The problem with political analysis is that it often lacks historical perspective and is mostly limited to recent events.

 The current analysis of the Israeli war on Gaza falls victim to this narrow thinking. The ceasefire agreement, signed between Palestinian groups and Israel under Egyptian, Qatari, and US mediation in Doha on January 15, is one example.

 Some analysts, including many from the region, insist on framing the outcome of the war as a direct result of Israel's political dynamics. They argue that Israel's political crisis is the main reason the country failed to achieve its declared and undeclared war objectives—namely, gaining total "security control" over Gaza and ethnically cleansing its population.

 However, this analysis assumes that the decision to go to war or not is entirely in Israel's hands. It continues to elevate Israel's role as the only entity capable of shaping political outcomes in the region, even when those outcomes do not favor Israel.

The eminent Roman historian Publius Cornelius Tacitus in a biography of his illustrious father-in-law Gnaeus Julius Agrippa famously wrote “Auferre, trucidare, rapere, falsis nominibus imperium, atque, ubi solitudinem faciunt, pacem appellant.” Which translates in the Loeb Classical Library edition as “To plunder, butcher, steal, these things they misname empire: they make a desolation and they call it peace.” Lord Byron, in his poem the Bride of Abydos, rendered the Tacitus Latin as “Mark where his carnage and his conquests cease! He makes a solitude, and calls it — peace.” Per Tacitus’ no doubt second hand account , the words were originally spoken by the Caledonian chieftain Calgacus who was addressing his assembled warriors concerning Rome’s insatiable appetite for conquest and plunder. The chieftain’s sentiment can be contrasted to pax in terra “peace on earth” which was sometimes inscribed on Roman medals (phalera) awarded to soldiers returning from the imperial wars.

A 6-week series of African Americans in cinema. Beginning Friday January 24, 2025
St. Paul African Methodist Episcopal Church, 639 E. Long St. Columbus, 43215

The films will be screened at The Annex directly across the street from the church

FREE ADMISSION – FREE PARKING
Show time 6pm Doors open at 5:30

Each week will be a double feature. Two films starring, written by, produced by, and or directed by African Americans. Before the screening there will be a brief intro and vintage cartoons. Hot dogs, popcorn, pop and hot chocolate will be available for purchase.

All are welcome! However, in general these films are not for children under 14

1/24 - “The Birth of a Nation” (1915), “Black Klansman” (1966)

1/31 – “The Birth of a Nation” (2016), “Harriet” (2019)

2/7 – “The Emperor Jones” (1933), “Voodoo Macbeth” (2021)

2/14 – “BlackkKlansman” (2018), “Judas and the Black Messiah” (2021)

2/21 – “The Butler” (2013), “Green Book” (2018)

2/28 – “Black Panther” (2018), “Wakanda Forever’ (2022)

Sunday, January 26th, 2025 from 1:00PM to 6:00PM
Seventh Son Brewing Co., 1101 N. 4th St., Columbus, Ohio 43201
1:00PM to 3:30PM Community Organization Interaction
4:10PM to 4:40PM Social Action Songs with Joanie Calem and Brian Clash
5:00PM to 5:50PM Gathering Stars Trio