Insights from My Recent Visit to the Middle East

My recent trip across Europe and the Middle East has offered an opportunity to observe the profound impacts of the ongoing conflict in Gaza from outside the US. The ubiquitous presence of Al Jazeera TV in my relatives' homes In Jordan or Palestine, broadcasting the harrowing realities of war, has become a common scene. Yet, what struck me most was witnessing an elderly man, fervently glued to his phone for the latest updates on Gaza, as he boarded a plane. This scene underscored a palpable shift in the air, a testament to the deepening resonance of the Gaza conflict across the globe.

During my journey, I've witnessed the Middle East react to political turmoil and conflict: from the Iraq war, the strife in Lebanon, previous confrontations in Gaza, to the invasion of Kuwait. However, the current boiling point reached by the Middle East over Gaza is unparalleled in its intensity. Even in the quiet neighborhoods of Berlin, far removed from Gaza, the war infiltrated conversations, with the word "Gaza" emerging amidst German dialogues, highlighting the universal concern over the conflict. This war in Gaza is markedly different, catalyzing widespread attention and concern. Here are several insights into the unique impact of this conflict:

Social Media's Role: The breadth of social media coverage in the Middle East is astonishing. Platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Snapchat have become the main arteries of information dissemination. The powerful imagery shared on these platforms, whether within social circles or through media outlets like Al Jazeera and Al Arabiya, portrays the grim realities of war, making its impact felt far and wide.

Demographics of Gaza: Over 60% of Gaza's population is under 30, with a significant portion being children and women. This demographic reality has resulted in a tragic statistic: nearly 71% of casualties being young people and children. The images of these young victims have ignited a fury across the Middle East, as they represent the hopeless entrapment of youth in the brutalities of conflict.

Double Standards: President Biden's tenure began with a message of values, principles, and international order, aiming to restore the US's leadership on the global stage through diplomacy, science, and education, diverging from the tumultuous years under Trump. However, the glaring contrast in the global response to crises in Ukraine or the US and the situation in Gaza raises questions about international double standards. This discrepancy has sparked a debate about the consistency of applying values and principles in international relations.

Youth Movement in the US: The American youth, regardless of their religious backgrounds, have shown an unprecedented solidarity with the Palestinian cause. This movement, at American colleagues has brought the discussion of the Palestinian struggle to the forefront, challenging traditional narratives and advocating for a more inclusive approach to peace and justice.

A Reflection of Arab World Grievances: The Gaza conflict is not just a local issue; it mirrors the broader grievances and disillusionment felt by youth across the Arab world. From Tunisia to Yemen, the sense of alienation and injustice that resonates with the experiences of Gazans is opening old wounds, inspiring a collective call for resistance, resilience, and rejection of oppression.

The war in Gaza has thus become a pivotal moment, not just for the region but for the global community. It challenges us to reconsider our values, the media's role in shaping our perceptions, and the international community's response to conflict. As we witness the rising tide of youth-led movements and a reevaluation of long-held geopolitical stances, the war in Gaza could be a catalyst for significant change, urging us to strive for a world where justice and peace are not selective, but where universal principles guide our collective actions.

?Hisham Jabi is a Middle East and North Africa expert, and the founder and CEO of Jabi Consulting. www.jabiconsulting.com He can be reached at [email protected]

?