In the West an attitude towards Palestinian terrorism developed along the lines of “we don’t condone the violence but you have to understand the Palestinian grievance.” Of course that attitude implicitly excuses the violence it claims not to condone.
But this fig leaf (understanding the Palestinian grievance) didn’t just excuse Palestinian violence against Israel, it also shielded that Arab world from its openly antisemitic policies (they have to stick up for the Palestinians).
In his meeting with President Assad of Syria, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad said:
“With Allah’s help, the new Middle East will be a Middle East without Zionists and imperialists. We hope they will recognize the rights of the region’s nations, but they must realize that if they continue along their wrongful path they have no place in our region. Today the ties between the region’s nations – between Iran, Syria and the resistance movement – are very strong. We believe that developments in the world will benefit Iran, Syria and the region’s free governments,” he said.
Note, Ahmadinejad didn’t specify and particular Israeli affront to the Middle East. No, he is offended by the presence of Zionists (read Israel.)
And what’s going one elsewhere? Well Israel declared the Cave of the Patriarchs and the Tomb of Rachel to be heritage sites. The UN, France and the United States have all deplored this move, giving support to the Palestinian denial of the historical connection between Jews and Israel.
So the same folks who criticize Israel for harming the “peace process” ignore or excuse a pretty direct threat against Israel.
The dynamic created by Yasser Arafat still works today more than years after his death. The Palestinian grievance trumps all.
Crossposted on Soccer Dad.
