BU Now » Hezbollha: A Short History

Israel eases Gaza blockade

Dick Taffe — Thu, 17 Jun 2010 16:43:12 +0000

Israel announced a relaxation of the 3-year-old blockade of Gaza, promising to ease the importation of some goods by land but not offering to lift its navel embargo. The move came weeks after Israeli commandos killed nine people on an aid flotilla trying to breach the blockade. International relations Professor Augustus Richard Norton, author of “Hezbollah: A Short History” and authority on Middle East politics, says if Israel was serious about improving the living conditions in Gaza, it would stop preventing the exports of agricultural goods and allow the strip’s simple manufacturing sector to resume making and selling everyday essentials.

“This latest decision is an arrogant in-your-face to the U.S. and other concerned members of the international community. Watch the U.S. government spokespersons’ reaction. If they commend Israel, then you may heavily discount Obama’s commitment to Middle East peacemaking.”

Contact Agustus Richard Norton, 617-353-7808, arn@bu.edu

Panel to examine Gaza raid

Dick Taffe — Tue, 15 Jun 2010 17:04:09 +0000

In an effort to stave off calls for an international inquiry and international criticism, Israel’s cabinet approved a government-appointed commission with foreign participation to investigate the deadly commando raid last month on a flotilla bound for blockaded Gaza. But international relations Professor Augustus Richard Norton, author of “Hezbollah: A Short History,” says the proposed Israeli panel falls well short of impartiality and credulity.

“The board is charged to address the blockade’s legality, but it is noteworthy that the International Committee of the Red Cross, not an organization given to rash judgments, has already noted that Israel’s blockade of Gaza is a violation of the Geneva Convention.”

Contact Augustus Richard Norton, 617-353-7808, arn@bu.edu

BU professor tells Congress

Dick Taffe — Tue, 08 Jun 2010 21:02:39 +0000

International relations Professor Augustus Richard Norton, a former U.N. peacekeeper in Lebanon and author of “Hezbollah: A Short History,” testified before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee’s Subcommittee on Near Eastern and South Asian Affairs about assessing the strength of Hezbollah. In his testimony, Norton made clear that Hezbollah remains a major influence in Lebanon because it’s the only military force see as capable of repelling the Israeli army.

“One key to reducing Hezbollah’s mass appeal may be to reduce the threat of war, rather than heighten it. So long as the threat prevails, Hezbollah will be a prime beneficiary.”

Contact Augustus Richard Norton, 617-353-7808, arn@bu.edu