Another thread on Labour and antisemitism, but this one is interesting I promise you, and please share. I read a few convoluted threads from those on the left claiming that MP and RLB were guilty of spreading an 'anti-semitic conspiracy', whether intentionally or not. 1/

This reminded me of the controversy of Israel's relation to apartheid South Africa. I did a bit research, because I thought I don't want to be accused a spreading an 'anti-semitic conspiracy' either. 2/

And I came across this very old Guardian article 3/ https://www.theguardian.com/world/2006/feb/07/southafrica.israel

What struck me first of all is that I bet nobody in 2006 would have even imagined that this is an 'antisemitic conspiracy theory'. My second thought was that the Guardian would never publish an article like this now. I promise you read. It will strike you immediately. 4/

My third thought was, 'is it an "antisemitic conspiracy theory" to think the first two thoughts?' And I'd better check whether Chris McGreal is an anti-semite. That's how mad everything has got. It's like gaslighting n+1. 5/

By the way I don't think this article is antisemitic. I don't think the Guardian is antisemitic for publishing it. I don't think you are for reading or retweeting it. And I pretty sure Chris isn't an anti-semite. 6/

I might also add that neither is MP nor RLB. And no criticism of the state of Israel is not antisemitic, whether because it gave nuclear technology to apartheid South Africa, or trained US police forces. 7/

And I know this might blow you mind, but if we subsequently find out that Israel isn't a nuclear power, and never gave nuclear technology to apartheid South Africa, then I would still think this article isn't antisemitic. I would think, 'I'm glad we corrected that mistake'. 8/