What is fintan Drury's book 'Catastrophe: Nakba II' about?

The book is a critical account of Israel's treatment of Palestinians over several decades, focusing on the displacement and suffering thay have endured.

What motivated Fintan Drury to write 'Catastrophe'?

drury was motivated by his personal convictions, observations from his time as a volunteer at a Syrian refugee camp, and a desire to counter what he perceived as a biased official narrative regarding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

Did Fintan Drury conduct research for 'Catastrophe'?

Yes, drury traveled to the West Bank, Jordan, and Lebanon to conduct research and gather firsthand accounts for his book.

What is Fintan drury's background?

Fintan Drury is a former RTÉ presenter and has held prominent positions in Irish corporate life. He also has experience as a journalist, including reporting from a Syrian refugee camp.

how does Fintan Drury connect his family history to the Palestinian issue?

Drury draws parallels between his family's experience as displaced people during the Irish conflict and the displacement of Palestinians, highlighting the enduring impact of such events.

What is the National Asset Management Agency (NAMA)?

The national Asset Management Agency (NAMA) was established in Ireland to manage distressed assets acquired from domestic lenders during the financial crisis.

When is NAMA expected to wind down its operations?

NAMA is on track to wind down its operations by the end of the year, with only a small portfolio of litigation cases remaining.

What will happen to NAMA's remaining assets?

NAMA's remaining assets, including a social housing portfolio and land banks, will be transferred to the Land Growth Agency (LDA) and a special resolution unit within the National Treasury Management Agency (NTMA).

How much has NAMA contributed to the Irish Exchequer?

NAMA has increased its estimated lifetime cash contribution to the Exchequer by €300 million, now totaling €5.5 billion.

What was the original value of NAMA's portfolio?

NAMA's portfolio had an original value of €72 billion before the property crash.

What is the role of the Land Development Agency (LDA) in this process?

The land Development agency (LDA) will receive NAMA's social housing portfolio and land banks,which are expected to deliver approximately 4,000 homes.

Fintan drury’s ‘Catastrophe’ Exposes Decades of Palestinian Displacement

Q: What is Nakba, as referenced in the title of Fintan Drury's book?

Nakba refers to the mass displacement and dispossession of palestinians during the 1948 Arab-Israeli war.

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Fintan drury’s ‘Catastrophe’ Exposes Decades of Palestinian Displacement

Did You Know? The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) reports that ther are 5.9 million registered Palestinian refugees as of January 1, 2024, many of whom are descendants of those displaced in 1948. UNRWA

Fintan Drury’s New Book Sheds Light on Palestinian Experiences

Fintan Drury, the former RTÉ presenter, has released “Catastrophe: Nakba II,” a book examining decades of Israeli-Palestinian conflict and focusing on the experiences of Palestinians. Driven by a sense of disbelief in mainstream narratives, Drury aims to provide an accessible account of the historical and ongoing challenges faced by Palestinians. The book,released in 2024,delves into the roots and repercussions of the conflict,especially the displacement of Palestinians,a topic that resonates deeply with Drury.

From Broadcasting to advocacy: Drury’s Journey

Drury’s path to writing “Catastrophe” involved a return to his journalistic roots. After a career in corporate Ireland, he felt compelled to use his skills to address what he saw as a critical issue. His experiences volunteering at a Syrian refugee camp in Athens in 2016 reignited his passion for reporting and provided a foundation for his later work on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. This background informs his outlook in “catastrophe,” where he seeks to offer a clear and compelling narrative.

Research and Personal Connection

In preparation for writing “Catastrophe,” Drury traveled to the West Bank, Jordan, and Lebanon in july 2023. These visits allowed him to gather firsthand accounts and deepen his understanding of the situation on the ground. The escalating violence he witnessed during his travels reinforced his conviction that the issue demanded greater attention. Drury also draws a personal connection to the Palestinian experience through his family history. His maternal grandfather was displaced from Belfast during the Irish conflict, giving Drury a sense of empathy for those forced to leave thier homes.

The Meaning of Nakba

The subtitle of Drury’s book,”Nakba II,” references the Nakba,which translates to “catastrophe” in Arabic. This term refers to the mass displacement and dispossession of Palestinians during the 1948 Arab-Israeli war. According to the Institute for Middle East understanding, over 700,000 Palestinians were displaced from their homes during this period. IMEU Drury’s book seeks to shed light on the ongoing consequences of this historical event and its continued impact on Palestinian lives.

Public Reception and future Outlook

Drury has expressed gratitude for the positive public reaction to “Catastrophe.” He acknowledges the complexity of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and refrains from offering simple solutions. Instead, he emphasizes the importance of understanding the fundamental issues at stake and recognizing the ongoing suffering of Palestinians. Drury’s work contributes to a broader conversation about justice, human rights, and the search for a lasting resolution to the conflict.

Pro Tip: When discussing complex geopolitical issues, it’s crucial to consult multiple sources and perspectives to gain a extensive understanding.

Key Figures in the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict

Name	Role	Significance
Mahmoud Abbas	President of the Palestinian Authority	Represents the Palestinian people in negotiations and international forums.
Benjamin netanyahu	Prime minister of Israel	Leads the Israeli government and shapes its policies regarding the conflict.
Hamas Leadership	Governing body of Gaza Strip	Controls the Gaza Strip and has engaged in armed conflict with Israel.

Evergreen Insights: Understanding the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict

The Israeli-Palestinian conflict is a deeply rooted and multifaceted issue with a long history of territorial disputes, political tensions, and human rights concerns. Understanding the historical context, including the British Mandate, the 1948 Arab-Israeli War, and subsequent conflicts, is crucial for grasping the complexities of the situation. The conflict involves competing claims to land, differing narratives about historical events, and ongoing negotiations aimed at achieving a peaceful resolution.International law, UN resolutions, and the involvement of various international actors further shape the dynamics of the conflict.

The conflict’s impact extends beyond the immediate region, influencing global politics, security concerns, and humanitarian efforts. Efforts to address the conflict have included peace talks, mediation attempts, and international aid programs. However, achieving a lasting resolution remains a significant challenge due to persistent disagreements, political obstacles, and the involvement of multiple stakeholders with conflicting interests.

Frequently asked Questions About the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict

What are the main issues in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict?

The core issues include territorial disputes, the status of jerusalem, the right of return for Palestinian refugees, Israeli settlements in the West Bank, and security concerns for both sides.

What is the role of international law in the conflict?

International law, including UN resolutions and the Geneva conventions, provides a framework for addressing issues such as occupation, human rights, and the conduct of hostilities. However, the interpretation and application of international law in the context of the conflict are often contested.

What are the main obstacles to a peaceful resolution?

Obstacles include deep-seated mistrust, political divisions within both societies, ongoing violence, and disagreements over key issues such as borders, settlements, and the status of Jerusalem.

How has the conflict affected the lives of ordinary people?

The conflict has resulted in significant human suffering, including loss of life, displacement, economic hardship, and psychological trauma.Both Israelis and Palestinians have experienced the devastating consequences of violence and instability.

What are some potential pathways to peace?

Potential pathways include renewed negotiations, confidence-building measures, economic progress initiatives, and efforts to promote mutual understanding and reconciliation. A comprehensive and sustainable peace agreement would need to address the core issues and ensure the security and well-being of both Israelis and Palestinians.

Disclaimer: This article provides details about the israeli-Palestinian conflict and Fintan Drury’s book. It is not intended to provide legal or political advice.

What are your thoughts on the role of personal narratives in understanding complex conflicts? How can individuals contribute to promoting peace and understanding in the face of ongoing violence?

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Irish Bad Bank NAMA Nears End, Transfers Remaining Assets

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Irish Bad Bank NAMA Nears End, Transfers Remaining Assets

Ireland’s National Asset Management Agency (NAMA) is nearing its end, with plans to reduce its loan portfolio to between €10 million and €20 million tied to about 10 ongoing litigation cases by the close of 2024, according to Chief Executive Brendan McDonagh. This marks a significant milestone for the agency established to manage distressed assets following the 2008 financial crisis.

NAMA’s Final Steps

Originally acquiring loans at a discounted value of €32 billion from domestic lenders and managing approximately 5,000 borrowers, NAMA’s active debtor management has decreased to 34 by the end of March, according to its latest annual report. An additional 44 debtors are being monitored under forbearance strategies or exit agreements.

Did You Know? NAMA’s workforce has shrunk from a peak of 380 in 2015 to around 70 employees currently, reflecting its winding-down operations.

The remaining assets, valued at approximately €100 million, are slated for sale by year-end. The residual litigation cases will be transferred to a special resolution unit within the National Treasury Management Agency (NTMA), which will also absorb remnants of the Irish Bank Resolution Corporation (IBRC), formerly Anglo Irish Bank, pending legislative approval.

Financial Contributions and Asset Transfers

NAMA has increased its projected lifetime cash contribution to the Irish Exchequer by €300 million, bringing the total to €5.5 billion. This increase is attributed to an upgraded lifetime surplus target of €5.05 billion, up from the previous €4.8 billion, and a marginal increase in corporation tax projection by €50 million to €450 million. To date, the Exchequer has received €4.69 billion of NAMA’s expected lifetime contribution.

Of the remaining €447 million in property assets, approximately €350 million comprises a social housing portfolio set to be transferred to the Land Development Agency (LDA) by the end of the year. this also includes two land banks in counties Dublin and Kildare, capable of yielding around 4,000 homes, valued at approximately €70 million in total, also destined for the LDA.

Pro Tip: Keep an eye on the NTMA and LDA for future developments related to these transferred assets and their impact on Ireland’s housing market.

Dublin Docklands Stake Sold

A 40% stake in a Dublin docklands building, Ten Hannover Quay, was recently sold to Amancio Ortega’s investment firm, Pontegadea. The property, primarily owned by US property group Kennedy Wilson (60%), was acquired for nearly €70 million.

Key Figures at a Glance

Metric	Value
Original Loan Portfolio Value	€72 Billion
Loans Acquired at Discount	€32 Billion
Projected Lifetime Contribution to Exchequer	€5.5 Billion
Social Housing Portfolio Value	€350 Million
Land Bank Home Capacity	4,000 Homes

What impact will the transfer of NAMA’s assets have on Ireland’s housing crisis? How will the NTMA manage the remaining litigation cases?

Evergreen Insights: The Legacy of NAMA

Established in the wake of Ireland’s severe financial crisis, NAMA played a crucial role in stabilizing the country’s banking sector by removing toxic assets from lenders’ balance sheets. Its operations involved managing and selling off vast property portfolios and loan books, contributing significantly to the recovery of the Irish economy. The agency’s winding down marks the end of a significant chapter in Ireland’s economic history, transitioning its remaining responsibilities to other state entities.

The establishment of NAMA was a direct response to the bursting of the Irish property bubble, which left banks burdened with non-performing loans. By acquiring these assets, NAMA aimed to maximize their value over time, contributing to the repayment of public debt incurred during the crisis. The agency’s success in generating a surplus for the Exchequer is a testament to its strategic asset management and the eventual recovery of the Irish property market.According to the Central Bank of ireland, the Irish economy has shown resilience and growth in recent years, supported by factors such as increased employment and consumer spending Central Bank of Ireland.

Frequently Asked Questions About NAMA

How did NAMA acquire its assets?: NAMA acquired its assets by purchasing distressed loans from Irish banks at a discounted value during the financial crisis.
What was NAMA’s primary goal?: NAMA’s primary goal was to manage and dispose of distressed assets in a way that maximized returns for the Irish taxpayer.
Who oversees the Land Development Agency (LDA)?: The Land Development Agency (LDA) is overseen by a board appointed by the Irish government, with a mandate to develop state-owned land for housing and other purposes.
What is the role of the National Treasury Management Agency (NTMA)?: The National Treasury Management Agency (NTMA) manages the Irish State’s assets and liabilities, including debt management and investment activities.
How has NAMA impacted the Irish property market?: NAMA’s activities have influenced the Irish property market by managing the supply of properties and contributing to price stabilization after the financial crisis.

Disclaimer: This article provides general facts and should not be construed as financial or legal advice. Consult with a qualified professional for specific guidance.

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Fintan Drury: Anglo, Paddy Power & Gaza – Irish Times Insights