

369: Melanie Phillips: Israel, Iran and the global struggle against barbarism
Jun 20, 2025
Melanie Phillips, a prominent Times columnist and expert on Israel, dives into the intricacies of Israel's military actions against Iran, driven by the threat of nuclear advancement. She discusses the historical and ideological rift between the two nations, shedding light on the double standards in global perceptions of aggression. Phillips argues for Israel's crucial role in defending Western values amid rising anti-Semitism and the decline of traditional Western leadership. Her insights reveal the resilience of a nation faced with continuous challenge.
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Israel's Audacious Strike on Iran
- Israel's strike on Iran was out of necessity due to an existential nuclear missile threat.
- The precision and success of the operation were unprecedented, shocking even Israelis.
Iran's Genocidal Multi-Front War
- Iran waged a multi-front war via proxies aiming to exterminate Israel by surrounding it with terror and missile attacks.
- Israel recognized Iran as the 'head of the snake' and knew the genocidal threat had to be confronted.
West Misunderstands Israel's Plight
- Western leaders wrongly see Israel as the problem, wrongly demanding Israel restrain itself.
- They ignore Iranian fanaticism and malign intent, treating Israel's existence as a provocation.