Matthew's Notebook

Matthew's Notebook explores historical, societal, and media observations from an American perspective in the Middle East, touching on issues like international tensions, war crimes, political dynamics, economic sanctions, and cultural reflections. It critically examines U.S. and global politics, focusing on diplomacy, humanitarianism, and the implications of military actions.

International Relations War and Conflicts Media Analysis Economic Sanctions Cultural Observations Political Dynamics Human Rights Diplomacy

A textbook war crime in Jenin

137 implied HN points • 30 Jan 24

Israeli forces shot patients in a hospital in Jenin, claiming they were enemy combatants, violating the laws of war.
The Geneva Conventions were written to protect injured soldiers' right to medical care in war.
Disguising soldiers as medical staff and attacking hospitals are recognized as war crimes.

The death and birth of the Iranian opposition

117 implied HN points • 24 Apr 23

🌍 World Politics Iran Opposition Foreign influence

Media coverage does not always reflect the true importance of events in Iranian politics.
Internal opposition in Iran faces challenges due to infighting and lack of focus.
There is a growing push for change within Iran, with calls for a referendum on a new constitution.

Hello to my newest readers...

117 implied HN points • 26 May 23

🌐 International Social media

The author's experience being interrogated at the U.S. border.
The irony of U.S. passport privileges versus border entry issues.
Sharing social media details with border agents.

Muslim-American conservatives and the Palestinian question

117 implied HN points • 15 Jun 23

🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political landscape Foreign Policy

The rise of Muslim-American conservatives is influencing the politics of Israel and Palestine in the US.
The U.S. political scene is seeing shifts in pro-Israel and pro-Palestine sentiments among Democrats and Republicans.
As Arab and Muslim communities align with the Republican Party, tensions may arise regarding the approach to the Palestinian issue.

The way we debate Hiroshima is all wrong

117 implied HN points • 22 May 23

💾 History World War II Nuclear Weapons Military Strategy War Crimes Global Conflict

The debate over Hiroshima involves questions about war crimes, responsibility, and historical apologies.
The decision to drop the atomic bombs on Japan was part of a broader plan that included invasion, negotiation, and blockade.
There were alternatives to using nuclear weapons on Japan, such as negotiation or demonstrating the bomb's power in a less deadly manner.

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An Islamist immigrant explains polygamy to Americans, 1975

98 implied HN points • 16 Jul 23

🌍 World Politics Immigration Revolution Diplomacy Middle East Citizenship

Iranian-Americans played important roles in Iran's 1979 revolution.
Ebrahim Yazdi explained his beliefs on Islamic marriage when applying for U.S. citizenship in 1971.
Yazdi's earnest approach to America was evident in his honest and detailed response about polygamy in his citizenship application.

SpongeBob, the bikini, Godzilla, and thermonuclear genocide

98 implied HN points • 02 Aug 23

🎭️ Culture Film Television History Pop culture Literature

Bikini Atoll's nuclear tests had a huge impact on the island and its people.
Pop culture like SpongeBob and Godzilla have references to Bikini Atoll's history.
Thermonuclear weapons, like the ones tested at Bikini Atoll, have had lasting effects and influenced pop culture.

Is the U.S. choosing targets in Gaza for Israel?

78 implied HN points • 11 Jan 24

🌍 World Politics Foreign Relations Intelligence Conflict Military Government

The U.S. has sent intelligence officers to Israel to share targeting data during the Gaza war.
This reveals a deeper level of U.S. involvement in the conflict than previously reported.
Utilizing the Freedom of Information Act and interviewing sources are crucial for investigative journalism.

Turkey, Israel, and the victory of religious nationalism

78 implied HN points • 15 May 23

🌍 World Politics

In Turkey and Israel, religious nationalism is on the rise as secular nationalists and minorities struggle to unseat the ruling parties.
Turkish and Israeli politics share similarities in their historical backgrounds, focusing on religious nationalism and seeking to appeal to the majority through identity and piousness.
Both countries face challenges with minority groups like Kurds and Palestinians, which influence electoral strategies, alliances, and policies.

Khomeini's right-hand man was a "Jeffersonian Democrat" womanizer — and other FBI stories

78 implied HN points • 11 Jun 23

🌍 World Politics Intelligence Revolution Iran Activism

Newly-declassified documents shed light on Iranian revolutionary Sadeq Qotbzadeh's run-ins with the FBI.
Qotbzadeh was labeled a 'Jeffersonian Democrat' despite his ties to Ayatollah Khomeini.
The FBI had extensive intel on the Iranian-American diaspora through informants and surveillance.

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