In the last 2.5 years, Spain has emerged as probably the strongest non-Muslim supporter of the Palestinian cause globally. This has included such actions as recognizing a Palestinian state, and just now permanently withdrawing their ambassador to Israel. But we need to understand exactly how insanely hypocritical this is—it's not a simple case of European moralfagging as with Norway for example.
For one thing, Spain's fanatical support of a primarily Muslim cause is strange from the outset, when we consider how they were in fact colonized by Arab Muslims in the Al-Andalus period (ended by the Reconquista). But then again a lot of European countries are forgetting their own history in the name of tolerance and inclusion.
What really makes it ridiculous is that Spain itself contains multiple minority liberation movements that were/are actively suppressed. "Spain" as a country is really nothing more than Castilian hegemony over an array of subcultures, including Catalan, Galician, and the highly divergent (non-IE) Basque. Stylizing themselves as guardians of humanity or whatever sanctimonious virtue label makes no sense when the Castilian Spaniard-dominated core has repeatedly crushed and silenced legitimate efforts of minorities with distinct culture and language to achieve self-determination. Moreover even though I typically am opposed to leftist movements, Spain is a case where I make an exception, particularly in the case of Basques.
The Basques are in fact the oldest people in Europe, predating all Indo-European cultures (I can't remember if the Sámi are older, but that's irrelevant). I have done lots of research into Basque culture, history, and language and it is difficult to conclude anything else than that they deserve their own state. Now imagine the irony of Basque nationalists aligning themselves with Palestine, only to be fucked over by Spain doing the same thing in order to appear as a virtuous force.
Sorry for the ramble but Iberian separatism has fascinated me for years, and it is interesting to connect to the more recent I/P conflict iteration.
@Tšuudi @cathuluelitist (can't think of anyone else… tag any Spaincels you know)
For one thing, Spain's fanatical support of a primarily Muslim cause is strange from the outset, when we consider how they were in fact colonized by Arab Muslims in the Al-Andalus period (ended by the Reconquista). But then again a lot of European countries are forgetting their own history in the name of tolerance and inclusion.
What really makes it ridiculous is that Spain itself contains multiple minority liberation movements that were/are actively suppressed. "Spain" as a country is really nothing more than Castilian hegemony over an array of subcultures, including Catalan, Galician, and the highly divergent (non-IE) Basque. Stylizing themselves as guardians of humanity or whatever sanctimonious virtue label makes no sense when the Castilian Spaniard-dominated core has repeatedly crushed and silenced legitimate efforts of minorities with distinct culture and language to achieve self-determination. Moreover even though I typically am opposed to leftist movements, Spain is a case where I make an exception, particularly in the case of Basques.
The Basques are in fact the oldest people in Europe, predating all Indo-European cultures (I can't remember if the Sámi are older, but that's irrelevant). I have done lots of research into Basque culture, history, and language and it is difficult to conclude anything else than that they deserve their own state. Now imagine the irony of Basque nationalists aligning themselves with Palestine, only to be fucked over by Spain doing the same thing in order to appear as a virtuous force.
Sorry for the ramble but Iberian separatism has fascinated me for years, and it is interesting to connect to the more recent I/P conflict iteration.
@Tšuudi @cathuluelitist (can't think of anyone else… tag any Spaincels you know)
