By Firyal Alshalabi
Except for the size, what is the difference between the US and Israel (the Zionist entity)? Speculating an answer to this question brings out more similarities than differences. To mention just a few: Both countries were founded on colonization of lands occupied by indigenous people; both committed ethnic cleansing to get rid of the natives, Indian reservations and Palestinian refugee camps are still witnesses to that fact.
Despite claims of liberalism and separation between state and religion, both countries’ politics are based on fundamental theological ideologies, in some cases their systems are run by orthodox religious politicians. The majority of the population of both countries is composed of the same homogeneity of European background. The economies of both are heavily reliant on military industries, with mutual scientific and financial cooperation. Most of that production is used to suppress opposition to their political agendas, no matter where it takes place around the world.
So, what’s the difference between the two, aside from size? Not much really. Basically, the Zionist entity can be named ‘Little America’ in the Middle East. In the days before October 7, when people still believed in ‘Western democracies’, one was willing to overlook some malpractices here and there, while hoping for change and ultimately peace. Some people, and some Arab countries, welcomed ‘Little America’ in their midst, hoping for a spread of democracy and eventually peace agreement and justice for all.
But it has become clear, from the current war on Gaza, that the hope for peace is only a dream, and the goal is nothing more than colonial expansion. Democracy and human rights, which people thought meant freedom and justice for all, turned out to be only so for some. Same with freedom of speech, a first amendment in the American constitution. Now in America if you dare say "From the River to the Sea”, a slogan started by Zionists, you will be severely punished, especially if you’re referring to Palestine.
Only Israelis and Zionists are allowed to say the same phrase, referring to the expansion of the Zionist entity to include many more Arab countries in their future plan. But if you’re referring to Palestine, you don’t have that freedom of speech. What kind of a democracy has the US become? What kind of a role model is it showing the world? That the US and the Zionist entity are above the law? That other people and countries are inferior to them? Do these governments think they can get away with injustice? Do they think people will forget and forgive the slaughter of tens of thousands of civilians?
The Zionist entity and the US are breaking international laws and making the world a dangerous place. There’s not much difference between the US and the Zionist entity. Sadly, the similarities between them are not commendable, but rather condemnable. They have claimed for so long to be role models for other countries, now they are giving the world a much different model of brutality, inhumanity, injustice and barbarism not seen in modern history since the days of Nazi Germany. Quite ironic, isn’t it?
NOTE: Dr Firyal Alshalabi is the author of Summer 1990, a novel about the invasion of Kuwait by Saddam Hussein and its liberation. Several of her children’s books in Arabic have gained wide acclaim, including ‘Tasneem and her Precious Shoes’ and ‘My Uncle Khaled’.
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