In a world where diplomacy is often dictated by dollars and defense deals, the principle of Islamic unity has become little more than a hollow slogan. Recent events in the Middle East, especially the posture of powerful Arab states in response to the ongoing genocide in Gaza, have exposed a stark reality: national interest has eclipsed religious duty. While thousands of Palestinians perish under indiscriminate bombings and illegal occupation, many Muslim-majority countries have chosen to stay tight-lipped — not out of ignorance, but out of convenience. In fact, some are going a step further, forging deeper ties with the very architects of the Palestinian people’s suffering.

This shift is not entirely surprising, as national interest is often described as cold and emotionless — and in this context, that aphorism rings painfully true. In the corridors of power, where self-preservation is paramount, morality takes a backseat and religion becomes a mere footnote in foreign policy playbooks.

Consider, for instance, Saudi Arabia — the cradle of Islam, the guardian of the Two Holy Mosques, and a nation that has long projected itself as the defender of Muslim values worldwide. Despite its central religious stature, Saudi Arabia recently signed investment deals worth 600 billion dollars with the United States. In return, Washington agreed to a 142 billion dollar arms package with the Kingdom, along with the possible easing of sanctions on Syria. This grand gesture, wrapped in diplomatic niceties, sends a disturbing message: as long as economic dividends are flowing, silence on Palestine is a price worth paying.

Similarly, Qatar — a state that hosts some of the most vocal Islamic scholars and positions itself as a supporter of the Palestinian cause — also seems to be playing both sides of the fence. Recently, it signed a........

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