In an ancient tale from the Middle East, a servant encounters Death in a marketplace in Baghdad and flees to Samarra on his master’s horse to avoid his inevitable fate. The master questions Death about the encounter, and Death reveals that the servant was destined to meet his end in Samarra that night.
This story has been retold by various authors, with the most popular version being Somerset Maugham’s adaptation. The tale serves as a reminder that fate cannot be avoided, as seen in John O’Hara’s novel “Appointment in Samarra,” where a successful Cadillac dealer tries to evade his destiny with similar consequences.
The origins of this story can be traced back to the Babylonian Talmud, where Solomon sends court scribes to a supposedly Death-free place called Luz, only to find that they meet their end there. This serves as a lesson that fate cannot be outrun.
In the present day, President Joe Biden is facing a similar appointment with Death in Rafah, where the conflict in the Middle East has escalated due to years of misguided policies. Recent talks to establish a ceasefire failed, with the US administration trying to broker a deal that would ultimately benefit Hamas and lead to further violence.
Hamas, backed by Iran, poses a threat to American interests in the region and risks a strategic advantage for China and Russia. The Democrats’ idealism regarding a Palestinian state has blinded them to the reality of Hamas’s violent tactics and the lack of unity within the Palestinian national movement.
Despite the administration’s claims of unwavering support for Israel, their actions suggest otherwise, as they hinder Israel’s defense efforts while indirectly supporting Hamas. These political games only expedite the inevitable conflict in Rafah.
In the end, the march towards disaster is driven by a stubborn adherence to failed policies and a refusal to confront harsh truths. Just like in the ancient tale, our choices ultimately lead us to our destined place, with no way of avoiding the consequences.
