My Facing Global Issues class had an amazing learning opportunity this past Wednesday. We were lucky enough to host Professor Mietek Boduszynski for our class and gain an understanding of his past work in foreign affairs as well as his view on the current Israel/Palestine conflict. Soon, a year will have passed since the October 7th attacks that started the current conflict, and sadly, an ending to the death and suffering does not look close. We need to learn from people like Professor Boduszynski; awareness and education are the best prevention of human suffering.
Although a somber conversation, Professor Boduszynski used his knowledge of foreign affairs to teach us more about a topic that we have already spent a week closely studying. A history of allies vs. partners on the international politics scale allowed me to understand the gravity of the situation further, and how the relations the US must maintain with certain countries means that our government will look the other way (breaking our own laws) when handling human rights violations in certain countries.
Boduszynski also impressed me when I asked him what his opinions on the current leaders of Hamas meeting in China were. Even with little knowledge about China's role in the situation, Boduszynski's vast knowledge of foreign affairs helped him infer what he thought China is trying to do--become the largest player in the Middle East and Africa--dethroning the US.
But even with such a knowledgeable speaker, I left the room with questions. Why is so much money sent to Israel when they are killing innocent people in broad daylight? If we violate our own laws by looking the other way in India, why shouldn't we do the same to defund the IDF, saving innocent men, women, and children in Gaza? There are ways to reach peace without leaving Israel vulnerable to its neighboring countries and without the deaths of thousands of Palestinians. Again, the best prevention to violence is through education and awareness. We must educate ourselves if we want peace for the future.
Left Image: Prfessor Boduszynski
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Hey August! I really enjoyed reading your blog about Dr. Boduszynski's visit to our class. I found your reflection about education as the solution to human suffering to be very profound. Highlighting how awareness opens doors to solutions is important to reducing tensions and ending conflict. I wonder how China's role will increase in the coming years? I hope you can find answers to your questions!