A(nother) sad day for British academia

Once again the annual congress of my union, the Universities and Colleges Union, has passed a motion which is but a step away from a boycott of Israeli (and only Israeli) academics. For numerous arguments against it, see here.

Norman Finkelstein loses it in Lebanon

I've read plenty of second-hand criticism of Norman Finkelstein, but you have to see him in the flesh to see how truly deranged he is - see his impassioned defence of Hizbollah here. Remember that this is the organisation whose leader, Sheikh Hassan Nasrallah, has said the handy thing about all the Jews gathering in Israel is that "it will save us the trouble of going after them worldwide". I guess Norman thinks this is just more legitimate criticism of Israel. an

Totalitarian government suppresses criticism

Or maybe not. Here and here.

Bishop against the boycott

Wonders never cease. Here.