Decoding the Paradox: The Dual Liberal Standard on Palestine

About the Author(s)

Anoush Rashid Khan

The author is a student of International Relations in her 7th semester at DHA-Suffa University. She has a deep passion for writing about pressing global issues.

Liberals have been at the forefront of holding individuals and institutions accountable for their actions, particularly in the realms of corporate governance and environmental stewardship. However, when allegations surface against individuals or states aligned with liberal ideologies, the response can be notably different. The selective application of accountability standards has led to accusations of bias and undermined the credibility of the very principles they espouse. These inconsistencies warrant a closer examination of the dual standard and its implications on societal trust and cohesion.

In today’s interconnected world, the media plays a crucial role in shaping public opinion and influencing global narratives. However, a disturbing pattern has emerged when it comes to reporting on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. There appears to be a dual standard in the way some liberals perceive Israel’s actions and the level of scrutiny it faces. In this article I aim to delve into this issue and shed light on the hypocrisy that exists within international reactions to the Palestinian struggle for liberation.

The Perceived Bias

When we look at the coverage of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, it becomes evident that Israel often faces a disproportionate level of scrutiny from certain liberal quarters. While it is essential to hold all nations accountable for their actions, the inconsistency arises when comparing the international reactions to similar situations faced by other countries. The double standard becomes apparent, revealing a bias against Israel in the media and political discourse. One of the most glaring examples of this double standard is the way in which the international media portrays Israel’s military operations. While Palestine, like any oppressed nation, scarcely engages in responsive actions in response to massive explosions, its actions are thoroughly portrayed in the negative light. The media’s focus on Hamas`s actions on behalf of the Palestinians while downplaying or ignoring the context and provocations that led to them creates a distorted narrative is ridiculous and in no way justifies a modern day genocide Israel has been conducting.

This bias has significant consequences, as it perpetuates a skewed understanding of the Israeli oppression. The lack of context leads to a misrepresentation of the situation on the ground and hinders the prospects for a just and lasting peace.

The Palestinian Struggle for Liberation

The Palestinian people have been fighting for their rights and freedom for decades. Yet, their struggle often goes unnoticed or is vilified under the labels of “terrorism” and “antisemitism.” The international media’s failure to give equal attention and support to the Palestinian cause raises questions about the true motivations behind these double standards. Palestinians have endured immense hardship, including countless military attacks launched by Israel, resulting in the loss of thousands of lives and the displacement of entire communities. The trauma and fear that Palestinians carry with them are often ignored or dismissed in the mainstream media. This lack of acknowledgment perpetuates their suffering and denies them the international support they desperately need. The lack of human advocacy not only comes from the media but the political figures regarding themselves as liberals portray the highs of hypocrisy too. The alignment of their values with political agendas has raised pertinent questions about the ethical consistency of their actions. Liberals being champions of holding public figures accountable for their personal conduct, emphasizing the importance of empathy and moral integration in leadership. However, instances emerge where leniency is extended to individuals within their ranks, such as the head of states of the ultimate liberal states of USA, France: Joe Biden or Emmanuel Macron raise concerns about the application of these standards. The perceived double standard has triggered debates about the ethical framework within liberal circles and the impact it has on their credibility and influence.

Taking into consideration the political, states , individuals and the media’s bias which is disheartening and coated with bogus information and perspectives , there is hope in the power of solidarity. People around the world are increasingly aware of the injustices faced by the Palestinian people and are joining the call for justice and freedom. Despite the media blackout, grassroots movements and social media activism have helped to amplify the Palestinian voice and shed light on their struggle.

The importance of independent journalism in telling Palestinian stories cannot be overstated. Palestinian young journalists from within Palestine like Motaz Azaiza, Blestia Alaqad, Bissan and others have been at the forefront of pushing back against misinformation and providing a platform for Palestinian voices. Supporting such initiatives is vital in countering the biased narratives and fostering a more nuanced understanding of the Israeli oppression, ethnic cleansing and the ongoing Nakba. By challenging the double standard, misinformation and hate speech while amplifying the voices of all those affected by the conflict, we can work towards a more inclusive and empathetic dialogue that paves the way for a just and lasting resolution and Intifada. It is only through an honest and nuanced approach that we can break free from the shackles of bias and contribute to a future of peace , harmony and freedom for the people of Palestine.