The Arab States and the Palestinian Question: History, Refuge, and Reluctance

As long as corrupt, externally supported elites remain in power across many Arab states, in Turkey, and in Iran, the region is unlikely to mount a credible challenge to Israel. Those leaders — propped up by Western backing and tolerated by regional allies — often put regime survival and personal enrichment ahead of national interests. Turkey is a case in point: despite real military and technological capability, Erdoğan’s rhetoric frequently serves domestic and personal agendas, while opaque commercial and political ties continue behind the scenes. Too often the plight of Palestinians becomes a bargaining chip rather than a priority. The combination of weak governance, unresolved refugee and militia issues, and self-interested diplomacy has contributed to instability in places such as Lebanon. Until political priorities shift, meaningful regional solidarity and effective protection for Palestinians will remain limited, and the humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza will persist under the current arrangements.