Selective Outrage and Arab Silence

Many Arabs speak loudly about justice and humanity but usually only when Israel is involved. The anger is strong and emotional, yet when Arabs hurt other Arabs, the silence is heavy.

Take the Druze in Syria. They were massacred during the war, but there were no big protests, no trending hashtags, no real attention. Were they not Arabs? Were they not human? Or is their blood only valuable if Israel is the one to blame?

Look also at Sudan, a country destroyed by war, hunger, and displacement. Millions of people are suffering, yet the Arab street remains quiet. No mass protests, no campaigns, no outcry. Do the people of Sudan not deserve compassion? Do they not deserve dignity?

This is not real justice. Real justice must be the same for everyone. If people only care when Israel is involved, that is not compassion. It is a double standard.

At the same time, it is important to look at facts often ignored. Israel has sometimes helped its Arab neighbors. It sent water to Jordan during shortages. It sold gas to Egypt when it needed energy. It acted against Iran and Hezbollah when they threatened the region’s stability.

The Gulf states also play a key role. After October 7, the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain both condemned Hamas’s attack because they want peace and stability. Later, when Israel attacked Hezbollah and Iran, the result, whether people like it or not, made the Gulf more secure. By weakening groups supported by Iran, the danger to the Gulf was reduced. In this way, the Gulf actually benefited, even if their official words stayed careful.

These facts may be uncomfortable, but they are true. Israel’s actions have not only served its own security but sometimes also supported stability in the Middle East.

Justice without consistency is not justice. Compassion without honesty is not compassion. If the region wants a better future, it must stop using double standards and face reality with honesty.