The American academic Norman Finkelstein spoke at the University of Birmingham last Thursday on ‘How to resolve the Israel-Palestine conflict’ and hosted a short question and answer session. A controversial figure, Finkelstein spoke about recent developments in the world regarding the conflict, such as the Palestinians attempt for statehood through the UN and approaches taken by Turkey and Egypt towards Israel.
In the question and answer session Finkelstein vehemently attacked the UN, labelling their report absolving Israel of blame in their flotilla raid as ‘disgusting’ and calling UN secretary-general Ban Ki-Moon a ‘bit of a freak’. Regarding the current situation of a potentially nuclear Iran, Finkelstein defended Iran, saying they had more of a right to attack Israel.
Finkelstein’s visit was marked by a protest outside the Education Building by Jsoc who opposed his visit on the basis of previous controversial statements by Finkelstein regarding the Holocaust and Hizbullah.