Reality Check: Pamela Olson's Journey from Oklahoma to Palestine

Dive into the life-altering journey of Author Pamela Olson as she experiences the Israeli-Palestinian conflict first-hand, transitioning from small-town Oklahoma to the Middle East and later to a Washington think tank. Having experienced contrasting stories from the American media and on-the-ground reality, Olson shares her observations on Palestinian life and their dreams. She discusses her book, Fast Times in Palestine, which expounds on her experiences and the obliviousness of American citizens regarding the impact of their country's policies. This episode provides an unconventional glimpse into the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, along with an evolving American viewpoint.

Music by Lucas Knutter

People:

Dr. Mustafa Barghouti
Pamela Olson 

Organizations:

Palestinian National Initiative 

Palestine Monitor

US Campaign for Palestinian Rights

Historical Events:

Hamas Since the 2006 Election

Gaza Beach Killings in 2006

Books:
Fast Times in Palestine by Pamela J. Olson

Palestine Peace, Not Apartheid by Jimmy Carter 

The Israel Lobby and U.S. Foreign Policy by John J. Mearsheimer and Stephen M. Walt

Articles:

Neocons Slither Back, NY Times, By Maureen Dowd

Newsweek 'Muslim rage' cover invokes a rage of its own, The Guardian

Policies:

2012 Protection of Civilians Weekly Report (Palestinian family injured by Molotov cocktail thrown in a taxi) Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs occupied Palestinian territory

The Palestinian children – alone and bewildered – in Israel's Al Jalame jail (Stone throwing) The Guardian

West Bank demolitions and displacement | January-March 2023 UNOCHA

"Economic costs of the Israeli occupation for the Palestinian people: The welfare cost of the fragmentation of the occupied West Bank” UNCTAD