Jimmy Johnson - The Matrix of Control: the mechanisms of domination in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict March 26, 2007

What is the matrix of control? It is an interlocking series of mechanisms, only a few of which require physical occupation of territory, that allow Israel to control every aspect of Palestinian life in the Occupied Territories. The matrix works like the Japanese game of Go. Instead of defeating your opponent as in chess, in Go you win by immobilizing your opponent, by gaining control of key points of a matrix so that every time s/he moves s/he encounters an obstacle of some kind. This strategy was used effectively in Vietnam, where small forces of Viet Cong were able to pin down some half-million American soldiers possessing overwhelming firepower. The matrix imposed by Israel in the West Bank, Gaza and East Jerusalem, similar in appearance to a Go board, has virtually paralyzed the Palestinian population without "defeating" it or even conquering much territory.

Bio

Jimmy Johnson has worked as a researcher for the Israeli Committee Against House Demolitions (ICAHD) in Jerusalem since 2004. His work there included documenting human rights abuses, organizing and practicing civil disobedience, and guiding governmental and civil society groups from all over the world in political tours of East Jerusalem and environs. For two years he has researched Israel's arms industry to develop a model of the country's military diplomacy and is the co-author, along with Prof. Jeff Halper, of a upcoming book on the subject from Pluto Press.

The discussion is free and open to all. Please consider making a donation to ICAHD on-line (www.icahd.org) or at the event.

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