"A SHAME On Judaism" Former Israeli President vs Iran War Hawk + Plus Yanis Varoufakis
Quick Read
Summary
Takeaways
- ❖Josh Hammer asserts the Iran war is a consistent, decades-long policy by Trump and Netanyahu to neutralize Iran as a threat, citing Trump's historical hawkishness.
- ❖Aram Berg, former interim Israeli President, claims the war is a product of 'two opportunists' (Trump and Netanyahu) and a dangerous alliance of Jewish and Christian fundamentalism.
- ❖Berg criticizes the Israeli government for supporting settler violence and committing 'immoral crimes against humanity' in Gaza, calling it a 'shame on Judaism.'
- ❖Reverend Franklin Graham, a Christian evangelical leader, believes God takes sides in 'just wars' against 'evil governments' like Iran, advocating for regime change.
- ❖Yanis Varoufakis argues that foreign assassinations of leaders, like the Ayatollah, boost the legitimacy of the targeted regime among its populace.
- ❖Varoufakis refuses to label Hamas as 'terrorists,' instead calling their actions 'hideous and heinous war crimes,' citing the evolving nature of such labels in history.
- ❖Varoufakis contends that the US and Israel are waging an 'unlawful war' in Iran and that a 'victory' for them would undermine international law.
- ❖The 2015 Iran nuclear deal, which Trump withdrew from, is cited by Varoufakis as a robust 'trust and verify' mechanism that could have prevented current escalations.
Insights
1The War's Origins: Decades-Long Strategy vs. Opportunistic Fundamentalism
Josh Hammer argues that the war against Iran is a consistent, decades-long policy, citing Donald Trump's hawkish stance since the late 1970s and Benjamin Netanyahu's similar long-held views. He frames it as a necessary response to Iran's persistent threat. Conversely, Aram Berg characterizes the war as a result of 'two opportunists' (Trump and Netanyahu) seizing a moment, driven by unclear goals and a dangerous coalition of Christian and Jewish fundamentalism. He views the US withdrawal from the 2015 Iran nuclear deal as a critical misstep that led to the current conflict.
Hammer: Trump's consistent criticism of Iran since 1979, tearing up the nuclear deal in 2018, and taking out Qasem Soleimani (-). Berg: 'war of two opportunists' (), 'first war of religious fundamentalism, Jewish and Christian fundamentalism on one hand and Muslim fundamentalism' (-), US withdrawal from 2015 agreement (-).
2Religious Justifications and Condemnations of War
Reverend Franklin Graham, a prominent evangelical figure, asserts that God 'does take sides' in history and in 'just wars' against evil, citing biblical examples like King David and historical events like WWII. He believes the Iranian regime is 'evil' and hopes for regime change. Aram Berg vehemently rejects this, calling the support for war by some religious leaders a 'shame on Judaism' and urging religious figures to 'keep out of my political scenario' and not 'sacrifice me' in their 'Armageddon.' He contrasts this with Pope Leo's stance that God rejects prayers of those who wage war.
Graham: 'God does take sides' (), 'Iran is an evil government' (), 'hope there is a regime change' (). Berg: 'shame on Judaism' for rabbis supporting war (), 'Keep out of my political scenario' (), 'I do not want to die in your Magadon' ().
3The 'Terrorist' Label and International Law
Yanis Varoufakis challenges the use of the term 'terrorist,' arguing that its application is fluid and politically motivated, citing examples like the IRA and Nelson Mandela who were once labeled terrorists but later became peace partners or statesmen. He describes Hamas's actions on October 7th as 'hideous and heinous war crimes' but not 'terrorism,' emphasizing adherence to international law's clear definitions. He views the US and Israeli actions in Iran as an 'unlawful' and 'criminal war,' asserting that victory for them would undermine international law.
Varoufakis: 'I have a problem with terrorism because you know the IRA used to be terrorist until we had a good Friday agreement' (-), 'Nelson Mandela was admonished as a terrorist' (-), 'hideous and heinous war crimes' (-), 'unlawful war started by Israel and by the United States. It's a criminal war' (-).
Lessons
- Critically evaluate the motivations behind geopolitical conflicts, distinguishing between stated political objectives and underlying religious or opportunistic agendas.
- Consider the long-term consequences of foreign intervention and military action, particularly how such actions might inadvertently strengthen opposing regimes or destabilize regions.
- Challenge the use of loaded terms like 'terrorist' by examining the specific actions and applying international legal frameworks (e.g., war crimes) to maintain clarity and consistency in conflict analysis.
Quotes
"It's a war of two opportunists that had an opportunity. All of the sudden they realize there is an opportunity because the high echelon of the Iranians got together. Let's wipe them off."
"This is the first war of religious fundamentalism, Jewish and Christian fundamentalism on one hand and Muslim fundamentalism, Shiite fundamentalism on the other hand."
"What Trump is doing is he is not starting a new forever war. He is ending the Mulla's 47-year forever war there."
"You want redemption, you want second coming of God, you of Messiah, everything is good. Keep out of my political scenario. I do not want to die in your Magadon."
"I don't call them terrorists. That Iraq Iran did support where they are... movements that sprung out of many years of mishandling of the Middle East."
"I consider those to be hideous and heinous war crimes. And there's no two way about that."
Q&A
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