Behind the visible front lines, unseen forces are also at work. Intelligence services are involved, deliberate deception is employed, covert technologies are used, and not least, faith in one’s own cause plays a role. In the story of the prophet Elisha, the Bible describes a moment in which a seemingly hopeless situation suddenly takes on another dimension. God opens someone’s eyes, and a previously hidden reality becomes visible. This ancient account feels surprisingly relevant today. Modern wars, too, can sometimes only be fully understood in retrospect.

A bodyguard of lies

Conflicts between nations have never been determined by open displays of power alone. Hidden factors influence the outcome of wars. These include belief in the justice of one’s own path, the intelligence available, and the strategy of commanders. Winston Churchill expressed this pointedly: “In wartime, truth is so precious that she should always be attended by a bodyguard of lies.” The war against Iran is currently being conducted behind a fog that obscures the true course of events surrounding the...

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