Roqayah Chamseddine: Life, War, And Resistance In The Middle East
Can normalcy truly exist in the shadow of violence? The resilience of the human spirit is a powerful force, capable of finding equilibrium even amidst devastation. In the aftermath of a violent attack in Haret Hreik, a suburb of Beirut, a semblance of routine emerged the following day. Crowds gathered, not to celebrate, but to bear witness to the destruction, the gaping maw in the urban landscape a stark reminder of the fragility of peace.
A medical responder, weary from two days at the site, observed that life had largely returned to its familiar rhythm. Shops reopened, conversations resumed, and children played, their laughter a defiant echo against the backdrop of tragedy. Yet, the scars remained, etched not only onto the physical structures but onto the collective psyche of the community. This uneasy coexistence of trauma and tenacity begs a deeper examination of the psychological and societal impact of conflict in a region perpetually grappling with instability.
| Name | Roqayah Chamseddine |
|---|---|
| Profession | Journalist, Writer, Researcher, Podcast Host |
| Current Residence | Sydney, Australia |
| Podcast | Delete Your Account |
| Publications | Sydney Morning Herald, Elle Magazine, Splinter, Overland Journal |
| Focus Areas | Class/Poverty, Housing Rights, Healthcare, Organizing |
| Reference | Delete Your Account Podcast (This link may not be active or accurate and is provided as a placeholder. It's crucial to find and verify a current, accurate link if one exists.) |
The political and military ramifications of the escalating conflict in the West Bank remain uncertain. Dozens have been killed following Israeli attacks on the Jenin refugee camp, aided by the Palestinian Authority, which has been criticized for acting as an arm of the occupation. The international community watches with bated breath, questioning how global powers will respond and what impact their actions will have on an already volatile situation.
The ideological clash between powerful global forces and the working class continues to evolve. Many are awakening to the inherent contradictions within the current system, recognizing the potential for economic instability exacerbated by aggressive trade policies. This growing awareness raises critical questions about the future of global capitalism and its impact on vulnerable populations.
In the southern suburbs of Beirut, the loss of Hezbollah leader Sayyid Hasan Nasrallah in September resonated deeply within the community. Revered as a symbol of sacrifice, his image adorns doorways and storefronts, a constant reminder of his influence. Thousands gathered at the Camille Chamoun Sports City Stadium to mourn Nasrallah and Sayyed Hashem Safieddine, both victims of an Israeli bombing that decimated residential buildings. The sheer scale of the destruction underscores the devastating human cost of the ongoing conflict.
Amidst the human toll, the struggle for land remains a central theme. In the border villages, despite the constant threat of Israeli ceasefire violations, residents steadfastly refuse to abandon their homes, erecting tents and reaffirming their connection to the land. Their resilience echoes the principles of Frantz Fanon, highlighting the profound significance of land to indigenous populations. "For a colonized people the most essential value, because the most concrete, is first and foremost the land: The land which will bring" This powerful sentiment underscores the fundamental link between identity, heritage, and land ownership in regions marked by conflict.
The escalating conflict extends beyond Lebanon's borders. In Yemen, the Health Ministry reported casualties following an attack on the Farwah neighborhood and market in Sanaa's Shaoub district. The ongoing violence further destabilizes an already fragile region, raising concerns about the humanitarian crisis and the potential for further escalation.
In Gaza, the healthcare infrastructure has been ravaged. Dr. Yipeng Ge, a physician who treated patients in Gaza in February 2024, described a scene of overwhelming devastation, with hospitals struggling to cope with the influx of casualties. The sheer number of children among the victims underscores the devastating impact of war on the most vulnerable members of society. A chilling record of loss, with the first 200 pages filled with the names of child victims, the first 14 pages dedicated to infants under one year old, serves as a stark indictment of the human cost of the conflict.
Palestinian author and director of the Electronic Intifada, Ali Abunimah, voiced his concerns about the proposed ethnic cleansing of Gaza, challenging the notion that the Palestinian people could be forcibly removed from their land. His words highlight the ongoing struggle for self-determination and the resistance against displacement.
In Arabsalim, a small southern Lebanese town, the echoes of gunfire punctuated a funeral procession following a declared ceasefire. This poignant image encapsulates the volatile nature of the region, where even moments of supposed peace are tinged with the specter of violence. The ongoing cycle of conflict underscores the urgent need for a lasting resolution, one that addresses the root causes of the conflict and prioritizes the safety and security of all those affected.
Even seemingly unrelated discussions reflect the underlying tensions and ideological battles of our time. The concept of political civility and its role in public discourse raises questions about how we engage with opposing viewpoints, particularly in a climate of increasing polarization.
