The Economy of the Occupation Bulletin 4 & 5 available
For the pdf version:
http://alternativenews.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=368&Itemid=70&lang=ISO-8859-1
This edition of "The Economy of the Occupation", entitled "The Gaza Withdrawal- Winners and Losers",by Shir Hever, is an economic reflection upon of the central aspects of the Israeli withdrawal from Gaza at the end of summer 2005.
Having observed the ‘Disengagement’ solely through channels of the media one would be tempted to take a view which is heavily influenced by emotion and heartbreak, yet short on facts. In order to truly understand the historic events that occurred in late summer, one must delve deeper.
This edition of the Economy of the Occupation presents an alternative, describing the incentives, deals, and money that changed hands in the process of the withdrawal.
Along with a comprehensive history of the illegal settlement activities in the strip, the The Gaza Withdrawal follows the powerful economic effects that accumulated through the years and through the veils of religious devotion. An undenieable reality emerges from the presented evidence and meticulously researched facts.
For every group involved in the withdrawal process, there is an analysis of its gains and losses. The settlers, the government, the Israeli public, the international community and the Palestinians have all played a role in the process.
It becomes clear that the political and economic leaders carefully calculated their decisions, throughout the withdrawal, in order to garner the support of the world while improving their own position in terms of security and economic profit. The complicated motives are clarified as well as the result - lucrative gain for many Israelis, and devastating loss for many Palestinians. It also becomes clear that the term ‘disengagement’ is a misnomer, and that the changes brought by the withdrawal do not signify the end of the Israeli occupation of Gaza.
The publication concludes with a section on the consequences of the withdrawal for the Palestinians themselves, and the policies that they have been forced to follow by the unilateral actions of Israel. From the despair of national abuse, and international misunderstanding, the Palestinians have determinately seized victory where possible and hope where viable. The Gaza Withdrawal- Winners and Losers, is an exciting presentation, of the story behind the story of the people, the land, and the money of the disengagement.