Read Pankaj Mishra’s *The World After Gaza*, and you might think of Ian Black, a former journalist who covered the Middle East. He knew how reporting can lean one way, often picking facts that fit a narrative. In his 2017 book, *Enemies and Neighbors*, he explored the deep roots of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, showing how each side tells its own, often conflicting story. For Israelis, it’s about seeking freedom after years of persecution; for Palestinians, it’s about being the native people who have lived in the land for centuries. These stories clash, leading to ongoing injustice on both sides.
Now, with the recent escalation in violence sparked by Hamas’s attack in October 2023, things feel even more tragic. The conflict has resulted in the loss of over 46,000 lives, mostly among women and children. Mishra’s response to this moral crisis was to write his book. He expresses frustration and sadness over the West’s role in all this, focusing on the colonial history that paved the way for the creation of Israel. Even before its release, the book stirred conversations. Mishra looks at these issues through the lens of race and decolonization, a term that has been controversially discussed in recent times.
Interestingly, Mishra’s connection to the Palestinian cause developed later in life. As a child in India, he admired Israeli figures, even having a poster of Moshe Dayan on his wall. However, a visit to Israel-Palestine in 2008 opened his eyes to the harsh realities faced by the Palestinians. He was shocked by the oppression evident in the West Bank. The separation walls and roadblocks he saw left a lasting impression on him, showing that the Palestinians were living in a form of torment in their own land.
Mishra also felt a connection with the Arab people he encountered. He identified with their struggles, recognizing common ground in their shared experiences under colonial rule. He reflects on how his own country, India, had escaped from colonial oppression, while Palestinians continue suffering from similar injustices.
His analysis reveals harsh truths about Western colonialism. He argues that Western nations historically collaborated to maintain a global racial hierarchy that permitted violence against people from Africa and Asia. He views Nazism as an outgrowth of colonial attitudes, with the Holocaust linked to other genocides committed by Europeans throughout history.
Despite the significance of the Holocaust, Mishra notes it wasn’t widely commemorated until much later. He claims that it wasn’t until the Eichmann trial in 1961 that the narrative around the Holocaust became a key part of the political justification for Israel’s existence. At the same time, some Israeli leaders framed Arabs as threats reminiscent of past atrocities, contributing to a politicized memory of the Holocaust that many now believe is used to justify ongoing violence.
As Mishra points out, a growing number of people worldwide view Israel as a colonial state, backed by Western powers. He notes the criticism facing Israel is often met with accusations of antisemitism, yet this does not negate the concerns many have about Israel’s governance and its policies toward Palestinians.
While many agree that Israel must be held accountable, Mishra’s viewpoint leaves some gaps. The complexity of Israel’s connection to its land, and the presence of Mizrahi Jews in Israel, is overlooked in his analysis. Similarly, he downplays historical atrocities committed by non-Western nations, which could undermine the strength of his argument. He skips over the brutal actions taken by Japan in its imperial pursuits, for example, focusing instead on how Japan challenged European colonial powers.
Furthermore, Mishra’s focus on systemic racism risks oversimplifying the diversity among individuals. His portrayal of global power dynamics often groups people into broad categories, which can hinder understanding. He only briefly touches on Hamas and its recent actions, suggesting their violence had a significant psychological impact on Western observers, which raises questions about perception and victimhood in the conflict.
In discussing such a tragic and complex situation, it is essential to acknowledge the broader context. The loss of life on both sides is heart-wrenching. As this conflict evolves, so too must our understanding of the multifaceted histories and narratives that define it.
