Israel fights for the West - editorial (original) (raw)
Israel plays a critical role in the global fight for freedom - editorial
His death at the hands of Israeli forces marks the end of a dangerous era, but more importantly, it symbolizes Israel’s critical role in the global fight for freedom.
SEPTEMBER 29, 2024 05:52
Updated: SEPTEMBER 29, 2024 05:53
Smoke billows over Beirut's southern suburbs, amid ongoing hostilities between Hezbollah and Israeli forces, as seen from Sin El Fil, Lebanon, September 28, 2024.
(photo credit: REUTERS/MOHAMED AZAKIR)
In the shadowy underworld of terror and defiance, Hassan Nasrallah stood as a symbol of unyielding hostility toward Western society. For over three decades, the Hezbollah leader brazenly proclaimed his contempt for the United States and its allies, regularly issuing threats that echoed far beyond the borders of Lebanon.
In one of his many incendiary speeches, Nasrallah asserted, “So long as there is imperialism in the world, a permanent peace is impossible.” This statement, though couched in the language of resistance, reflected a broader, more dangerous ideology that painted the West as the eternal enemy of the Islamic world.
Nasrallah’s rhetoric was not just empty bluster: It was a call to arms for those who despised the principles of democracy and freedom. He often targeted the US directly, accusing it of being the true aggressor in the Middle East, and warned that the “Axis of Resistance” would not back down unless Israel and its Western allies were subdued.
His propaganda painted a picture of the West as a corrupt force, with Nasrallah famously declaring, “There is no solution without pressure on Israel to stop the war on Gaza,” openly challenging Western powers to confront their own complicity in regional conflicts.
Nasrallah’s words were not confined to rhetoric. Under his leadership, Hezbollah engaged in a relentless campaign of terror against both Israel and Western targets worldwide. From attacks on US Marines in Beirut in the 1980s to support for Hamas’s attacks on Israeli civilians, his actions underscored a broader anti-Western agenda. Nasrallah’s strategy was clear: to undermine Western influence in the Middle East and to promote an Islamist vision in which democracy had no place.
Smoke billows over Beirut's southern suburbs as seen from Sin El Fil, Lebanon, September 28, 2024. (credit: REUTERS/MOHAMED AZAKIR)
His death at the hands of Israeli forces marks the end of a dangerous era, but more importantly, it symbolizes Israel’s critical role in the global fight for freedom.
Israel’s Friday strike on Nasrallah and his top commanders wasn’t just a tactical victory – it was a pivotal moment in the ideological battle between democracy and extremism. By taking out Nasrallah, Israel demonstrated once again that it is on the front lines of protecting not just its own citizens but the values that underpin the entire Western world. Unlike many Western nations that hesitate, debate, and often delay decisive action, Israel acted swiftly and decisively, eliminating a key figure who had become a global symbol of terror.
While Israel stands resolute in its defense of democracy, the broader free world must acknowledge and support its efforts. For too long, Western nations have tiptoed around the threat posed by leaders like Nasrallah, constrained by political correctness and fears of backlash. In contrast, Israel’s bold actions have proven time and again that the fight against extremism requires more than just words – it requires resolve, action, and an unwavering commitment to the principles of liberty.
Nasrallah's death a triumph for all who value democracy over dictatorship
Nasrallah’s death is more than a win for Israel: It is a triumph for every nation that values democracy over dictatorship and freedom over tyranny. Yet, the West’s lukewarm response to this victory underscores a troubling disconnect. By failing to openly celebrate Israel’s success in dismantling a terror network that despised the very essence of Western values, the free world risks undermining the sacrifices made by those on the front lines.
US President Joe Biden rightfully praised Israel on Saturday. “Hassan Nasrallah and the terrorist group he led, Hezbollah, were responsible for killing hundreds of Americans over a four-decade reign of terror,” he said. “His death from an Israeli airstrike is a measure of justice for his many victims, including thousands of Americans, Israelis, and Lebanese civilians.
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“The United States fully supports Israel’s right to defend itself against Hezbollah, Hamas, the Houthis, and any other Iranian-supported terrorist groups,” Biden said firmly.
Israel’s actions serve as a reminder that the defense of democracy is not a regional issue – it is a global imperative. Nasrallah’s elimination is a victory for the entire free world, and it’s time that the West recognizes Israel’s role as not just a regional ally, but as a critical defender of the democratic order. The battle against extremism is ongoing, and it is only through unity and support that the ideals of the free world will continue to thrive.