Lindsey Graham: Iran is "HOLY WAR!" to Remake Middle East

The discussion opens with an observation that American officials and military commanders, along with Israeli and Iranian leaders, are increasingly framing the conflict with Iran in religious, 'holy war' terms. Several examples are provided: Senator Lindsey Graham explicitly calls it a 'religious war' against radical Islamic terrorists. Speaker Mike Johnson refers to Iran's 'misguided religion.' Senator Cramer speaks of a 'biblical responsibility' to Israel. Reports circulate of military commanders telling troops that President Trump was 'anointed by Jesus' to instigate Armageddon in Iran. Trump's spiritual adviser, Paula White, delivers a fervent prayer for 'victory' and 'angels being dispatched.' Secretary of War Pete Hegseth discusses the 'miracle' of rebuilding the Third Temple and has reportedly chanted 'Kill all Muslims.'

Emily Jashinsky explains that the framing of the conflict as a religious war is partly due to dispensationalism, an evangelical Christian movement that interprets biblical prophecies as literal historical stages. A key aspect of this belief is the rebuilding of the Third Temple in Jerusalem, which is seen as ushering in the end times and the return of Christ. Many evangelicals, especially older generations, grew up with this ideology, often equating the modern nation-state of Israel with the biblical Israel. The Temple Mount in Jerusalem is a highly contentious site, sacred to three major faiths, and the idea of rebuilding the temple directly conflicts with Islamic claims to the Dome of the Rock located there, setting the stage for potential violent conflict.

The discussion shifts to the influence of these religious beliefs on U.S. policy. While Donald Trump himself might not personally believe in these ideologies, many high-level officials in his administration, like Mike Huckabee, are seen as strongly adhering to the idea of modern Israel being fulfillment of biblical prophecy. The Temple Institute in Israel, which is actively preparing to rebuild the Third Temple, is highlighted. This Institute is funded by billionaires, some of whom have ties to the Trump administration, demonstrating the financial and political support for these religiously motivated goals. The IDF soldiers wearing patches depicting the Holy Temple further illustrate the deep integration of these beliefs among some within the Israeli military.

Pete Hegseth's ideology, as outlined in his book 'American Crusade,' is examined. He advocates for a modern-day 'Crusade' against Islamists, drawing parallels to the historical Crusades. This perspective, while not necessarily focusing on end-times prophecy, emphasizes a civilizational conflict between Christianity and Islam, arguing that Christianity has been too permissive of Islam's spread. This worldview suggests a preparation for an inevitable fight, further fueling religious tensions in foreign policy discussions.

The conversation concludes by emphasizing the extreme fragility of the situation, exacerbated by the intertwining of religious eschatologies from all sides. The assassination of Ayatollah Qassem Soleimani is brought up as an example of how actions can fuel religious fervor, turning figures into martyrs and potentially radicalizing more people. The hosts argue that bombing or military intervention will not eliminate deeply ingrained theological beliefs but could instead create power vacuums and lead to more radicalized groups. The presence of nuclear weapons in the hands of nations with these eschatological claims makes the situation incredibly dangerous, with potential for devastating consequences.