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Neither Iran nor Israel would be attacking if it hurt those who ordered the attacks.
Netanyahu is unpopular at home. He’s the head of a fragile coalition government. The Iranian clerics — misogynistic thugs — are in trouble at home for murdering young women and using violence to crush protesters.
But both governments know how to boost their popularity: kill foreigners. Nothing props up the reputation of politicians like some serious bloodshed against “our enemies.” You see, militaristic xenophobia is patriotic!
Everybody knows this. Hey, George W. Bush, after the 9/11 attacks, when the new president launched a war against Iraq — lying about the situation — he proudly proclaimed that he’s a wartime president. He looked forward to the boost in the polls, and the enhanced authority and respect coming his way.
Violence has its privileges. And THAT’s what must stop.
Personal Kindness As A Vaccine Against War
Nominally, we are seeing some anti-war actions. Protests demanding a ceasefire in Gaza and the blocking of military aid to Ukraine seem to be against wars. But if we look closer, they are mostly attempts to help a favored combatant defeat a hated opponent. Because these actions are powered by hatred, they…
