The war on Iran is at its terminal end, though peace talks are moving towards an uncertain territory between Trump’s daily bluster and bluff and Iran’s cautious rigidity. One round of talks has already happened, and another is in the pipeline; how soon it happens depends on how much or how little Trump speaks.

Pakistan, a failed state by every logic, has surprisingly emerged as a great mediator, and the world is watching with great expectation for when permanent peace will prevail in the Middle East.

But in this ‘war of choice’, as depicted by the Trump administration, who is the real winner? The unanimous answer will be Iran, which is badly wounded, but the world is in awe of its tenacity to fight the combination of global and regional superpowers with great courage. This war has broken the myth of American hegemony, but Israel has emerged as the biggest loser.

Historical context and shifting perception

Israel was a product of colonial politics, like Pakistan in South Asia. The guilt of Western powers due to the persecution of Jews over centuries, epitomised by Hitler’s Holocaust, gave birth to Israel after the Second World War. It was not easy for Israel to survive in the Middle East surrounded by Muslim countries, but because of its civilisational will to survive at any cost and the unconditional support of the USA, the Jewish state thrived and became a regional superpower.

But the way events have unfolded and Israel has reacted militarily since October 7, 2023, when it was attacked by Hamas and the whole world sympathised with Israel, has raised serious questions about the intent of its leadership.

Now, in the era of digital podcasts, when the views of top intellectuals are easily available,........

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