Why Arab Leaders Cling to Israel Amidst Uproaval

It might seem perplexing why there are so many Muslim countries in the Middle East that cannot seemingly defeat a small, resource-scarce country like Israel. This article delves into the factors that contribute to this dynamic and the role of Arab leaders in perpetuating it.

Arab Leaders and the Resource Pool

For the past 80 years, Arab leaders have been sitting on a vast pool of Petrodollars. Instead of investing this wealth in education, creating industrial jobs, or improving the livelihood of their people, these leaders have chosen to spend it on extravagant lifestyles. They finance palaces, yachts, luxurious clothing, and other lavish items while their citizens struggle with poverty, famine, and squalor. This unstable situation is ripe for revolution but remains so because Arab leaders have found a convenient scapegoat: the tiny country of Israel.

The Arrested Narrative

The narrative constructed around Israel is a potent tool used by Arab leaders to divert public attention from their own wrongdoings. Israel is portrayed as a group of evil, oppressive Jewish Zionists who have wronged the Palestinians. By placing the blame on external forces, Arab leaders can deflect their own failures and maintain control over their populations.

They claim that the Palestinians’ suffering is Israel’s fault and that the Arab people’s poverty and lack of prosperity are due to this external influence. Knowledgeable and Western-sympathetic intellectuals play a role in spreading this narrative, creating an echo chamber that amplifies the message. The reality, often overlooked, is that many Arab leaders are using their wealth from petrodollars to fund this narrative and control the public perception.

The Fear of an Arab Spring Without Israel

The absence of a clear enemy like Israel might lead to a dire situation for Arab leaders. In a hypothetical scenario where Israel ceases to exist, the Arab leaders would be left without a fig leaf to hide behind. This lack of a convenient enemy would make their own corrupt and incompetent governance the focal point of public outrage. As a result, they would face a more direct and challenging revolt against their own rule.

The Escalating Dangers: The Samson Option

Arab leaders recognize the chilling possibility that, in a scenario where Israel is no longer a ‘godsend’ to divert blame, the Israeli leadership might choose to respond with extreme measures. The Israeli strategy of the “Samson Option” could lead to the destruction of Arab capital cities, leaving nothing but desolation in its wake. This tactic is a deterrent to any potential uprisings or challenges to Israeli sovereignty.

Conclusion: The Triumvirate of Perpetuation

In conclusion, the continued existence of Israel serves as a political stabilizer for Arab leaders. It distracts from their own misdeeds, provides a justification for their lavish lifestyles, and creates a scapegoat for the many woes of the Arab world. Without Israel, the Arab peoples might seize the opportunity to demand accountability and better governance, leading to significant and possibly revolutionary changes. The status quo is maintained through a combination of wealthy leaders, a manipulated public narrative, and the fear of violent retaliation.

Understanding the intricate dynamics at play can help us grasp why the question of Middle Eastern conflicts is as complex as it is. It is a topic that requires nuanced and informed discussion to foster understanding and promote positive change in the region.