16 September 2010
By Kourosh Ziabari
Kenneth O'Keefe is a world citizen. As an anti-war
activist and social entrepreneur, he renounced his
U.S. citizenship on March 1, 2001 and burned his
American passport on January 7, 2004 in protest to the
United States' Imperialism and called for the
immediate withdrawal of American forces from Iraq.
O'Keefe is a former U.S. Mariner who served in the
1991 Persian Gulf War and subsequently revealed the
use of depleted uranium by the United States as a
crime against humanity.
O'Keefe has taken part in a number of substantial
anti-war movements and served as the director of Human
Shield Action to Iraq. He founded a group of activists
who traveled to Iraq to act as human shields to
prevent the U.S.-led coalition troops from bombing
certain locations during the 2003 invasion of Iraq.
In 2004 O'Keefe established an
association known as the "P10K Force," a group of
10,000 Westerners intended to act as international
observers in the occupied Palestinian territories and
help bring peace with Israel
In the fall of 2008, he served as a Captain and 1st
Mate with the Free Gaza Movement, a direct action in
which 46 people successfully challenged the Israeli
siege of Gaza
O'Keefe was one of the international peace activists
onboard the Gaza Freedom Flotilla that was intended to
end the Israeli siege of Gaza Strip.
Kenneth O'Keefe joined me in an in-depth interview to
answer my questions on his anti-imperialistic
viewpoints, the prospect of Israeli-Palestinian
conflict, the continued international controversy over
Iran's nuclear program, the chronic hostility between
the United States and Iran and his experiences in the
Freedom Flotilla mission.
Kourosh Ziabari: as an anti-imperialist
activist, what's in your view, the source of America's
enormous imperialistic power? America is a country
with less than 400 years of history; however, it has
successfully transformed the international order,
dominated the less powerful countries around the world
and revolutionized the global political equations. How
is it possible for the United States to do so?
Kenneth O'Keefe: The world is full of illusions that
are used by the rich and powerful to manipulate and
control the people. The greatest illusion, and the one
with the most devastating consequences, is that the
American people and the Israeli, and the British, and
numerous others, vote in their governments and hold
them to account. Those who really control the
governments are those powerful few who control the
banking systems, the major multi-national corporations
and, of course, the mass media. If you look beyond the
faces of the presidents, prime ministers and
politicians you will see that these governments'
policies remain virtually the same, no matter who is
'leading' these countries. These 'leaders' do not
answer to the people they have pledged to serve; they
answer to those who remain behind the scenes.
These powerful people and entities have key strategic
needs in order to maintain power:
1) They must keep the people ignorant and
disempowered.
2) They must keep the people divided. They conquer by
dividing the people, never giving people the chance to
unite; constantly fostering war by pitting the masses
against each other
This system has been controlled by the same families
for millennia, and people have been manipulated into a
collective state of insanity throughout. Over the
course of this tragic situation, empires have come and
gone, each one giving way to the next. America is
simply the latest in that repeating pattern, and it
will fall like all empires do. However, the powers
behind it, those controlling the banking, the
governments and the propaganda, they will remain in
place and prop up the next empire and the pattern will
repeat.
We are constantly looking at the faces that these
powers present to us, the puppets in effect. The
powers themselves remain hidden, with many layers of
separation between themselves and the people, and an
intricate and complex legal system to protect and hide
them. In the west this conspiracy has been called a
theory, and everything is done to try and marginalize
and ridicule the people who speak correctly about the
way the world works. Until this system and those
behind it are exposed, we will continue our cycle of
self-destruction and continue marching towards a
nuclear Armageddon. The most powerful weapon we have
is the truth, and until we yield its full power, we
will never have justice and peace in this world.
KZ: how is it possible to resist the American
Imperialism while the absolute majority of powerful,
wealthy states in the world are the stalwart allies of
Washington and the other developing, underdeveloped
countries are starving of insufficiency and poverty?
Even the Non-Aligned Movement which consists of 118
countries isn't capable of dictating its will to the
United States and its European allies. One clear
instance is Iran's nuclear program which is favored
and supported by the 118 members of NAM, but fails to
prosper due to the objection of some 5, 6 European
countries plus the United States. What do you think?
KO: I believe the process
of destroying American imperialism is already in
place. The truth is the most powerful weapon of all,
and the rise in popularity of international news
stations like Press TV, Al Jazeera English and RTTV is
evidence that people are hungry for the truth they are
denied. Despite a huge effort by the western/Zionist
controlled media to keep people ignorant, and thus
divided, they are losing ground to such important
journalistic endeavors that disseminate a truthful
version of world events.
The truth is on our side
and it shall set us free. There are many creative ways
to expose the truth, and we must use them to educate
people about how they are being used to maintain the
Zionist/Imperialist agenda that makes the rich richer,
and the masses more impoverished. If we persevere, we
can teach those in the west that the portrayal of
Muslim peoples engaged in violent resistance as
lunatics and fanatics is simply a means adopted by the
Imperialist propaganda machine to divide and
conquer. If people understand that the only
beneficiaries of war are those who propagate it, we
will break free from the tyranny of war, occupation
and the monetary system that enslaves us all.
The people of the world,
billions of us, can demand the transformation of the
UN, or replace it with a genuine system that actually
does the job the UN has failed to do since its
inception. If we dedicate ourselves to the task, we
can end the five permanent member state system that
neutralizes any power this institution may wield.
The Non-Aligned Movement is
important despite its inability thus far to effect the
greater change required. The NAM is a solid foundation
that we can build on.
The hypocrisy of Israel
having undeclared nuclear weapons in the hundreds
while an open nuclear program in Iran is grounds for
war is beyond absurd. War can only take place if the
propaganda machine is successful in keeping people
ignorant. I believe that the pre-planned attack on
Iran was scheduled to take place at least a year or
two ago. The reason it has thus far not transpired is
that those agents of the truth have worked tirelessly
and effectively to expose the pending attack as the
final confirmation of America's monstrous imperialism
and the use of Israel as its vicious attack dog. If
America, Israel and Britain, the true 'Axis of Evil',
attack, I believe the world will unite against them in
a sufficient manner. Nonetheless, attacks on Iran,
Lebanon and Gaza remain very possible; hence more and
more investment in exposing the truth must be made.
Confronting the tyrants
responsible for the blockade of Gaza is in my opinion
a priority. That is why I am working with a brilliant
team of people on organizing a massive flotilla, with
large ships and thousands of passengers representing
every nation on Planet Earth, to break the blockade.
As well as the Turkish people, I see the Iranian,
South African, Irish, Venezuelan and colonized,
aboriginal peoples playing a substantial role in that
mission.
When all is said and done,
we have a choice between surrendering to our
enslavement or fighting for a just and peaceful world.
I feel that the only way to honor myself, my children
and the generations yet unborn is to fight, with the
truth as our ultimate weapon, until justice prevails.
KZ: Iran and
U.S. have been at loggerheads over the past 30 years
hostilely. Do you know of any way to bring the two
nations closer together, increase the mutual
understanding and promote peace, friendship between
the two adversaries?
KO: The primary means of
fostering a mutual understanding and friendship
between these two hostile nations is no secret. I
repeat my conviction that the truth is the ultimate
weapon, and anything we can do to propagate the truth
is our only option. The American people are a
hard-working, idealistic and honest people who have
been gravely deceived, to their own detriment. We
must strive to educate them, not in a condescending,
patronizing way, but with empathy, understanding that
we too once believed the lies of those we trusted, and
were misguided into actions that caused grave harm to
others. Paying taxes is an example. We must teach them
the true history of their nation, including its part
in the formation of Israel. We must understand that
arriving at and accepting the truth is a slow and
often painful process, especially when the realization
of the damage caused by our own actions dawns. Most
importantly, we must be there to welcome those who
have traversed the painful road to the truth, and
embrace them as our brothers and sisters.
KZ: some analysts suggest that the reason behind
the United States' unconditional support for Israel
lies in the fact that Washington wants to maintain its
interests in the Middle East through a proxy
representative. Some others believe that United States
supports Israel on an ideological basis. What's your
viewpoint?
KO: This ties into my last answer. Israel is
simply another face, or front, if you like, that the
hidden powers that be present to the people. Israel's
primary function is to maintain perpetual conflict in
the Middle East. Soon enough, Israel will be spreading
this conflict on a global level. I have no doubt that
the pending attack on Iran is intended to take us
straight into World War III, with a regional nuclear
war very likely. This is quite obviously a disaster to
any sane human being.
However, to those who see their power threatened by
the spreading of truth, 9-11, Zionism, the banking
system, etc, this is a very necessary act to help them
maintain their grip of control over peoples of the
world. This 'divide and conquer' strategy has served
them well for millennia. On the surface, war is
catastrophic, and it seems incomprehensible that
anyone could stand to benefit from war. In truth,
however, the powers that be become even richer and
more powerful as they gain a foothold in yet another
peoples' territory, and afford themselves access to
their resources, just take Iraq as an example. The
looming death and destruction serves to further divide
people and divert them from the truth. What these
powers fear more than anything is people coming
together in the spirit of humanity. Thus, war is the
ultimate tool to prevent the union of the people.
KZ: Israel's lawlessness is troubling the
international community seriously. Israel continues to
possess nuclear weapons in violation of the UNSC
resolution 487. It is also keeping up with its
despotic policies in blockading the Gaza Strip and
West Bank. How is it possible to hold Israel
accountable for the crimes it commits while the United
States is standing by Israel unreservedly?
KO: I believe that Palestine hits at the heart of all
injustice, and that the issue of justice for
Palestinians threatens to flagrantly expose the powers
that have made this situation so. The Zionist project
has been invested in heavily, and the powers that be
will not relinquish it lightly.
As I stated earlier, there is an intricate and
sophisticated legal system that protects the powers
that be and enables them to continue their domination
over the peoples of this earth. Two such institutions
that are being used to enable and perpetuate Israel's
lawlessness are the UN and the International Criminal
Court. I strongly advocate the abolition of the UN in
its present form.
Giving five permanent member states veto powers over
all other states in the world is an insult to the
international community and an affront to the cause of
justice. Universal Jurisdiction and full
accountability for every nation can and will be
achieved when we as a people make it so. Until such
time, the United Nations is a cruel joke and the
International Criminal Court is a sham. Both are
fronts presented by the powers that be to convince the
people that justice is being administered.
We as people must use our finite resources and come
together if we are to effect meaningful change. We are
too scattered, fighting each other on minor details
and continually resisting and protesting. We must take
a proactive approach to effecting justice, and do so
in a focused, intelligent, disciplined and fearless
way.
KZ: tell us about your experience on the Gaza
Freedom Flotilla. You were among tens of activists who
were brutally beaten and tortured by Israel while
trying to breaking the Gaza blockade. What happened
first when they boarded on your ship? How did they
treat you? What was your reaction? What will be the
prospect of Freedom Flotilla?
KO: The Israeli attack
began under cover of darkness at about 3.40 in the
morning. Within the first five minutes of the attack,
even before the commandos dropped down from the
helicopter and boarded our vessel, we were taking
casualties, and the first man was murdered with a
gunshot to the head. Percussion grenades, tear gas,
smoke bombs, paintball rounds and live ammunition were
all being used. It was like a combat situation,
except that one side was not armed with combat
weapons.
About one hour after the
onset of the attack, I had seen at least five men
murdered and dozens of bloody injuries.
Twice during the course of
the attack, I was directly confronted by a
commando. In both cases, myself and another defender
disarmed them. During the first confrontation, I took
possession of a 9mm pistol, the same weapon used to
kill eight out of the nine men that morning. During
the second, the other defender took possession of the
commando's sub-machine gun. A third commando was also
disarmed. These three completely disarmed commandos
were taken below deck and treated for any injuries
they might have sustained. Nevertheless, the bravado
and audacity they exhibited while in possession of
their lethal weapons vanished. While in our custody,
they looked like frightened little children.
Soon after the commandos
were captured and subdued a group of about 7 IHH
members escorted the soldiers from the main cabin to
the bow of the ship, released them and walked away.
The captain of the ship
eventually announced via the PA system that the
Israelis had taken control of the ship's bridge. He
then instructed us to stop all resistance which we
did.
Over the next several
hours, we surrendered to the Israelis one by one. Each
one of us was searched for weapons and then
handcuffed. Most of the men, including myself, were
kicked or punched without provocation while
restrained.
From this point forward we
were treated like dogs. Elderly people were physically
abused, women were sexually abused during bodily
searches, we were all denied water and food, as well
as access to a toilet, one elderly man consequently
urinated on himself, and any communication with
lawyers was not allowed. We were lied to incessantly,
and had our personal possessions stolen, including
cash, credit cards, laptop computers, cameras and
footage. Of crucial importance, they stole all of the
video and photographic footage that without doubt
shows them murdering people in cold blood
It was clear to all of us
in Israeli custody that we were being held captive by
a force that had completely lost the ability to see
others as human beings. These people are thoroughly
brainwashed to believe themselves God's 'chosen ones',
and thus they believe they have the right to treat all
others as animals. Many of us were beaten while in
their custody on land, after being beaten on the
ship.
On our arrival in the Port
of Ashdod, I handed them my Palestinian passport - I
had previously hidden my Irish passport on the ship.
Many of the Israeli soldiers knew of me from my
previous activities, so this just incensed them. I
refused to sign any deportation papers, or any
statement that I would never attempt re-entry to Gaza
or the Occupied Palestinian Territories. I demanded to
appear before a judge in court. My internment was
illegal, and I wanted to be repatriated to Gaza.
Eventually I was deported from Israel, I was one of
the very last to go.
Two days after my
deportation the IDF spokesperson issued a press
release identifying me as a "terror operative" who was
traveling to Gaza to "train a commando unit for Hamas."
These charges are beyond
ridiculous, and it seems to me they were made to gloss
over the IDF's embarrassment at having one of the most
elite forces in the world disarmed and humiliated.
It is the nature of the
Zionist Israeli propaganda machine to levy such grave
charges on those who resist their aggression. War
crimes, mass-murder, piracy, lying, torture, organ
theft, Apartheid, ethnic cleansing and crimes against
humanity are justified at every turn, and the blame
shifted to those who defend themselves.
It was a real honor to be
aboard the Mavi Marmara with my Turkish brothers and
sisters. The Turkish people have the kind of strength
and courage required to face a force such as the
Israelis and defend their mission as if they were
defending their own children. Fearless resistance of
proactive measures is what is needed to face the
Israeli monster that is killing, maiming and
destroying the lives of countless people, including
over 800,000 children in Gaza. We must see those
children as our children, and we must defend them as
such.
I appreciate all efforts
put forth to bring an end to the suffering of the
Palestinians at the hands of the Israelis. However, I
do not believe that the flotilla leaving this month or
next has either the scale, or the courageous elements,
namely active resistance by the participants,
essential for success. I cannot see the blockade being
broken unless we as people of conscience from around
the world do everything in our power to neutralize the
might of the Israeli military. I know this is
possible, and soon a plan will be revealed for a
flotilla in 2011 that has the potential to achieve the
goal of breaking the blockade once and for all. This
plan will require several large ships and most
definitely a strong Turkish presence. A delegation
representing this plan will soon be arriving in Iran
as well as numerous other countries to put this plan
to the people, and we shall see if the people of the
world decide to make it a reality.
KZ: how do you
assess the prospect of Israeli regime? Given its
continued violation of the international law and its
aggressive subjugation of the Palestinian nation, is
Tel Aviv going to survive politically?
KO: No. The Zionist regime will not survive any more
than the Nazi regime or the South African Apartheid
regime. The Zionists will go the same way. God is God
of all people, not one group, one way or the other the
Zionists will learn this. The people of conscience
will ensure that justice prevails. Gaza will rise from
the ashes and be a thriving metropolis once
more. Palestine will be united and reborn because the
will of the people, and their cogent action, will have
made it so. It is vital that we envision, and never
cease working for, that day. Palestine hits at the
heart of all injustice, and when we solve this problem
we set the stage for a world worthy of handing down to
our children. This is our ultimate worldly calling. Comments 💬 التعليقات |