The root of these conflicts were real grievances born of injustice that gave rise to resistance movements. Ignoring Israel’s responsibility for actions creating the pain at the heart of the problem and refusing to press them to change direction ensures that the grievances metastasize into ever-more virulent forms. While the US worries aloud about the dangers of expanding war, it’s done nothing to restrain Israel’s behavior. The only certainty is that Israel’s war in Lebanon and Gaza won’t end well. Then, and only then, can we assess the steps needed to deal with the grievances at the root of this tragedy.
