A shocking and disheartening shift for sure. I never thought I'd see the day when Finkelstein would argue the right of Israel to exist as an exclusively Jewish state.
I think it's safe to say that in his advancing age, he's lost is idealism and only the pragmatic (and politically sell-able) is all that is important. He claims to support BDS, but at several points discounts them as a cult.
Norman Finkelstein
i've not watched this yet.
NORMAN FINKELSTEIN ON BDS
There has been a lot of nonsense written about Norman Finkelstein's position on Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions written over the past 24 hours. 'Nonsense', not because it is stupid, or insincere, but because it doesn't represent his position correctly, and therefore fails to address the substance of his critique. Since I think the critique is an important one, this reaction is a shame, because it means the serious issues it raises aren't being given the careful consideration they warrant.
For people wanting a clearer picture of what Norman's argument is, and what his responses are to several of the criticisms that are being bandied about at this point, I recommend watching the Q&A session after his recent talk in Edinburgh. Among the many confusions addressed: that Finkelstein fetishises the law; that he is overriding Palestinians' own preferences in a colonial or paternalistic manner; that he opposes BDS. The Q&As start around 1h50mins in:
NORMAN FINKELSTEIN ON BDS
There has been a lot of nonsense written about Norman Finkelstein's position on Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions written over the past 24 hours. 'Nonsense', not because it is stupid, or insincere, but because it doesn't represent his position correctly, and therefore fails to address the substance of his critique. Since I think the critique is an important one, this reaction is a shame, because it means the serious issues it raises aren't being given the careful consideration they warrant.
For people wanting a clearer picture of what Norman's argument is, and what his responses are to several of the criticisms that are being bandied about at this point, I recommend watching the Q&A session after his recent talk in Edinburgh. Among the many confusions addressed: that Finkelstein fetishises the law; that he is overriding Palestinians' own preferences in a colonial or paternalistic manner; that he opposes BDS. The Q&As start around 1h50mins in:
finkelstein on the bbc! 
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Wow, and I mean big fucking wow.
If Norman conveys his message in just two words, then I think he is fucking pissed off.
So where does that leave him?
In my opinion, I think he is disgusted with Zionism,
of course his parents were the victim of Auschwitz
But who got the money?
These fucking bankers from Newyork , walltreet motherfuckers who happen to be all Zionist.
I think soon I have to post something about Zionists bastards.
On one hand they believe in the third testament on the other hand they say we don't believe in hell and heaven.
Well what the fuck is that for an argument faceless.
I am working with them only for my work.
but I see too much discrepancies in their own words,
The reason I posted this not private and publically is that I am also pissed offed too
Luke said something very cleverly done. I always appreciate his posts.
Ha ha ha ha ha
Heil Hitler ha ha
If Norman conveys his message in just two words, then I think he is fucking pissed off.
So where does that leave him?
In my opinion, I think he is disgusted with Zionism,
of course his parents were the victim of Auschwitz
But who got the money?
These fucking bankers from Newyork , walltreet motherfuckers who happen to be all Zionist.
I think soon I have to post something about Zionists bastards.
On one hand they believe in the third testament on the other hand they say we don't believe in hell and heaven.
Well what the fuck is that for an argument faceless.
I am working with them only for my work.
but I see too much discrepancies in their own words,
The reason I posted this not private and publically is that I am also pissed offed too
Luke said something very cleverly done. I always appreciate his posts.
Ha ha ha ha ha
Heil Hitler ha ha
Finkelstein on Democracy Today earlier, talking about Gaza.
https://www.democracynow.org/2014/8/5/ce ... eaves_1800
https://www.democracynow.org/2014/8/5/ce ... eaves_1800