Netanyahu won the applause of victors. Meanwhile, in Gaza…

Seven European foreign ministers of nations that champion human rights, justice, and the rule of law sent a letter to the EU's foreign policy chief Josep Borrell urging Brussels to reconsider its policy towards Syria.

The letter, published by Al Majalla, acknowledged that the Syrian regime—backed by Russia and Iran—had regained control of about 70% of its territory, making a political solution in accordance with UN Resolution 2254 unattainable.

The ministers called on the EU to adopt a realistic approach, mirroring the pragmatic approach advocated for in dealing with the Taliban following the US withdrawal from Afghanistan in August 2021.

This recognised that the Taliban were the only game in town and enabled the nationalist Islamist movement to regain control and resume its oppressive practices against the Afghan people after a 20-year hiatus, a period in which Afghans had freedom.

Universal truths

It is not just Afghanistan. Almost everyone in Lebanon acknowledges the crimes of Hezbollah, including its role in the assassination of Rafik Hariri and dozens of Lebanon's finest citizens, as well as its war crimes in Syria.

They also know that Hezbollah is why Lebanon has such strained relations with many Arab countries, particularly the Gulf states, in service of Iran. However, in Lebanon too, there is a prevailing demand for realism, regardless of the moral implications.

This raises a crucial question: Can we still write and talk about values, principles, justice, and equality while refusing to condemn those who kill and oppress other?

Soviet dictator Josef Stalin was once asked to soften his persecution of Christians so as not to anger Pope Pius XII. His reply is famous. "The pope? Oh no! How many divisions does he have?"

If, at the end of the day, it just comes down to power, to 'facts on the ground', to how many divisions you have, then perhaps we should all just stop pretending that being in the right matters.