Iraqi writer Al-Tamimi: "There are a million causes in this world, why only for Palestinian cause?" [YT/MEMRI]
Iraqi writer and researcher Ghaith Al-Tamimi said in a June 5, 2026 interview with Mohanned Majeed on YouTube that Iraq’s national security should not depend on whether Israel and Gaza are at war or at peace. He argued that Iraq’s national security has nothing to do with Gaza or Tehran and questioned why Palestine is considered the foremost cause of Arabs and Muslims. Asking whether Palestine is more important than Baghdad, he said that Iraqis are often looked down upon while being expected to sacrifice for the Palestinian cause. He also said: “Just explain it to me. Why are the Palestinians better than me?” He said that Palestinians are not better than he is and that he would not sacrifice himself for them because their cause is not his cause. He further argued that conflicts in Syria, Sudan, and Yemen have not generated the same global mobilization as the war between Israel and Gaza, which he said has united groups ranging from the global left, Christians, liberals, and nationalists to Salafis (ISIS), the Muslim Brotherhood, and (pro-regime) supporters of Iran’s doctrine of the Rule of the Jurisprudent. Al-Tamimi: "Who created Palestine? The British colonizers. They established this colony in 1920 and called it "Palestine". And you're looking down at us Iraqis? Seriously?! And your Gaza is better than Baghdad or Damascus?!?! I'm supposed to die for Gaza?!?!?! Why? WHY? Make me understand this. Why should Lebanon be destroyed? How exactly is Gaza better than Beirut?! How is it better than Damascus, Baghdad, or Jordan? Explain me this, why are the Palestinians better than me?" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cz-HMfpz1Dc