The Middle East is a complex topic for sure. I’ve family in Lebanon and my uncle was the Middle East correspondent for the FT during the second Iraq war. He lived in Tehran, Beirut and travelled extensively through the region (even spending a short time in Iranian prison). He left the FT after the US State Department blocked his interview with the Iranian President. It’s pretty deep.

The USA, UK, Israel and others have unquestionably sought to destabilise the region since even longer than the last 40 years. Before Israel there was ‘British Palestine’ (wtf). Hate breeds hate. And now the same energy is being used to destabilise the UK itself. What I don’t understand is why.

In all honestly I wish my uncle was still alive, I’d have so many questions for him!

In the meantime we have to navigate this clusterfuck as best we can.

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I think historians will look back at this period and ask the same question - why?

I don't think there's a straight answer. The complexity you referred to about the Middle East applies geopolitically. And so, there may be any number of reasons.

The main focus right now should be on community cohesion. No matter who we think we are, others will always think otherwise. We need to find common ground in order to move forward.