In the Middle East, History Repeats Itself … Right?

BY: JAMES M. DORSEY

Hardliners on both sides of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict historically reinforced each other through actions and support.

The latest war intensified hardline positions, escalating the Israeli-Palestinian conflict with disregard for lives. 

Hamas lost support by targeting Israeli civilians on October 7, damaging perceptions of Israel's strength.

Hamas could have achieved its objectives by targeting Israeli military installations and personnel, not civilians.

Rather than devastating Gaza, Israel could have targeted Hamas leadership and proposed conflict solutions.

Past targeted killings and current violence won't bring peace, they harden positions and escalate violence.

A regional war unprepared could be catastrophic, a Gaza operation may trigger a larger conflict.

Brik warns of a multi-front war with Hezbollah, Lebanon, West Bank, Syria, Iran, and internal unrest.