Massacre 1947
7. Abbasiya Massacre 1947
8. Al-Khisas Massacre 1947
9. Baby al-Amud Massacre 1947
10. Jerusalem Massacre 1947
11. Sheikh Bureik Massacre 1947
12. Tantra Massacre 1948
13. Jaffa Massacre 1948
14. Khan Yunis Massacre 1956
15. Jerusalem Massacre 1967
16. Sabra and Shatila Massacre 1980
17. Al-Aqsa Massacre 1990
18. Ibrahim Mosque Massacre 1994
19. Jenin Refugee Camp Massacre, April 2002
20. Gaza Massacre 2008-2009
21. Gaza Massacre 2012
22. Gaza Massacre 2014
23. Gaza Massacre 2018-2019
24. Gaza Massacre 2021
25. Gaza Genocide 2023- is still ongoing.
WHO APPOINTED DONALD J. DUCK AS EMPEROR OF THE GLOBAL COMMUNITY?
THE PRUDENT ACTION THAT THE POTUS NEEDS TO TAKE IS TO APPROVE STATEHOOD FOR 🇵🇸, ASAP!!!
“The revolution is about to be televised. You picked the right time but the WRONG guy.”
TRUMPLICAN MAGPIES: "MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN. 😈
GLOBAL COMMUNITY: "MAKE AMERIKA GO AWAY!" 🌎🕊
If Trump wants good relations with Europe, he should repair the Nord Stream pipelines.
TRUMPLICAN MAGPIES: "MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN.
GLOBAL COMMUNITY: "MAKE AMERIKA GO AWAY!" 🌎🕊
Donald Trump and every western leader currently and the previous supports Nakba. It is a requirement for politicians ....we are just calling a spade a spade.
Nakba was the term coined to describe the Arab’s military catastrophe in 1948 when they invaded Israel and were soundly defeated.
Rather than face up to the responsibility of the disastrous decision leading to the displacement of Palestinians the term Nakba has been reassigned to describe the displacement itself. It’s rather like using the term ‘reckless’ to describe the actions of people joyriding a car then ignoring that and using it to describe the injuries caused by the joy ridden drive.
So your notion of calling a spade a spade is flawed as you can’t see what a spade actually is.
PG, thanks for a much needed greatly appreciated straightening out of quite a few knuckleheads here. Well done.
Read up people!
May the Arabs have as many Nakbas as wars they started. Every “disaster” they suffer is a gift to the free world.
Ah! The comments are amusing. For all those who say that Palestine never existed, have a quick look.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_9jHU-SFpB8
"1920s HOLY LAND TRAVELOGUE " A PILGRIMAGE THROUGH PALESTINE "
"Created in the late 1920s or early 1930s by Philip M. Brown, "A Pilgrimage Through Palestine" borrows its title from a popular book first published in the 1890s. The film travelogue shows views of various cities in British occupied Palestine -- today's State of Israel -- including Nazareth, Jericho, Haifa, Tiberius and more. Mandatory Palestine as it was known, was a geopolitical entity under British administration, carved out of Ottoman Southern Syria after World War I. British civil administration in Palestine operated from 1920 until 1948."
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q01_zotBbgw
"First pictures from Palestine - Jerusalem historical impressions 1900 - 1918"
The last entry is "Arrival of the Zionist Commission in Palestine in April 1918"
Video voiceover: "...after the Balfour Commission in London the Zionist Commission initiated by the British government arrives in Palestine...."
ANOTHER GREAT VIGNETTE WHERE JEWS, MUSLIMS, AND WESTERNERS LIVED PEACEABLY:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3F_dZCkousU
"Damascus, Syria & Jerusalem in 1938"
"Independent film by American Andre de la Varre from Prelinger Archives"
PALESTINE, PALESTINE, PALESTINE!! It was always Palestine. Moreover, DNA testing shows that the current-day Palestinians are genetically the only surviving population of the original Jews during the time of Christ. They have lived on this land and converted to Islam and Christianity through the various centuries with various conquerors.
The "Jews" in Israel today are from the Caucus Mountains!!
Thanks for that travelogue as history. But it only shows Israel.
pals FAFOD.
We won.
They lost.
Trump won.
You lost.
Bye bye.