I went back in 2018 as part of a delegation of artists and educators, but I was suffering through some mental health issues around that time, so I was there, but I wasn't really THERE. It's not often we get a chance for do-overs, so I hopped on the opportunity when it presented itself this year. The big thing for me this time was to sit and talk with people. See their day-to-day lives. From wandering around the Old City talking to random kids and shop owners to breaking bread in houses in refugee camps, I've never been greeted with such hospitality before. I, unfortunately, also got to see some of the settler violence firsthand in Taybeh, and witnessed how some of the people in Masafer Yatta are living in limestone caves since their houses keep being burnt down by settlers. I didn't go in, but I took pics from the outside. But if you Google Masafer Yatta caves, you'll see it. And even then, the people of that village were incredibly kind, offering tea and coffee as soon as they greeted me.

I vlogged while I was there, and I'm creating multimedia content (featuring photos, videos, voiceover, and animation) for each city I visited. It's gonna get me banned from going back, which sucks because I'd go back tomorrow if I could, but all anyone ever asked of me while I was there was to go back and speak honestly about what I saw.

one country is out fighting a war, spilling blood, treasure, and global good will, over last century's source of energy.

a competitor country is spending money on tech development and infrastructure and already is the leader in the production of the energy source for this century. Their role in the Middle East was efforts in stabilization, not war.

Maybe Russia will be a short-term beneficiary. I actually think the US will be as well, since domestic oil production means money and control. But in the long-run, both Russia and the US are focused on destruction and the past.

apart from the entertainment value they offer. (Occam’s Razor and all that.)

But…

I will admit to thinking that “benefiting Putin” as the unifying thread to all of Trump’s crazy decisions makes me sympathetic to the theory that Trump is a Russian asset. Then I start to wonder about people in his orbit. Then I start to think about people more outside his orbit but still with enough power to influence the worldwide economy and decisions. Then I think about how many of those people had some connection to Jeffrey Epstein. Then I start to wonder about Epstein’s shadow connections. He appeared connected to Israel. What about Putin and Russia? If he were connected to Putin, would Putin have information on DJT and others enough to get them to take actions that benefit Russia (and Putin and his friends)?

Anyway…

I don’t like traveling that road. But I just can’t shake the thought (approaching belief) that there is something more than independent self-interest to the way Trump makes decisions.

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See: today's Truth Social missive telling Israel to knock it off.