A paradoxical phenomenon repeats itself on the world stage: Few peoples receive as much media, diplomatic, and humanitarian attention as the Palestinians—despite their relatively small population and the scope of their conflict. The reason lies less in their objective plight and more in the unique constellation of their declared enemy: Israel. I’ve often written that the Palestinians have the best enemies and yet constantly complain. Without Israel, they would be nothing. And who confirms this most clearly for me? The Palestinian national poet himself, Mahmoud Darwish (1941–2008). A few days ago, I stumbled upon an old clip in which Darwish said exactly what I’ve been telling you for years.
The truth is uncomfortable but inescapable: Without the Jewish state of Israel as the alleged oppressor, occupier, or adversary, the “Palestinian problem” would barely register internationally. It’s not the Palestinians’ suffering alone that attracts global sympathy—it’s their role as Israel’s opponent that makes them a “moral project” for many. If the Palestinian fate were situated in another...
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