Pen>Sword

Pen>Sword focuses on underreported stories related to Palestine, censorship on social media, and broader issues of Middle Eastern politics, racism, and Islamophobia. It challenges mainstream narratives, highlights the human cost of conflicts, and explores the intersectionality of identity, resistance, and global political dynamics.

Middle Eastern Politics Social Media Censorship Islamophobia and Anti-Semitism Palestinian Rights and Struggles Racism and Discrimination Global Political Dynamics Media Representation and Bias Cultural Heritage and Identity Refugee and Immigration Issues Human Rights and Social Justice

The hottest Substack posts of Pen>Sword

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The Muslim World Has Failed the Uyghur

139 implied HN points • 11 Jan 23
🌍 World Politics Genocide Islam Diplomacy Human Rights Propaganda
  1. Muslim-majority governments and leaders have failed to support the Uyghur Muslims facing persecution in China.
  2. Some imams and scholars are using Islam to justify the genocide and horrors inflicted on the Uyghur people.
  3. The Uyghur diaspora and author Khaled A. Beydoun strongly condemn the Muslim nations and leaders who are supporting China's propaganda against the Uyghurs.

Critical Race Theory, Islam and the Hysteria in Between

199 implied HN points • 23 Aug 22
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Politics Race Islam Education Culture
  1. Critical Race Theory faces backlash and hysteria from right-wing politicians as a supposed threat to American values.
  2. The movement to ban Critical Race Theory capitalizes on populism to sustain white supremacy by demonizing advocates of racial justice.
  3. There are parallels between the movement to ban Critical Race Theory and the movement against Sharia Law, both fueled by xenophobia and distorted portrayals of Islam and Critical Race Theory.

The Fire This Time: Aaron Bushnell and the Rage that Burns Within All of US

5 HN points • 27 Feb 24
🌍 World Politics Palestine Genocide Protest Suicide
  1. The tragic story of Aaron Bushnell highlights the deep emotional struggles and complexities individuals face when driven to extreme forms of protest.
  2. Bushnell's radical act was a desperate plea for action against genocide, revealing the intense emotional toll of complicity and inaction.
  3. The symbolic nature of Bushnell's final words 'Free Palestine' speaks to the universal pain and passion shared in the fight for justice and against oppression.

Unveiling Gendered Islamophobia

179 implied HN points • 12 Aug 22
🌍 World Politics Islamophobia Gender Refugees
  1. The emergent laws policing Muslim women are rooted in imperial discourses, treating Muslim women's bodies as a way to advance colonialism and the 'War on Terror.'
  2. There is a gendered dialectic in Islamophobia that positions Muslim women as victims and men as ominous terrorists, driving a narrative that influences perceptions and actions.
  3. The discourse surrounding the rescue of Muslim women versus the lack of rescue for Muslim men reveals the strategic tropes associated with Muslim bodies exclusively along gendered lines.

On Earthquakes, Aid, and Human Fault Lines

79 implied HN points • 01 Mar 23
🌍 World Politics Human Rights Islamophobia Natural Disasters
  1. Earthquakes do not discriminate, but human actions based on race and religion can cause significant harm.
  2. Natural disasters like earthquakes can have devastating impacts, leading to loss of lives and homes that require global aid response.
  3. Prejudice and hate can worsen the suffering of victims of disasters, highlighting the importance of unity and support during crises.
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Pride and Prejudice in Tunisia

59 implied HN points • 30 May 23
🌍 World Politics Authoritarianism
  1. Kais Saied in Tunisia leverages racial divisions to maintain power, using anti-Black racism and xenophobia to manipulate public opinion.
  2. Saied's exploitation of racial prejudices aims to distract the public from systemic issues like corruption and unemployment, consolidating his power through division.
  3. By weaponizing racism against political opponents and stifling dissent with authoritarian tactics, Saied undermines democracy and centralizes power in his hands.

Top 5 Stories at the Close of Group Stage

59 implied HN points • 04 Dec 22
🎾 Sports Football Africa
  1. Morocco became the first African team to top a World Cup group in the 21st century, making a significant impact and upsetting favorites.
  2. The Palestinian flag was prominently present at the World Cup, symbolizing defiance and unity in the face of restrictions from Western nations.
  3. Japan's unexpected victories over powerhouses like Germany and Spain, along with their fans' spirited support, made them a standout team in the group stage.