Search This Blog

Friday, July 25, 2025

Ilan Pappé: The Israel Lobby Is Real. This Is How It Works

Ilan Pappé—an Israeli historian of the so‑called “New Historians” school—is one of the most outspoken critics of Zionism and Israeli state policy. Over the past decade, he has shifted from mainstream academic circles in Israel to a vocal activist and exile, currently based at the University of Exeter in the United Kingdom. Pappé argues unambiguously that the Israel lobby is not a myth or an exaggeration, but a powerful, multi‑faceted network that has shaped Western politics, elite opinion, and public discourse in favor of Israel (and Zionist goals) for over a century.


Who Is Ilan Pappé?

Born in Haifa in 1954, Pappé began his career as a mainstream historian, investigating the archives of 1948 and uncovering documents that contradicted the dominant Zionist narrative about the creation of the state of Israel. These records included military orders—such as Plan Dalet—that mandated the forced expulsion of Palestinians, which Pappé interpreted as evidence of ethnic cleansing El País+15RFI+15Wikipedia+15.

Over time, his work became increasingly politicized. He was expelled from his academic position in Israel after supporting academic boycott campaigns—ironically including of his own university—and in 1999 ran for Knesset with the Communist-linked Hadash list Wikipedia. Pappé now lives in exile, deeply skeptical of the mainstream Zionist interpretation. He insists that the Israeli-Palestinian conflict must be understood as a settler‑colonial project, not merely a clash of nationalisms WikipediaRFI.


The Lobby Is Real: A Historical Overview

In his most recent book, Lobbying for Zionism on Both Sides of the Atlantic, Pappé sets out a comprehensive narrative of how Zionism became deeply embedded in Western political elites through a concerted network of organizations, donors, clergy, media operatives, and influential individuals Cadena SER+10Wikipedia+10MR Online+10.

  • Origins in the 19th century and early 20th century: Zionist leaders leveraged both religiously motivated Christian Zionists and secular philanthropists—sometimes including antisemites—to advocate for the establishment of a Jewish homeland. Figures such as Balfour and Lloyd George are portrayed as instrumental in constructing diplomatic support for Zionism, even when their motivations diverged sharply MR Online.

  • Institutionalizing the lobby: Organizations like AIPAC in the United States, Labour Friends of Israel and Conservative Friends of Israel in the UK, don’t merely support Israel—they enforce alignment between Western political elites and Israeli policy through funding, access, and pressure The University of Western Australia.

Pappé emphasizes the lobbying system’s evolution: once focused on establishment elites, it now also targets universities, media, religious institutions, and local government bodies—aggressively suppressing dissenting or pro‑Palestinian narratives The White Review+15The University of Western Australia+15Brave New Europe+15.


How the Israel Lobby Works

1. Targeting Political Elites

The central role of AIPAC in the U.S. and similar groups in the UK is a testament to how much these organizations have influenced policymaking. These lobbies often judge political leaders not by policy performance but by their obedience to pro‑Israel directives—even when those directives conflict with peace initiatives like the Oslo Accords Brave New EuropeMR Onlinechrishedges.podbean.com.

2. Financial and Institutional Leverage

Pappé documents how well‑funded donors and institutional affiliations are used to cultivate support and silence critics. Political leaders, university administrations, and media outlets fearful of losing funding or credibility often self‑censor criticism of Israel or Zionism El PaísMR Online.

3. Controlling Narratives in Academia and Media

In academic settings, Pappé charges that pro‑Israel lobby efforts suppress scholarly critiques of the Israeli state. He notes that Israeli institutions are implicated in military research, and silencing dissent within universities has become increasingly aggressive—especially following October 7, 2023 The GuardianJewish Voice for LabourWikipedia.

4. Repressing Dissent in Civil Society

According to Pappé, the lobby is now most intensely focused on controlling social movements, online discourse, and grassroots activism. As public sympathy for Palestine grows in younger generations, the lobby’s strategy has pivoted to preventing such trends from reaching institutions like churches, universities, and municipal bodies El PaísThe University of Western Australia.


Why the Lobby Exists—and Why It Is So Anxious

Pappé argues that the Israel lobby is not just about protecting Israel—it has become an autonomous power structure that preserves Zionist influence itself. As the moral legitimacy of Israel erodes—due to allegations of apartheid and repression—the lobby shifts toward discrediting critics and suppressing solidarity movements to preserve legitimacy for its own sake El PaísEl PaísMR OnlineThe University of Western Australia.

This anxiety is most evident in the backlash against figures like Pappé himself: interrogated by U.S. Homeland Security, removed from broadcast opportunities, and subjected to campaigns of intimidation—tactics he interprets to reflect the lobby’s fear of losing grip over public discourse Home+15wsws.org+15The University of Western Australia+15.


Critiques and Controversies

Pappé is highly controversial—even among other scholars of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Critics such as Benny Morris have accused him of distorting historical facts and deliberately allowing ideology to guide his historical interpretation. Morris described him as “sloppy” at best and “dishonest” at worst, and accused Pappé of fabricating or mischaracterizing archival evidence Reddit+1Wikipedia+1.

Pappé himself has acknowledged that historical objectivity is impossible and that he frames history through a political lens. He sees history as ideological narrative, not undisputed truth—a view that many traditional historians vehemently reject RedditReddit.

Despite critique, Pappé remains influential in pro‑Palestinian, anti‑Zionist circles. His emphasis on moral urgency and his willingness to tie academic work to political activism resonate with many activists worldwide RedditWikipedia.


Conclusion: A Real Lobby with Real Impact

Ilan Pappé maintains that the Israel lobby is a tangible and highly effective force operating on both sides of the Atlantic to secure unwavering Western support for Israeli state policy. From British leadership in the early 20th century to AIPAC’s dominance in modern U.S. politics, Pappé describes a century-long machinery of influence grounded in financial power, elite co-option, and ideological conformity.

He argues that as Israel’s moral legitimacy wanes—under criticism of apartheid, occupation, and repression—the lobby’s focus shifts toward suppressing dissenting narratives and preserving its own power base. The outcome, he believes, is a political and intellectual environment in the West that severely restricts legitimate critique of Israel.

Whether one views his work as powerful truth-telling or deeply biased polemic, Pappé’s essential position remains clear: Yes, the Israel lobby is real—and it shapes not just policy but how we think about the Israeli‑Palestinian conflict.

Saturday, July 19, 2025

The Mahdi in Sunni and Shia Islam: A Comparative View

In both Sunni and Shia Islam, the belief in a divinely guided leader who will appear at the end of times to bring justice and restore true religion is a deeply rooted part of eschatology. This figure is known as the Mahdi—a term meaning "the Guided One." Though both sects believe in the Mahdi, their narratives differ significantly in his identity, lineage, role, and the context of his appearance.

This article explores the similarities and differences in the Sunni and Shia understandings of the Mahdi, offering insight into how a shared concept can evolve into distinct theological traditions.


Origins of the Mahdi Concept

The concept of the Mahdi is not explicitly mentioned in the Qur'an but is found in various hadiths (sayings of the Prophet Muhammad). The term "Mahdi" gained prominence in Islamic thought during the early centuries of Islam, particularly in response to political upheaval, injustice, and the longing for righteous leadership.

Both Sunnis and Shias believe the Mahdi will emerge in the End Times to establish justice, defeat evil, and lead Muslims to victory. However, how he is identified and what his mission entails are where the schools of thought begin to diverge.


The Sunni View of the Mahdi

In Sunni Islam, the Mahdi is generally seen as a future righteous leader who will be born in the end times. He is not considered divine or infallible but will be inspired by God to lead with justice. Sunni hadith literature contains numerous narrations about the Mahdi, particularly from collections such as Abu Dawud, Tirmidhi, and Ibn Majah.

Key Characteristics in Sunni Belief:

  • Lineage: The Mahdi will be a descendant of the Prophet Muhammad through his daughter Fatimah, and thus part of the Prophet’s household (Ahl al-Bayt).

  • Name: His name will be Muhammad, and his father’s name will be Abdullah, mirroring the Prophet’s name.

  • Timing: He will appear during a time of great turmoil, injustice, and widespread corruption.

  • Mission: He will fight against tyranny, establish a just society, and lead the Muslim community. Some traditions also mention that he will rule for seven to nine years.

  • Relationship with Jesus: In Sunni eschatology, the Mahdi’s era coincides with the return of Jesus (Isa), who will descend from heaven, kill the Antichrist (Dajjal), and pray behind the Mahdi, signifying his support.

In this narrative, the Mahdi is not a supernatural figure, nor is he believed to be alive or hidden. He is a man born in the future who rises in response to global crises.


The Shia View of the Mahdi

In Shia Islam, particularly within the Twelver (Ithna ‘Ashari) tradition—the largest branch of Shia Islam—the belief in the Mahdi is central and well-defined. The Mahdi is identified as Muhammad ibn Hasan al-Askari, the Twelfth Imam, born in 868 CE.

Key Characteristics in Shia Belief:

  • Lineage and Identity: The Mahdi is already born and is the son of the eleventh Imam, Hasan al-Askari. He is believed to be a direct descendant of the Prophet Muhammad through Fatimah and Imam Ali.

  • Occultation (Ghaybah): According to Twelver Shia belief, the Mahdi entered a state of occultation—first a minor occultation (874–941 CE), during which he communicated with followers through deputies, and then a major occultation, in which he remains hidden from the world until God permits his reappearance.

  • Supernatural Role: The Mahdi is considered an infallible, divinely guided leader, who has a unique spiritual status among humans. His reappearance is a cosmic event.

  • Return and Global Justice: When he returns, he will fill the world with justice and truth, dismantling systems of oppression. He will lead a global revolution, punish wrongdoers, and restore the true path of Islam.

  • Association with Jesus: Like the Sunni narrative, Shia eschatology includes the return of Jesus, who will support the Mahdi in his mission and confirm his leadership.

The Twelfth Imam is more than just a future leader in Shia belief; he is the living Imam, hidden from view but still active in guiding the faithful through divine means.


Similarities Between the Two Views

Despite their doctrinal differences, Sunni and Shia views of the Mahdi share several key elements:

  • He is from the family of the Prophet Muhammad.

  • He appears in a time of global injustice and moral decay.

  • His mission is to establish justice, equity, and the true teachings of Islam.

  • His era coincides with the return of Jesus (Isa), who supports him.

These overlapping beliefs reflect a shared yearning for divine justice and righteous leadership—a sentiment that has shaped Islamic spirituality and politics for centuries.


Differences and Points of Divergence

  1. Existence vs. Future Birth:

    • Shia: The Mahdi is already born and in occultation.

    • Sunni: The Mahdi will be born in the future.

  2. Nature and Status:

    • Shia: The Mahdi is an infallible Imam, part of a divinely appointed lineage.

    • Sunni: The Mahdi is a righteous human leader, not infallible.

  3. Role in Shia Political Thought:

    • The Shia concept of Wilayat al-Faqih (Guardianship of the Jurist), especially in Iran, is based on the idea that religious scholars act as stewards during the Mahdi’s occultation.

    • Sunni Islam does not typically have this intermediary governance theory tied to eschatology.

  4. Sectarian Tensions:

    • In some extremist or politicized circles, Shia and Sunni apocalyptic views have been weaponized, with each side interpreting the Mahdi's mission through sectarian lenses. For example, some militant Sunni groups accuse the Shia Mahdi narrative of being hostile to Sunnis, while some radical Shia narratives depict the Mahdi as purging injustice—including those seen as opposing the Ahl al-Bayt.

However, these are not universally accepted views and are often fueled by political conflict rather than core doctrine.


Conclusion: One Mahdi, Many Interpretations

The Mahdi remains a powerful symbol of hope and divine justice for Muslims around the world. Whether seen as a future leader yet to be born or an existing Imam in occultation, he represents the promise that tyranny will not endure and that truth will ultimately prevail.

While the Sunni and Shia traditions differ in their understanding of the Mahdi’s identity and role, the underlying message is the same: the world is heading toward a climactic moment of moral reckoning, and divine guidance will illuminate the path forward.

In an age of rising extremism and sectarian division, it is important to approach these beliefs with scholarship, empathy, and nuance, avoiding sensationalism and focusing instead on the shared spiritual longing that unites the Muslim world.

Saturday, July 12, 2025

The Biblical Antichrist will expand the State of Israel to include parts of Iraq, Syria and Egypt (Greater Israel)

Among the most provocative interpretations of Biblical prophecy is the claim that the Antichrist—a deceptive global leader predicted in Christian eschatology—will play a pivotal role in expanding the modern State of Israel into a territory often referred to as “Greater Israel.” This vision includes areas of modern-day Iraq, Syria, Jordan, Lebanon, and Egypt, aligning with ancient territorial promises made in the Bible. According to some prophetic scholars, the Antichrist will use this expansion to gain religious and political control, establishing a false peace before ushering in a time of global tribulation.

This article explores the Biblical foundations of this theory, its theological context, and its implications for contemporary geopolitics and eschatology.


Foundations in the Bible: The Promised Land

The idea of Greater Israel originates from God’s covenant with Abraham in Genesis 15:18:

“On that day the Lord made a covenant with Abram, saying, ‘To your descendants I give this land, from the river of Egypt to the great river, the Euphrates.’”

This geographical description covers vast swaths of territory far beyond modern Israel’s borders, including parts of:

  • Egypt (Sinai Peninsula),

  • Jordan,

  • Lebanon,

  • Syria,

  • and even parts of Iraq (near the Euphrates River).

Throughout the Old Testament, this idealized territorial scope reappears as part of divine promises and visions of restoration. However, such territory was never fully occupied even during Israel’s golden age under Kings David and Solomon.

Some Christian eschatologists argue that these ancient boundaries will one day be realized—but under the dominion of the Antichrist, not the true Messiah.


The Antichrist in Christian Eschatology

In the New Testament, the Antichrist is a figure of deception and blasphemy, described in various passages as a political and religious leader who will rise during the end times. He appears in:

  • 2 Thessalonians 2 as the “man of lawlessness,”

  • Revelation 13 as the beast from the sea,

  • and in 1 John 2:18, where the term “antichrist” is explicitly used.

He is prophesied to:

  • Perform signs and wonders,

  • Deceive many,

  • Make a peace treaty with Israel (Daniel 9:27),

  • Break that treaty halfway through a seven-year tribulation,

  • Set up the “abomination of desolation” in the temple (Matthew 24:15),

  • And persecute the faithful remnant.

These actions, combined with a global political reach, lead many interpreters to believe that the Antichrist will present himself as a messianic figure, possibly even welcomed by the Jewish people at first.


The Antichrist and the Expansion of Israel

Some prophecy teachers claim that the Antichrist will engineer the expansion of Israel as part of a master deception. Here's the logic behind this belief:

  1. False Fulfillment of Messianic Prophecies
    According to traditional Jewish expectations, the Messiah will:

    • Rebuild the Temple,

    • Restore Israel’s borders to the full extent of God’s promises,

    • Bring peace to the world.

    If the Antichrist can achieve these goals, particularly the territorial restoration, he may be falsely accepted as the Messiah by many in Israel and beyond.

  2. Geopolitical Control
    Controlling Greater Israel would give the Antichrist command over crucial oil reserves, military chokepoints (like the Suez Canal), and religious sites in Jerusalem and beyond. This would facilitate global dominance, fulfilling prophecies in Revelation 13 that describe him as having authority over “every tribe, people, language and nation.”

  3. Temple Rebuilding
    The expansion may also include securing the Temple Mount, enabling the rebuilding of the Third Temple, which many see as a key prophetic milestone (see Revelation 11:1–2 and 2 Thessalonians 2:4). This would further solidify his messianic credentials in the eyes of many.

  4. Betrayal and Destruction
    According to Daniel 9:27, after three and a half years of apparent peace, the Antichrist will break his covenant, desecrate the Temple, and unleash tribulation on a global scale. What began as a triumph for Israel becomes a time of unparalleled suffering, often referred to as the “time of Jacob’s trouble” (Jeremiah 30:7).


Greater Israel: Biblical Vision or Modern Agenda?

The idea of Greater Israel is not only theological—it also has geopolitical ramifications. In modern times, some critics of Zionism allege that there is a political desire to expand Israeli borders based on the Genesis 15 promise. While mainstream Israeli policy does not officially advocate for this, fringe groups and conspiracy theorists often link modern Middle Eastern conflicts to a supposed hidden agenda of territorial expansion.

However, the Biblical prophetic view differs. It asserts that the expansion, if it occurs, will not be orchestrated by the Jewish people alone, but enabled—or even orchestrated—by the Antichrist, to gain their allegiance and deceive the world.

In this interpretation, the expansion is not a blessing, but a trap.


Symbolism in Revelation and Daniel

The apocalyptic literature of Revelation and Daniel uses symbolism to describe global empires. The beast in Revelation 13 mirrors the fourth beast of Daniel 7, traditionally interpreted as a revived Roman Empire or a new global order. If the Antichrist rises from such a system, his alliance with Israel could be strategic—offering peace and security in exchange for control.

Paul warns in 1 Thessalonians 5:3:

“While people are saying, ‘Peace and safety,’ destruction will come on them suddenly.”

The expansion of Israel under the Antichrist may be part of this deceptive peace.


A Warning, Not a Mandate

It’s essential to note that Biblical prophecy is not necessarily prescriptive. These visions are not political blueprints to be followed, but warnings to the faithful. They highlight the dangers of trusting in worldly power or charismatic leaders instead of divine truth.

The prophecy warns believers—both Jews and Christians—not to be deceived by miraculous signs or political solutions that appear to fulfill divine promises but are rooted in falsehood.


Conclusion: An Imitation Kingdom

In sum, the view that the Biblical Antichrist will expand Israel to encompass Greater Israel is rooted in the idea of imitation. Just as Satan imitates light (2 Corinthians 11:14), the Antichrist imitates the true Messiah—offering peace, power, and prosperity, but delivering destruction.

While this view is debated and not universally accepted, it remains a compelling interpretation for many Christians who take a futurist, literal approach to prophecy. It serves as a stark reminder that not every fulfillment of Biblical promise is from God—some may be part of a grand deception leading to the final conflict between good and evil.

Saturday, July 5, 2025

Majority of Muslims Will Be Shiites by the Time the Antichrist Emerges as the Mahdi of the Shiites: A Theological and Eschatological Inquiry

The Islamic tradition, both Sunni and Shiite, holds a rich and intricate eschatology—an end-times narrative filled with signs, trials, and figures such as the Mahdi and the Dajjal (Antichrist). Among speculative and controversial claims circulating in modern theological discourse is the proposition that by the time the Antichrist emerges, the majority of Muslims will identify as Shiites, and that the Antichrist may even emerge claiming to be the Mahdi expected by the Shiite tradition. This perspective merges classical Islamic sources with geopolitical, sectarian, and spiritual trends in the Muslim world. While highly controversial, it opens up a deeper discussion about sectarian identity, eschatological expectations, and the complex interplay between truth, deception, and mass religious movements in the End Times.


The Mahdi in Sunni and Shiite Theology

To understand the foundation of this idea, it’s essential to first examine the concept of the Mahdi.

In Sunni Islam, the Mahdi is a divinely guided leader who will appear before the Day of Judgment to restore justice and lead the Muslim community to righteousness. While belief in the Mahdi is not a foundational tenet of Sunni theology, it is widely accepted through hadiths, many of which are recorded in collections such as Sunan Abu Dawud and Musnad Ahmad.

In Shiite Islam, particularly Twelver Shiism, belief in the Mahdi is central and doctrinal. The Mahdi is believed to be Muhammad ibn al-Hasan al-Askari, the twelfth Imam, who went into occultation in the 9th century and will return as the awaited savior of humanity. Shiites view him not merely as a political leader but as a divinely protected, infallible guide.

This divergence in Mahdist expectations has created two theological trajectories: one where the Mahdi is an unknown man who will rise at the end of time, and another where he is already born and hidden from the world, awaiting divine command to reappear.


Rise in Shiite Demographics and Influence

The proposition that Shiites will become the majority of Muslims before the emergence of the Antichrist (Dajjal) stems from observations about changing demographics and religious identity in the Muslim world.

While Sunnis currently comprise around 85–90% of the global Muslim population, several factors have fueled increased visibility, appeal, and conversions to Shiism, particularly in regions of political unrest, perceived religious authenticity, or disillusionment with institutional Sunni leadership:

  1. Charismatic Appeal of Shiite Martyrdom Theology: The narratives surrounding Karbala, Imam Hussein, and resistance against tyranny deeply resonate in modern times, especially among oppressed or politically marginalized Muslims.

  2. Perceived Spiritual Depth: Some converts view Shiism as more spiritually and intellectually rigorous, particularly with its emphasis on the Ahl al-Bayt (family of the Prophet) and its clerical hierarchy.

  3. State Sponsorship and Propaganda: The Islamic Republic of Iran, through media and educational institutions, has invested heavily in promoting Shiism worldwide, especially in Africa, Southeast Asia, and Latin America.

  4. Disillusionment with Extremism: The association of extremist groups like ISIS and al-Qaeda with Sunni identity has caused some Muslims to explore other interpretations of Islam.

If this trend continues over generations, the idea that Shiism could become the dominant form of Islam—at least numerically or ideologically—is not entirely implausible, though currently speculative.


The Emergence of the Antichrist (Dajjal) in Islamic Eschatology

The Dajjal, or Antichrist, is a central figure in Islamic apocalyptic thought. He is described in hadiths as a false messiah who will deceive masses through miracles, false claims of divinity, and a global reign of deception. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) warned that the Dajjal will come at a time of great fitnah (tribulation), when people will be spiritually confused and vulnerable.

Interestingly, some hadiths state that the Dajjal will be accepted by many Muslims, while others will recognize his deception. In this context, if the majority of Muslims by then are Shiite, it leads to the hypothesis that the Dajjal may emerge claiming to be their awaited Mahdi—thus misleading those who await a specific messianic figure with unique traits.


Could the Antichrist Claim to Be the Shiite Mahdi?

In the Twelver Shiite narrative, the Mahdi is expected to reappear suddenly, lead a global revolution, and establish justice. He is also believed to be a descendant of Fatimah and Ali, the daughter and cousin of the Prophet.

A key vulnerability in such an eschatological expectation lies in the personal identification of the Mahdi. Since Shiism has a concrete, named figure who is hidden and awaited, it may be possible for a deceptive impostor—such as the Antichrist—to emerge mimicking the signs and characteristics attributed to the Mahdi.

The Dajjal is said to be a master of illusion, able to perform miracles, speak convincingly, and sway hearts. If he appeared with a message of global justice, end to oppression, and claimed descent from the Prophet—traits consistent with Mahdist belief—it is not unreasonable to suppose he could exploit Shiite eschatology for mass acceptance.

This mirrors Christian and Jewish apocalyptic expectations as well, where the Antichrist or false messiah rises by deceiving the people through existing messianic archetypes.


Sunni-Sufi Cautions Against Blind Messianism

Within Sunni and Sufi traditions, scholars have long warned against obsession with the Mahdi or accepting claimants without rigorous scrutiny. Scholars like Imam al-Suyuti, Ibn Khaldun, and Shaykh Ahmad Sirhindi emphasized the potential for manipulation through Mahdist claims.

The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) also warned that numerous impostors (dajjalun) will precede the final Dajjal, all claiming prophethood or messiahship.

In this light, the theory that the Antichrist could be a false Mahdi is not far removed from classical Islamic warnings. What is provocative in the Shiite context is the possibility that such deception might occur within a more defined messianic framework, increasing the risk of widespread acceptance.


Sectarian Identity in the End Times

The Quran warns that the Ummah will divide into sects, and that many will be misled. The Prophet is reported to have said that his Ummah would divide into 73 sects, of which only one will be rightly guided.

This has led many modern Muslims to speculate about the final form of the Muslim community before the Day of Judgment. Some argue that outward identity (Sunni or Shiite) may matter less than one's allegiance to truth, adherence to the Quran and Sunnah, and spiritual sincerity.

However, if a major sectarian identity becomes dominant—say, Shiism—it could shape the eschatological imagination of that majority, influencing how they interpret the signs of the End Times, including the Mahdi and the Dajjal.


Conclusion: A Warning, Not a Condemnation

The idea that the Antichrist could emerge as the Shiite Mahdi, at a time when most Muslims identify as Shiite, is not a mainstream theological position. It is a speculative theory rooted in observations about sectarian trends and eschatological vulnerabilities.

Rather than being a condemnation of Shiism or a prediction with certainty, it serves as a cautionary tale: that religious identity, if not grounded in deep spiritual discernment, can be manipulated—even in the name of justice or messianic hope.

Both Sunni and Shiite traditions contain warnings against blind allegiance and emphasize the importance of knowledge, sincerity, and God-consciousness in navigating the trials of the End Times. The real challenge will not be which sect dominates, but whether Muslims—regardless of label—can recognize truth from falsehood when it matters most.