METAMORPHOSIS IN THE MIDDLE EAST

 Cross posted from Grandma's Army

After Hamas carried out its horrific October 7, 2023 massacre by invading Israel, murdering hundreds of people and kidnapping individuals from various countries, Israel reached a breaking point. This barbaric act of terrorism led to ground-breaking developments

For decades, the Middle East has been plagued by violence and instability, but Israel's response marked a significant turning point, dramatically transforming the region.

Israel, in its counteroffensive against Hamas, targeted and significantly diminished the terrorist group's military capabilities crippling its ability to function effectively. The Iranian regime, a staunch supporter of Hamas, was activating other proxies, Hezbollah in Lebanon and the Houthis in Yemen, to attack Israel. In an unprecedented move, Iran also launched ballistic missiles from Iranian soil into Israel, thereby escalating the conflict.

Israel's broader objective appears to be, not merely to respond to isolated acts of terrorism, but to dismantle the infrastructure of terror. With a vision of ultimately fostering peace, harmony, security and prosperity throughout the region, Israel expanded its military operations beyond Hamas. It launched targeted strikes against Hezbollah, significantly weakening its military capabilities, and extended its efforts to Syria, striking Iranian military bases, weapons-supply chains and oil refineries. These decisive actions underscored Israel's commitment to reshaping the Middle East into a region free of the grip of terror.

One of the most extraordinary developments spurred by Israel's actions was the unexpected collapse of Bashar al-Assad's regime in Syria. Within a week of launching an offensive last month, armed rebel groups achieved what for decades had seemed impossible: the conquest of key cities and the end of Assad's reign. This monumental shift, dealt a devastating blow to Iran's regional ambitions. It disrupted decades of Iran's poisonous dominance in the region.

Thanks to Israel's strategic and calculated actions, Iran's regime, which had survived Western sanctions and interventions since the 1979 Islamic Revolution, now faces unprecedented challenges.

So long as Iran's regime remains in power, brutalizing its people and making plans for global expansion, there can be no chance for peace. With the regime's collapse, its proxies would be starved of funding and weaponry, paving the way for a more peaceful Middle East. The final step needs to be demolishing Iran's nuclear program and empowering the Iranian people to achieve freedom.

Israel's contributions to global peace and the fight against terrorism are unparalleled. This tiny nation has accomplished what any larger powers have failed to do: confronting evil, dismantling terror networks, and advocating for freedom and security. The world owes Israel a debt of gratitude for the terrible price it has paid, and still paying, and for its unwavering courage and commitment to these ideals.

It is high time for Western nations to align with Israel, offer their full support, and take the necessary steps to ensure a safer, more secure future for all.