Israeli and Palestinian Archaeology



Al Jazeera News (I still can't believe I've become a fan, but it is truly one of the best all around TV newscasts in the world) did this special on yesterday's news. The clip took up most of the newscast, which is impressive in itself. When was the last time on American news that an in depth segment was done for a majority of the news cast on a field of study like archaeology?

In any event, this bit is like a mini-documentary on the issues involved with archaeology within the Holy Land, particularly between Palestinians and Israelis. The bit is pretty objective, but is slightly tilted towards the Palestinian perspective. That's the one Achilles' heel of Al Jazeera news that rears its head from time to time. This is apparently the full clip, of which only about 25 minutes of it was shown in the English Version newscast. I noticed the bias in full clip is more pronounced, which is a bit unfortunate because the actual news cast itself was pretty objective in its editing.

The only point I would seriously quibble with (at least from what was aired) is the bit at the end of the clip that asserts that Palestinians are not using archaeology for political ends like the Israelis are. I had to scoff at that because that is just not true. Otherwise, I think this is one of the best journalistic looks at the issues of Archaeology in the State of Israel that I have run across, and I am a subscriber to several international Archaeology publications.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Thoughts on the 'Connecticut 6'

For some weeks, I have had several friends (mostly non-Episcopalians surprisingly) wanting me to voice an opinion on this Connecticut 6 (sounds like a fleabag motel) business. If you are unfamiliar with this fiasco, for lack of a better term, let me describe it as best as I understand it. There is so much spin going on (from both sides I might add) that I have been having trouble discerning fact from fiction. As I understand the situation, the Rt. Rev. Andrew Smith is the Bishop of Connecticut. Well, at least he has a pointy hat, I do not think he is particularly acting like one. Likewise, as I understand, there are Six rectors of churches (at least they have collars, but likewise are not acting like it) that have applied for DEPO oversight (i.e. another Bishop to oversee them.) The best way I know how to describe the hoohah is as follows: The Feloniously Rev. Smith is trying to defrock the Superciliously Reverend Rectors. Darth Smith claims they have abandoned communion and has shadil
Read more

The History of the Football helmet

Image
NCAA.com put out an interesting editorial about the evolution of the football helmet that can be found here . This is in part due in my estimation to the current buzz (one might go so far as to describe it as hysteria) about concussions in contact sports, particularly football. I have always found this an interesting evolution. Long gone are the days of strapping on your leather helmet: In the 50's and 60's, the helmet evolved into, basically becoming a metal then hard plastic version of the leather helmet with the addition of a rudimentary face mask (which was really just a bar at first): Gradually, the helmet's face mask itself began to evolve: Combines with new space age style lightweight plastics and foams, the helmet mask ultimately became a type of full, goalie style face mask (This little number costs just under $1000 to purchase new): Ironically, being a military history major, the football helmet evolution followed the pattern of design that helmets worn
Read more

Homily Notes for the 32nd Sunday of Ordinary Time

                Many churches often have Stewardship Renewal drives around this time of year, with St. Michael’s beginning its drive in mid-October. Talks or homilies on stewardship during this time of year often utilize the imagery of the fall harvest season because stewardship is often a time to take stock of God’s bounty-both spiritually and materially-and plan accordingly as to how much a family or individual is willing to commit to giving to the parish in the coming year of their time, talent, and treasure. The Mass readings today are picked in part to reinforce that theme of the importance of giving to God’s work through the church out of the bounty God has given to us. The question in the back of some people’s minds as they listen to stewardship appeals often is not touched upon in depth by the preacher or speaker discussing the importance of stewardship, however. That question is best summed up as, “If God is all powerful, why does He need my money?” The readings today beaut
Read more