Chomsky and Dershowitz: On Endless War and the End of Civil Liberties
Declining civil liberties in the U.S. is a direct result of long U.S. support for violations of international law and human rights, including the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, argues Yale scholar Friel. Using the works of intellectuals Alan Dershowitz of Harvard and Noam Chomsky of MIT as metaphors, Friel considers how attitudes and public policy on international law have changed since the terrorist attacks of 9/11. He argues that Dershowitz has not honored his commitment to international law and human rights, while Chomsky has remained steadfast in his challenge to any nation, including the U.S. and Israel, to threaten or use force in intervening in the affairs of other nations. He explores the 40-year rivalry between the two men and how their viewpoints have diverged. Drawing on the work of both men, Friel examines their positions in the broader context of U.S. domestic policy on civil liberties from the 1960s onward and foreign policy since the Vietnam War. Friel cautions that Dershowitz’s support of the war on terrorism threatens American civil liberties, while Chomsky’s viewpoint shows the way toward more peaceful resolution of conflicts at home and abroad. --Vanessa Bush--This text refers to theHardcoveredition.