Throughout history, small yet powerful groups have often shaped the course of nations and empires, wielding outsized influence over political systems. From the Medici family’s dominance in Renaissance Florence to Rasputin’s sway over the Romanov court in Tsarist Russia, and from Napoleon’s ambitions across Europe to the Janissaries’ control in the Ottoman Empire, history offers countless examples. Even Hitler’s rise in 20th-century Europe fits this narrative of concentrated power.
Today, we witness a similar phenomenon... a minority group representing a very small portion of the US population exerting considerable influence over a nation as vast as the United States, while also affecting policy in Western Europe. This influence, particularly over nations like Germany, whose policies often align closely with Israel’s agenda, raises profound questions.
In the ongoing American presidential race, both major parties seem eager to appeal to the Zionist lobby, often prioritising these interests over broader national or international considerations. Former president Donald Trump, for instance, urged the Israeli government to expand its territorial ambitions while turning a blind eye to the plight of the Palestinian people. His approach heavily favoured Israel’s strategic objectives without addressing the humanitarian crises on the ground.
Meanwhile, Kamala Harris continues to express unwavering support for Israel, demonstrating her commitment to similarly aligned policies. Her stance, much like Trump’s, underscores the deeply entrenched nature of US political support for Israel, signalling that little change can be expected in America’s Middle East policy regardless of the election’s outcome.
What is particularly striking is the indifference displayed by much of the American and European political establishments. Only a few principled governments, such as Ireland and Spain, have taken a stand, voicing opposition to Israel’s policies. The broader international community, however, seems to overlook or tacitly accept Israel’s actions, including those widely condemned as violations of human rights and international law. Even in instances where hospitals and refugee shelters are bombed, as seen in places like Jabalia, there is minimal accountability.
This raises an uncomfortable question. Why do the political elites of the United States and their European allies show such antipathy towards the Arab world? Is Israel’s security, coupled with the West’s reliance on Arab oil, sufficient justification for the ongoing cycle of violence, displacement and devastation? Over the past two decades, Western powers have initiated multiple wars and military interventions across the Arab world, toppling governments and decimating the political and economic foundations of countries that now face long, arduous paths to recovery.
Yet, this level of destruction is not seen in Asia or Latin America. Is it possible that a peaceful coexistence or a “third way” might offer an alternative to this cycle of conflict and antagonism? Must the global community uncritically accept the narrative propagated by Israel – one that portrays the state as besieged, justifying its actions – while disregarding the broader consequences?
As the American presidential elections approach, the future appears uncertain for the Arab world. The diminishing influence of Arab political, military and economic power suggests that “normalisation” with Israel, along with the imposition of its agenda, will likely shape the geopolitical landscape. Those who resist this trend may find themselves increasingly marginalised, facing an unpredictable and precarious future.
Israel’s aggressive policies, often seen as unethical by critics, seem to be influencing other emerging powers. As global power shifts, the hypocrisy of Western nations on issues like human rights becomes more apparent. The very principles they champion seem hollow when viewed through the lens of their foreign policy actions.
History provides a sobering reminder: dominant groups and influential figures may rise, but they are seldom immune to eventual decline. The Medici family’s rule ended in 1737; Rasputin was assassinated in 1916; the Janissaries were disbanded in 1826; and Napoleon, after reshaping Europe, died in exile in 1815. Similarly, those who fought to unify the United States during the Civil War could hardly have imagined that, nearly 250 years later, the country they helped create would be so profoundly influenced by a small, powerful minority, altering the trajectory of the United States in ways they might never have anticipated.
Translated by Badr al Dhafari (The original version of this article was published in Arabic in the print edition of Oman newspaper on October 17)
Yahya Al Aufi
The author is an Omani writer and translator
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