ran is home to a deeply complex, diverse society with layers of identity that extend far beyond state politics. Iranians are culturally Persian, religiously diverse within Shia Islam, and have long engaged with Western ideas and values.

This analysis goes beyond surface-level understandings of Hamas as simply a political actor, framing the group within the rich and often fraught theological tradition of Islamism—a perspective critical for fully grasping the role Hamas plays in the ongoing conflict between Israel and Palestine.

In this analysis, I want to unpack the historical and theological roots of Islamic imperialism and set them against the founding of Israel.

This article is not merely a defense of Israel; it explores the deeper truths underpinning the Jewish state's existence, resilience, and role in historical and contemporary global dynamics.

What is Israel’s endgame in the war with Gaza? For Israel, the endgame must be to dismantle Hamas completely—both its military and political structures—if it is to secure a stable and peaceful future, avoiding the dangers of allowing a hostile force to regroup and reemerge.

This conflict is driven by entrenched theological, historical, and ideological hostilities that have persisted for generations. Recognizing this is crucial, as it explains why every effort toward peace has been obstructed by more than just geopolitical grievances.

This article explores these factors in greater depth, seeking to understand the roots of conspiracy thinking in the Middle East and its wider social and political consequences.

As the Biden administration continues to place its hopes on re-engaging Iran through negotiations, it is crucial to ask whether this strategy is fundamentally flawed.