Middle East Quarterly: Muslim Aliyah, Lebanese Dystopia, Turkish Espionage, and Historical Myths

By Jonathan Spyer ● Sep 16, 2024

Smart Brevity^® count: 7.5 mins...1945 words

Dear Readers,

Welcome to the September 2024 edition of Middle East Quarterly. This issue brings you analysis on several critical regional developments.

Daniel Pipes examines Muslim immigration to Israel since 1948, revealing its demographic impact.

Eric Bordenkircher assesses Lebanon's struggle against Hezbollah, exploring prospects for state sovereignty.

John Hatzadony and Spyrion Plakoudas analyze Turkish intelligence operations and their influence on foreign policy.

Shai Afsai challenges the "bride is beautiful" narrative in Middle Eastern studies, tracing its origins and spread.

In our book review, Richard Landes discusses Daniel Pipes's Israel Victory and its proposed strategy for the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

We round out the issue with brief reviews of recent publications on Islamic history, Quranic translation, and U.S. Middle East policy.

I hope you find these pieces informative and thought-provoking.

A Muslim Aliyah Paralleled the Jewish Aliyah: Part II, Since 1948

By Daniel Pipes

Why it matters: This analysis sheds light on the lesser-known phenomenon of Muslim immigration to Israel, challenging common narratives and revealing a complex interplay of personal motivations and broader socio-political implications.

The big picture: Muslim aliyah, while less organized and celebrated than its Jewish counterpart, has seen individuals seeking better economic, social, and political conditions in Israel. This movement, driven by practical goals rather than idealism, has significant demographic implications.

Details:

Eastern Jerusalemites: Post-1967, many moved to majority Jewish areas or Israel proper to escape tensions and benefit from better services. The separation fence in 2004-05 spurred further movement, as residents sought to maintain their freedom of movement and access to Israeli services.
Husbands and Wives: Family reunification programs allowed many Palestinians to gain Israeli residency, turning a humanitarian gesture into a back-door ideological Palestinian right of return. This program was altered in 2003 to control the influx, allowing only select individuals to gain residency based on specific criteria.

By the numbers:

An estimated 600,000 Palestinians fled Israel during its war of independence, with many attempting to return shortly after.
Approximately 120,000 Palestinians possess Israeli work permits, supplemented by an estimated 45,000 illegal workers.

What they’re saying:

Yusuf Samir, an Egyptian journalist who fled to Israel twice, described Israel as “a land of love” and criticized the Palestinians as “less than human.”
Others, like homosexuals and informants, have also sought refuge in Israel, appreciating its relative safety and legal protections.

What’s next: Understanding this ongoing migration can provide insights into the dynamics of Israeli society and the broader Middle Eastern context, highlighting the need for nuanced perspectives in policy-making.

Can Lebanon End Hezbollah’s Control?

By Eric Bordenkircher

Lebanon faces renewed conflict as Hezbollah’s attacks on Israel escalate.

Why it matters: Hezbollah’s actions could drag Lebanon into another devastating war, undermining efforts to reclaim state sovereignty and stability.

The big picture: The Lebanese state struggles against Hezbollah’s power and ideology, which are bolstered by Iranian support, making disarmament or integration into the Lebanese Armed Forces unlikely.

By the numbers:

98%: The Lebanese lira’s loss in value since 2019.
212%: Lebanon’s current inflation rate, exacerbated by political instability.

Details: Hezbollah’s influence in Lebanon is deeply rooted, making efforts to rein in the organization extremely challenging. The group’s military strength and political influence are formidable obstacles to any disarmament efforts.

Symbolic Power: Hezbollah’s role as both liberator and protector is deeply ingrained in Lebanese society.
Economic Collapse: Lebanon’s ongoing economic crisis further complicates the situation, with many citizens viewing Hezbollah as a necessary force against external threats.

What’s next: Without a significant shift in attitudes and policies, Lebanon remains on the brink of disaster, with little hope for disarmament or integration of Hezbollah into the state forces. The ongoing conflict risks further economic collapse and social fragmentation, making regional stability a distant hope.

Turkish Intelligence Expands in New Era

By: John Hatzadony and Spyrion Plakoudas

Turkish foreign policy has fundamentally changed under President Erdoğan, with the National Intelligence Organization (MİT) playing a crucial role.

Why it matters: The MİT’s expanded clandestine operations reflect Turkey’s evolving geopolitical position and have significant implications for regional and international dynamics.

The big picture: From its historical roots in the Ottoman Empire to its transformation under Hakan Fidan, the MİT has become integral to Turkey’s foreign policy, focusing on both domestic and international intelligence.

Details:

Historical Roots: Dating back to the Ottoman Empire, Turkish intelligence has evolved significantly, adapting to modern geopolitical challenges.
Hakan Fidan’s Leadership: Fidan’s tenure saw the MİT’s transformation, with a focus on clandestine operations and a broader foreign mandate.
Current Operations: MİT’s involvement in Northern Syria and Iraq highlights its role in shaping Turkey’s assertive foreign policy.

What’s next: Under new leadership, the MİT is likely to continue its assertive stance, with ongoing operations in Northern Syria and Iraq, and a strategic shift towards closer alignment with Eurasian powers like Russia and China. The future of Turkish intelligence will be marked by its ability to navigate complex regional dynamics and evolving security threats.

The Myth of ‘The Bride is Beautiful’

By Shai Afsai

Anti-Zionist narratives like “the bride is beautiful but she is married to another man” lack historical basis yet persist.

Why it matters: These myths illustrate the shoddiness found in Middle Eastern studies, where accuracy is often sacrificed for political agendas, ultimately delegitimizing Israel.

Historical context: Versions of this story have been told involving different figures and timeframes, from the First Zionist Congress to Golda Meir, but all lack primary sources and vary significantly.

By the numbers:

0: Primary sources supporting the “bride is beautiful” narrative.
Multiple: Inconsistent versions of the story with varying details.

Details:

First Zionist Congress: Allegedly, two rabbis sent to Palestine by Herzl reported back that the land was already inhabited, but no evidence supports this claim.
Golda Meir: Another version involves a Polish Jew visiting Palestine in the 1920s, with Golda Meir later commenting on the weakness of the “bridegroom,” but this too is unsubstantiated.
Avi Shlaim’s Influence: The myth gained prominence with Avi Shlaim’s The Iron Wall, which, despite lacking sources, has been widely cited and has led to further spread of the myth.

The spread:

Ghada Karmi: Based her book Married to Another Man on the myth, arguing for the dissolution of the Jewish state.
Documentaries and Media: The myth has been featured in documentaries like Rawan Damen’s Al Nakba and repeated in articles by journalists such as Joe Sommerlad of The Independent.

What’s next: Challenging these myths is crucial for a factual understanding of Zionist history and the Arab-Israeli conflict. Scholars, journalists, and filmmakers must prioritize accuracy over political agendas. The persistence of these myths underscores the need for rigorous scholarship and honest discourse. Without addressing these inaccuracies, the narrative surrounding the Arab-Israeli conflict will remain skewed, perpetuating misinformation and hindering genuine understanding and resolution.

Israel Victory: A Path to Peace

Reviewed by Richard Landes

Daniel Pipes’ new book, Israel Victory, argues for a strategic shift in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

Why it matters: Pipes emphasizes that Israeli appeasement and Palestinian rejectionism have perpetuated the conflict, advocating for a clear Israeli victory to change the dynamics.

The big picture: By documenting Israeli efforts to conciliate and Palestinian responses, Pipes highlights the persistent rejectionism and calls for a victory strategy that forces recognition of Israel’s permanence.

Details:

Rejectionism: Pipes describes Palestinian rejectionism as an unconditional refusal to accept any Jewish presence in Palestine.
Conciliation: Israeli efforts to be generous and fair have often backfired, leading to increased hostility.
Oslo Peace Process: Pipes critiques the Oslo process as exacerbating the conflict by placing the burden of concessions on Israel.

What’s next: Pipes proposes a victory strategy to assert Israel’s permanence and push Palestinians to abandon their destructive goals. This approach aims to liberate Palestinians from their predatory elite and genocidal fantasies, fostering a path to peace.

Brief Reviews

American Caliph: The True Story of a Muslim Mystic, a Hollywood Epic, and the 1977 Siege of Washington, DC

Shahan Mufti skillfully recounts the dramatic events of March 9-11, 1977, when Washington, D.C., saw a 40-hour siege involving multiple locations and motives. Mufti, a journalism professor at the University of Richmond, delves into the personalities and ideologies behind the siege, focusing on Hamas Abdul Khaalis, the tumultuous making of the film The Message: The Story of Islam, and the evolution of the Nation of Islam. While Mufti provides a comprehensive narrative, Daniel Pipes notes that the book lacks an in-depth explanation of the Islamist ideology driving Abdul Khaalis and his followers, making it a critical yet incomplete historical document.

Knife: Meditations After an Attempted Murder

In Knife, Salman Rushdie reflects on his near-fatal stabbing in 2022 by a Hezbollah-supporting jihadist, revealing a surprising lack of insight gained from decades under threat. Dexter Van Zile critiques Rushdie’s continued adherence to liberal ideals that left him vulnerable, noting his unwillingness to accept the necessity of self-defense. Despite the gravity of his experience, Rushdie’s meditations on violence and his refusal to support protective measures highlight a persistent detachment from the harsh realities of Islamist threats, as analyzed by Van Zile.

The End of Ambition: America’s Past, Present, and Future in the Middle East

Steven A. Cook’s The End of Ambition offers a succinct yet ambitious analysis of U.S. policy in the Middle East. Cook argues that while the U.S. successfully secured its interests during the Cold War, post-Cold War efforts to transform Middle Eastern societies have been disastrous. He advocates for a return to a strategy of prudential conservatism, focusing on achievable interests rather than overreaching ambitions. Daniel Pipes praises Cook’s historical grounding and clear vision, suggesting that policymakers heed his call for a more restrained and realistic approach.

Qur’an Translation as a Modern Phenomenon

El-Hussein A.Y. Aly’s Qur’an Translation as a Modern Phenomenon examines the impact of early 20th-century Indian Muslim translators on the anglophone understanding of the Qur’an. Mark Durie highlights Aly’s exploration of how these translations, shaped by the translators’ attempts to reconcile Islam with modernity, have influenced contemporary Islamic apologetics. Aly’s detailed analysis of translation choices regarding scientific consistency, jihad, Muslim supremacism, and women’s status provides a fascinating look at the ongoing dialogue between tradition and modernity within Islam.

A History of the Muslim World: From Its Origins to the Dawn of Modernity

Michael A. Cook’s A History of the Muslim World tackles the immense task of chronicling the Muslim experience over twelve centuries, from Morocco to Mindanao. Daniel Pipes commends Cook for his focus on the major cultural shifts and state formations, making this near-thousand-page volume an original and always interesting read. Cook, who once co-authored the controversial Hagarism, now relies on traditional Arabic sources, offering a rich, though occasionally puzzling, narrative of Islamic history.

The Kingdom and the Qur’an: Translating the Holy Book of Islam in Saudi Arabia

Mykhaylo Yakubovych’s The Kingdom and the Qur’an is a masterful survey of Saudi Arabia’s Qur’an publishing achievements, notably through the King Fahd Glorious Qur’an Printing Complex. Mark Durie praises Yakubovych’s analysis of how translations have served as powerful missionary tools, adapting to modern issues like science, violence, and women’s rights. The book highlights the complex interplay between tradition and modernity in Islamic da‘wa.

In Obscura: Adventures in the World of Intelligence. Part I.

Peter Theroux’s In Obscura offers a candid, often cynical look at his varied career transitions, from journalist to intelligence analyst. Daniel Pipes appreciates Theroux’s witty observations and insights into government work and the Middle East. Theroux’s unique perspective and engaging anecdotes make this first part of his two-part book a compelling read, leaving readers eager for the sequel.

Closing Thoughts:

These articles offer diverse perspectives on current Middle Eastern affairs. From immigration patterns to regional power struggles, they highlight the complex dynamics shaping the area. We hope this edition prompts further discussion and analysis.

As always, we welcome your feedback and contributions. Thank you for your continued engagement with Middle East Quarterly.

Sincerely,

Jonathan Spyer
Editor
Middle East Quarterly

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