Writer Amina Khairy published an article on the “Al-Masry Al-Youm” website entitled “What Happened in Amsterdam,” in which she highlighted the repercussions of the attacks against Israeli football fans in Amsterdam, describing it as “the beginning of a new page of the effects of wars far from being settled.”
Khairy pointed out that the reactions to these events, of welcome and condemnation, reflect the state of division, and confirms that what happened is not just a passing event on the sidelines of a football match, but rather an extension of the Gaza war that spread to Lebanon.
The writer pointed out the King of the Netherlands’ apology to the Israelis, comparing what happened to “the Netherlands’ failure to protect the Jews during the Holocaust,” pointing to the “guilt complex” experienced by many European countries, and the influence of the Jewish lobby on their culture.
Khairy believes that leaving matters in limbo and following double standards in international politics creates a feeling of oppression and injustice, which prompts some to form pressure groups to change public culture, while others resort to carrying out revenge attacks.
The author warned of growing waves of hostility toward immigrants of Arab origin in Western countries, even though these countries remain the preferred destination for immigrants and refugees.
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What are the long-term implications of incidents like the attacks on Israeli football fans for international relations?
Time.news Editor: Welcome to today’s interview! We have the pleasure of speaking with Dr. Layla Hassan, an expert in international relations and conflict resolution, to discuss Amina Khairy’s recent article on the “Al-Masry Al-Youm” site regarding the attacks against Israeli football fans in Amsterdam. Dr. Hassan, thank you for joining us.
Dr. Layla Hassan: Thank you for having me! It’s an important topic that warrants a deep discussion.
Time.news Editor: In her article, Khairy refers to these attacks as “the beginning of a new page of the effects of wars far from being settled.” What do you interpret this sentiment to mean in the broader context of global conflicts?
Dr. Layla Hassan: Khairy’s statement captures the idea that the repercussions of unresolved conflicts can manifest in new and unexpected ways, even in non-conflict zones. The attacks on Israeli fans could symbolize growing tensions and how they are increasingly spilling over into daily life. This phenomenon suggests that the impacts of longstanding issues—like the Israeli-Palestinian conflict—are emerging further afield from the traditional battlegrounds.
Time.news Editor: That’s a profound observation. Khairy mentioned both welcome and condemnatory reactions to the incident. How do you think public sentiment can influence the course of international relations in situations like this?
Dr. Layla Hassan: Public sentiment plays a crucial role in shaping diplomatic discourse. Positive reactions can build bridges and promote dialogue, while condemnatory responses may escalate tensions. In this case, if the reactions lean towards hostility, it may lead to increased polarization between communities. It’s essential for leaders to acknowledge these feelings and respond in ways that promote understanding rather than division.
Time.news Editor: In light of such incidents, what steps do you believe can be taken by governments or organizations to prevent similar escalations in the future?
Dr. Layla Hassan: Preventing escalations requires a multi-faceted approach. Firstly, fostering cultural exchange and dialogue can help humanize the “other” and lessen animosity. Educational initiatives focusing on tolerance and coexistence can also be impactful. Increased communication between governments to address grievances before they erupt into violence is essential. Lastly, it’s crucial for media outlets to report responsibly, avoiding sensationalism that may stir emotions further.
Time.news Editor: Can you speak to the potential influence of social media in shaping responses to such events? How does it alter the narrative?
Dr. Layla Hassan: Social media can amplify reactions, sometimes distorting the original message or intensifying emotions. It provides a platform for quick mobilization of public sentiment, which can be constructive but also destructive. Misinterpretations can spread rapidly, and echo chambers can reinforce extremist views. Therefore, responsible engagement and careful moderation by platforms are vital to prevent the spread of harmful narratives.
Time.news Editor: Dr. Hassan, it appears that the aftermath of the Amsterdam attacks could leave a lasting impact on public perception and international relations. As an expert, what do you foresee as the next steps for both journalists and policymakers in addressing these complex issues?
Dr. Layla Hassan: For journalists, the key is to report with nuance, avoiding generalizations that can further stigmatize communities. They must provide context that allows readers to understand the complexities. For policymakers, proactive engagement with communities affected by such events is essential. Listening to grievances and promoting local peace initiatives can be a crucial step in preventing future incidents.
Time.news Editor: Thank you, Dr. Hassan. Your insights are incredibly valuable as we navigate these challenging waters of international relations and conflict. We appreciate your time and expertise today.
Dr. Layla Hassan: Thank you for having me; it’s been a pleasure discussing these pressing issues with you.