And yet it clearly does; as demonstrated by a half-century of Arab inaction and accommodation post-1973, of clinging to diplomatic processes that, irrespective of their original intent, have subsequently proven to serve only to deflect from Israel's ongoing annexation of Palestinian lands and oppression of its peoples. In some ways I would like to think that we live in your world, a world where principles matter and the causes that once drove nations remain as vibrant today as in decades past; unfortunately I think
@Overbom's skeptical realism approaches rather close to the truth.
This dream that Muslim or even just Arab nations are going to unite to take meaningful collective action that advances the cause of the Palestinian people is just that: a dream. I do not say that it is impossible, but that there is no evidence for it, and considerable evidence against it.
My point is not about the Palestinian cause. If it was just that, then yes, the Arab and Muslim nations would be occupied with their own little squabbles. The
main reason for the
conflict between Muslims and Israel is
Jerusalem, more specifically,
Al Aqsa mosque. That's the
third most important holy site in Islam. Letting go of it, in Muslim belief, is equivalent to
forfeiting an
eternal after life in
paradise and
dooming oneself to
eternal torment in
hell. Can you see the parallel between this and what started the crusades more than a millenium ago? the difference here is that
Muslims are cling faaaaarr more to their
faith than Christians ever did during the crusades.
So for them, Al Aqsa mosque is non-negotiable. That's why whenever it gets stormed by Israeli police, armed conflict starts immediately after.
The reason for arab inaction post-1973, is that they tried and got absolutely reckt. Egypt was defeated and had to sign for peace, buy American weapons or lose Sinai, while in SA, king Faisal was assassinated (more happened but I'm too lazy to mention). So now their simply waiting for Israel's main supporter, the US, to lose its hegemon status. And they won't even do that if, as I said, Al Aqsa mosque (and east Jerusalem) was taken by Israel.
As for wether principles still matter or not, consider this: suppose the CPC deemed that letting Taiwan become fully independent and get integrated into western system wil cause them no harm strategically, or that preventing it is not worth the sacrifice required, will they actually do it? (don't forget that one-China, and Chinese rejuvenation following the century of humiliation, are also principles).
