This is a sharp, clear-eyed analysis—and an uncomfortable one, because it exposes how much of this movement rests on illusion.
But the real question is whether anything actually changes. History says no. Every defeat hasn’t weakened the ideology—it’s hardened it. That’s because this isn’t just politics. For many, it functions like a religious conviction. And you don’t defeat that with battlefield losses.
If there’s any hope, it’s not military—it’s education. As long as children are taught that Israel is temporary and violence is justified, nothing changes. Change what they’re taught, and you change the future. Don’t, and we’re just repeating the same cycle.
And even if Iran weakens, let’s not kid ourselves—others are ready to step in. Qatar and Turkey are already deeply involved financially and politically . The vacuum won’t stay empty.
So yes, a reckoning may be coming. But unless the ideology itself is confronted—especially in schools, media, and religious institutions—it won’t matter. The players may change. The mindset won’t.
And as a Brit, I am appalled at how the notion of palestinianism has so much traction in councils, local politics, rebels without a cause, and the deluded ‘left’ who through prejudice against Jews and Israel, ignorance, stupidity and or fashion, have taken up this belief / cause.
Nathan, I agree with you. At the moment it does feel almost hopeless watching how much traction this has gained in local politics and on parts of the left.
If there’s any small glimmer of hope, it’s political reality. Polls show Starmer is already in serious trouble, and immigration has become the number one issue. You can only push a society so far before there’s a reaction.
The English still make up the majority in England. If voters decide they’ve had enough and show it at the ballot box, things can change.
By the way, if you ever feel like connecting further, you can find me on Substack under my name.
And this is why those in our streets and on cap hill want the Iranian regime to remain in power. Because they all want Israel gone. And we all know that includes lots of leftist jews too
A little sarcasm friend. Let's just say we see the threat differently both generally and specifically with regard to Israel. I know American jews who are at best indifferent as to whether Israel disappears ( ie river to the sea becomes reality). I also know many jews who hate trump but their love of Israel causes them to put aside their TDS and they are ardent supporters of the actions against the Iranian regime and all it stands for and has done. Many in the latter category have a huge problem with those in the former category (of indifference and in many cases a desire to see Israel gone). Time will tell whether trump made a mistake. The issue now is whether those who support Israel want him to succeed .
US politics seem absurd. Parties are like Football Teams now: it’s rarely about the issues. I have lived in the Middle East and known many Muslims. I used to hear all the negative propaganda about Israel, and, to my shame, I never questioned it for decades, until recently because I wanted to understand everything from all sides. What I discovered countered everything I’d been told. I have my own views. I know some Jews don’t believe in Israel because of their own particular beliefs. 20% of the Israeli population are Arabs, anyway. I regard Israel in the same way as I’d regard Slovenia, for example, and I find the meaning behind the phrase “from the river to the sea” to be quite abhorrent. However, this whole Israel issue is a Red Herring, disguising something else entirely, which only Trump seems to have grasped.
By the way, I abhor any stereotyping whether w respect to race , religion, politics etc. And i call it out a lot. But i am.not hesitant to express my opinion regarding certain groups like j street which I detest. It is important that members of whatever the identity group is to police their own. And that's a topic worth many hours of discourse.
Like Yul Brynner's Pharoah in "The Ten Commandments", perhaps they need to acknowledge that " Moses' god, is G-d." After that, the solutions become simple.
Religious Messianic Millennialism, and Marx’s doctrine of the ‘inevitably successful Proletariat revolution’, are the same; the primitive psychology of wishful thinking, dressed up in the language, the narrative and the propaganda of the inevitable Arc of Success as History itself being on their side. Reality however is very different. Eternal Vigilance has rewarded both Israel and The West. Nazism was defeated, and Totalitarian religious and secular ideas have been defeated too. But Sadly though, our vigilance must be permanent because Psychology is primitive, and thus the bogus attractions of Extremist Religion and Politics are never quite defeatable.
I hope you're right. But Palestinians had patrons before the Islamic revolution, and I don't understand why you think they won't find alternative patrons.
I agree. If only Iran were Hamas' only big patron, but of course, they're not. Qatar (and now Turkey) will continue to support them in every way, under the table, at the "Board of Peace". Even now Hamas have reestablished themselves locally as the thugs and extortionists in charge. Despite their not having disarmed in " Phase One", Trump's envoys are now negotiating with them. Looks to me like it's the same old same old. I wouldn't be surprised if the next betrayal were Trump forcing Israel to withdraw to the Oct. 7 borders, leaving Hamas in charge of Gaza, with maybe 20,000 Indonesian soldiers at the border as a shield for Hamas.
Excellent discussion. If only we could have it as a handbook and provide it as necessary reading for all. (That's where I'm at ... wishful thinking ... please forgive.) A great deal rests on the outcome of this effort against Iran and it may well take a lot longer than the US could ever envisage. Israel, though, knows the patience, resolve and sustained effort necessary to change the course of what has been a lie cleverly maintained for around 62 years.
Wonderful essay !!!!!!!! Thank you so much.......you are absolutely right, without Iran the Palestinians will have to make a decision about their future......Our beloved Israel is here to stay forever.......so they better get used to it ......Am Israel Chai......
I think that God’s still working on getting this “covenant with humanity” thing right. After God saw the hubris of humanity, He (was it really God, or “just” the actions and consequences of choices made by humans?) gave us the Flood, and out of that muck came Abraham and his descendants, and a new covenant for how to get along on earth. 5000-ish years later, give or take a few thousand, if time has any meaning here anyway, and we appear to be on another brink of full scale destruction. We’ve been “promised” that we won’t be drowned by another Flood, but nothing was said about fire…. Or climate change driven by fire, or God knows what else. Will there ever be peace on earth? I don’t know. But I take comfort in being part of a religious tradition that doesn’t see itself as being “the one true religion”. The Jews gift to humanity, IMO, has been to give us this guidebook, the Torah, that promotes healthy relationships between people, and between people and our earthly environment, such that peace actually has a chance to flourish here on earth. “Oseh Shalom bim’romav, hu ya’aseh shalom aleinu v’al kol Yisrael v’al kol yosh’vei teivel”/ as there is peace in the heavens, so may there be peace here for us and for all Israel and for all people everywhere. Amen.
"Islamist ideology places enormous weight on the idea that history reflects divine favor."
Such as in . . . ?
"This is the favour of Allah. He grants it to whoever He wills. And Allah is the Lord of infinite bounty" (Surah Al-Jumu'ah 62:4)
"Allah favors some over others in provision and sustenance" (Surah An-Nahl 16:71).
Perhaps this explains why Israel has so far won every war against them.
Perhaps this explains why the 5 armies of '48, Iran, Hezbollah, Hamas, Palestine Islamic Jihad, the Houthis, Iraqi militias, and the PA with its extensive military network have done so well fighting those kafr Yahoods — in defiance of the Qur'an itself which explicitly says:
"Indeed, the believers, Jews, Christians, and Sabians —whoever ˹truly˺ believes in Allah and the Last Day and does good will have their reward with their Lord. And there will be no fear for them, nor will they grieve." Surah Al-Baqarah 2:62
"Do they not know that whoever opposes Allah and His Messenger will be in the Fire of Hell forever? That is the ultimate disgrace." Surah 9:63
Perhaps this exposes the real nature of Islamist ideology, for as the Qur'an says,
"The hypocrites, both men and women, are all alike: they encourage what is evil, forbid what is good, and withhold ˹what is in˺ their hands. They neglected Allah, so He neglected them. Surely the hypocrites are the rebellious." Surah 9:67
"The hypocrites fear that a Surah should be revealed about them, exposing what is in their hearts. Say, ˹O Prophet,˺ “Keep mocking! Allah will definitely bring to light what you fear.” Surah 9:64
"˹You hypocrites are˺ like those ˹disbelievers˺ before you. They were far superior to you in might and more abundant in wealth and children. They enjoyed their share in this life. You have enjoyed your share, just as they did. And you have engaged in idle talk, just as they did. Their deeds have become void in this world and the Hereafter. And it is they who are the ˹true˺ losers." Surah 9:69
The Qur'an is unequivocal about the fate awaiting these Islamists ideologues (aka hypocrites par excellence):
"Allah has promised the hypocrites, both men and women, and the disbelievers an everlasting stay in the Fire of Hell—it is sufficient for them. Allah has condemned them, and they will suffer a never-ending punishment." Surah 9:68
At all opportunities, in print, on social media, in public signs, when confronting ideologues at public demonstrations, etc., "Remove the expectation of Israel’s eventual destruction and the ideology loses its organizing center." Remind them how their own sacred Qur'an reveals them to be hypocrites and what it says is the fate that awaits hypocrites.
The root of Palestinian nationalism is Nazism. Read about the leader of Palestinians the grand mufti of Jerusalem, a relative of Yasser Arafat. He was a total Nazi.
This is a sharp, clear-eyed analysis—and an uncomfortable one, because it exposes how much of this movement rests on illusion.
But the real question is whether anything actually changes. History says no. Every defeat hasn’t weakened the ideology—it’s hardened it. That’s because this isn’t just politics. For many, it functions like a religious conviction. And you don’t defeat that with battlefield losses.
If there’s any hope, it’s not military—it’s education. As long as children are taught that Israel is temporary and violence is justified, nothing changes. Change what they’re taught, and you change the future. Don’t, and we’re just repeating the same cycle.
And even if Iran weakens, let’s not kid ourselves—others are ready to step in. Qatar and Turkey are already deeply involved financially and politically . The vacuum won’t stay empty.
So yes, a reckoning may be coming. But unless the ideology itself is confronted—especially in schools, media, and religious institutions—it won’t matter. The players may change. The mindset won’t.
And as a Brit, I am appalled at how the notion of palestinianism has so much traction in councils, local politics, rebels without a cause, and the deluded ‘left’ who through prejudice against Jews and Israel, ignorance, stupidity and or fashion, have taken up this belief / cause.
Nathan, I agree with you. At the moment it does feel almost hopeless watching how much traction this has gained in local politics and on parts of the left.
If there’s any small glimmer of hope, it’s political reality. Polls show Starmer is already in serious trouble, and immigration has become the number one issue. You can only push a society so far before there’s a reaction.
The English still make up the majority in England. If voters decide they’ve had enough and show it at the ballot box, things can change.
By the way, if you ever feel like connecting further, you can find me on Substack under my name.
The Palestinians never miss an opportunity to miss an opportunity ! Famous words by Abba Eban that never change.
The so called "Palestinian" entity was supported and funded primarily by the West and the UN since it was established by the KGB in the 60s.
They would not have survive a day without the massive funds transferred to them including UNRWA.
The Arab states supported them with arms, ammunition, training and politics.
And this is why those in our streets and on cap hill want the Iranian regime to remain in power. Because they all want Israel gone. And we all know that includes lots of leftist jews too
Who is "we"? I certainly don't.
Glad you support the actions in Iran . But many don't .
I do not support the actions of Iran. I do not want to see Israel gone. I don't know why you understood that from my response!
A little sarcasm friend. Let's just say we see the threat differently both generally and specifically with regard to Israel. I know American jews who are at best indifferent as to whether Israel disappears ( ie river to the sea becomes reality). I also know many jews who hate trump but their love of Israel causes them to put aside their TDS and they are ardent supporters of the actions against the Iranian regime and all it stands for and has done. Many in the latter category have a huge problem with those in the former category (of indifference and in many cases a desire to see Israel gone). Time will tell whether trump made a mistake. The issue now is whether those who support Israel want him to succeed .
US politics seem absurd. Parties are like Football Teams now: it’s rarely about the issues. I have lived in the Middle East and known many Muslims. I used to hear all the negative propaganda about Israel, and, to my shame, I never questioned it for decades, until recently because I wanted to understand everything from all sides. What I discovered countered everything I’d been told. I have my own views. I know some Jews don’t believe in Israel because of their own particular beliefs. 20% of the Israeli population are Arabs, anyway. I regard Israel in the same way as I’d regard Slovenia, for example, and I find the meaning behind the phrase “from the river to the sea” to be quite abhorrent. However, this whole Israel issue is a Red Herring, disguising something else entirely, which only Trump seems to have grasped.
By the way, I abhor any stereotyping whether w respect to race , religion, politics etc. And i call it out a lot. But i am.not hesitant to express my opinion regarding certain groups like j street which I detest. It is important that members of whatever the identity group is to police their own. And that's a topic worth many hours of discourse.
And what is the issue trump has grasped. Who knows we may agree on that.
Like Yul Brynner's Pharoah in "The Ten Commandments", perhaps they need to acknowledge that " Moses' god, is G-d." After that, the solutions become simple.
Eminently
From your lips…! May the Palestinian leadership wake up and give up perpetual victimology in favour of peaceful coexistence! 🙏 ⏰ ☮️
Religious Messianic Millennialism, and Marx’s doctrine of the ‘inevitably successful Proletariat revolution’, are the same; the primitive psychology of wishful thinking, dressed up in the language, the narrative and the propaganda of the inevitable Arc of Success as History itself being on their side. Reality however is very different. Eternal Vigilance has rewarded both Israel and The West. Nazism was defeated, and Totalitarian religious and secular ideas have been defeated too. But Sadly though, our vigilance must be permanent because Psychology is primitive, and thus the bogus attractions of Extremist Religion and Politics are never quite defeatable.
I hope you're right. But Palestinians had patrons before the Islamic revolution, and I don't understand why you think they won't find alternative patrons.
I agree. If only Iran were Hamas' only big patron, but of course, they're not. Qatar (and now Turkey) will continue to support them in every way, under the table, at the "Board of Peace". Even now Hamas have reestablished themselves locally as the thugs and extortionists in charge. Despite their not having disarmed in " Phase One", Trump's envoys are now negotiating with them. Looks to me like it's the same old same old. I wouldn't be surprised if the next betrayal were Trump forcing Israel to withdraw to the Oct. 7 borders, leaving Hamas in charge of Gaza, with maybe 20,000 Indonesian soldiers at the border as a shield for Hamas.
ISRAEL IS FOREVER ‼️🇮🇱🇮🇱The KING 👑 is coming ”
Excellent discussion. If only we could have it as a handbook and provide it as necessary reading for all. (That's where I'm at ... wishful thinking ... please forgive.) A great deal rests on the outcome of this effort against Iran and it may well take a lot longer than the US could ever envisage. Israel, though, knows the patience, resolve and sustained effort necessary to change the course of what has been a lie cleverly maintained for around 62 years.
Wonderful essay !!!!!!!! Thank you so much.......you are absolutely right, without Iran the Palestinians will have to make a decision about their future......Our beloved Israel is here to stay forever.......so they better get used to it ......Am Israel Chai......
I think that God’s still working on getting this “covenant with humanity” thing right. After God saw the hubris of humanity, He (was it really God, or “just” the actions and consequences of choices made by humans?) gave us the Flood, and out of that muck came Abraham and his descendants, and a new covenant for how to get along on earth. 5000-ish years later, give or take a few thousand, if time has any meaning here anyway, and we appear to be on another brink of full scale destruction. We’ve been “promised” that we won’t be drowned by another Flood, but nothing was said about fire…. Or climate change driven by fire, or God knows what else. Will there ever be peace on earth? I don’t know. But I take comfort in being part of a religious tradition that doesn’t see itself as being “the one true religion”. The Jews gift to humanity, IMO, has been to give us this guidebook, the Torah, that promotes healthy relationships between people, and between people and our earthly environment, such that peace actually has a chance to flourish here on earth. “Oseh Shalom bim’romav, hu ya’aseh shalom aleinu v’al kol Yisrael v’al kol yosh’vei teivel”/ as there is peace in the heavens, so may there be peace here for us and for all Israel and for all people everywhere. Amen.
Psychopaths enjoy being psychopaths. Why change? Any benefit to change for a psychopathic culture? Nope!
"Islamist ideology places enormous weight on the idea that history reflects divine favor."
Such as in . . . ?
"This is the favour of Allah. He grants it to whoever He wills. And Allah is the Lord of infinite bounty" (Surah Al-Jumu'ah 62:4)
"Allah favors some over others in provision and sustenance" (Surah An-Nahl 16:71).
Perhaps this explains why Israel has so far won every war against them.
Perhaps this explains why the 5 armies of '48, Iran, Hezbollah, Hamas, Palestine Islamic Jihad, the Houthis, Iraqi militias, and the PA with its extensive military network have done so well fighting those kafr Yahoods — in defiance of the Qur'an itself which explicitly says:
"Indeed, the believers, Jews, Christians, and Sabians —whoever ˹truly˺ believes in Allah and the Last Day and does good will have their reward with their Lord. And there will be no fear for them, nor will they grieve." Surah Al-Baqarah 2:62
"Do they not know that whoever opposes Allah and His Messenger will be in the Fire of Hell forever? That is the ultimate disgrace." Surah 9:63
Perhaps this exposes the real nature of Islamist ideology, for as the Qur'an says,
"The hypocrites, both men and women, are all alike: they encourage what is evil, forbid what is good, and withhold ˹what is in˺ their hands. They neglected Allah, so He neglected them. Surely the hypocrites are the rebellious." Surah 9:67
"The hypocrites fear that a Surah should be revealed about them, exposing what is in their hearts. Say, ˹O Prophet,˺ “Keep mocking! Allah will definitely bring to light what you fear.” Surah 9:64
"˹You hypocrites are˺ like those ˹disbelievers˺ before you. They were far superior to you in might and more abundant in wealth and children. They enjoyed their share in this life. You have enjoyed your share, just as they did. And you have engaged in idle talk, just as they did. Their deeds have become void in this world and the Hereafter. And it is they who are the ˹true˺ losers." Surah 9:69
The Qur'an is unequivocal about the fate awaiting these Islamists ideologues (aka hypocrites par excellence):
"Allah has promised the hypocrites, both men and women, and the disbelievers an everlasting stay in the Fire of Hell—it is sufficient for them. Allah has condemned them, and they will suffer a never-ending punishment." Surah 9:68
At all opportunities, in print, on social media, in public signs, when confronting ideologues at public demonstrations, etc., "Remove the expectation of Israel’s eventual destruction and the ideology loses its organizing center." Remind them how their own sacred Qur'an reveals them to be hypocrites and what it says is the fate that awaits hypocrites.
The root of Palestinian nationalism is Nazism. Read about the leader of Palestinians the grand mufti of Jerusalem, a relative of Yasser Arafat. He was a total Nazi.
Palestinians can’t survive with it is Israel would do to them what they did on 10/7.
These sub human beasts in Gaza to this day proclaim they are all Hamas.
To think this problem will be solved worrying about moving these animals to safety time and time gain is insane