Too often, the conflict is reduced to a “war of perception“ in which politicians, journalists, and activists present compelling evidence supporting their beliefs while omitting equally compelling evidence to the contrary. Simply put, reports and analyses of the conflict tend to be either staunchly pro-Israel or pro-Palestine. These dichotomized opinions are also reflected in the responses to Sanders’ remarks, when the reality is probably closer to Harriet Sherwood’s statement in The Guardian: “The truth is lost amid the propaganda battle being waged alongside the shells, bombs, guns and rockets. What is certain is that the picture is more complicated than either side claims.” [...]
Discursive balance is crucial to understanding conflicts. Although a presidential debate is the last place one would expect to find a ‘no spin zone,’ we should note Bernie Sanders’ remarks for their substance and for their inherent recognition that there are multiple sides to every story. They are a shining example of how we can stop treating the rhetoric around the Israeli-Palestinian conflict as antithetical, and instead acknowledge the humanity and flaws on both sides.
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