Recently,
AIPAC launched what it calls, ironically, an “America First” advertising
campaign — a rebranding exercise that seeks to present itself as an
American-rooted movement. In this advert, AIPAC goes to great lengths to
portray the United States and Israel as inseparable — as the Malay idiom says, “isi
dengan kuku” (like flesh and nail).
Iran was
once again mentioned, though this time more subtly — framed as part of a shared
U.S.–Israel challenge. Yet beneath its polished tone, the ad carefully weaves
the destinies of both nations together, wrapping Israel’s security narrative
within the language of American patriotism.
I do not
believe the United States — nor Trump himself — wants another war, especially
with Iran. The Strait of Hormuz is far too critical to global trade and energy
supply; any conflict there risks catastrophic economic disruption. But for
Israel, Iran remains an existential threat — as the Twelve-Day War reminded us.
Tel Aviv cannot accept a powerful adversary so close to its borders. And yet,
Israel cannot act alone; it would need American firepower. Furthermore, with
each passing day, Iran could reorganize its defense and war readiness — for
example, improving its air power, which was notably lacking during the
Twelve-Day War.
Could the
current peace deals be a precursor to such a move — a way to decouple Iran from
the Palestinian cause, which still enjoys broad global sympathy?
Would the
timing of an attack, if it happens, be planned to avoid clashing with the U.S.
midterm elections? Or conversely, could striking Iran be used to rally domestic
support for Trump — with Iran once again cast as the convenient bogeyman?
Is such a
war inevitable — merely a matter of time?
Most
importantly, how can we work to prevent any war, especially one with Iran? The
consequences — both immediate and long-term — would reverberate across the
entire world.
Peace.
Anas
Zubedy
Kuala
Lumpur.
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