On September 28, 2024, a social media user Dr.Eli David on platform X shared a video and captioned it as: “Force is the only language understood and respected in the Middle East. Yesterday Israel regained the respect it lost on October 7.”
Many users can be seen making homogeneous claim. The link can be seen here, here and here
Fact Check
DFRAC investigated the video in question and conducted a reverse google image search and we found several credible media reports by CNN, WCVB (Bostons’s News leader) , Wikipedia and youtube videos that reveals that in the 2003 Iraq War, U.S. launched a massive bombing campaign known as “shock and awe.” On March 21, 2003, over 500 cruise missiles were fired at Baghdad’s government buildings to display overwhelming power. While these bombings were highly visible and dramatic, they were just one part of a complex conflict.
Even in the Iraq War, military force was not the only approach. Diplomatic efforts, peace talks, and international negotiations have also been part of resolving conflicts in the Middle East. The 2003 Iraq invasion eventually led to ongoing political discussions and rebuilding efforts involving many global actors.
Conclusion
It is clear from DFRAC’s fact check that even though military action has been a prominent feature in certain Middle Eastern conflicts, such as the 2003 Iraq War, it is not the sole method of interaction or respect in the region. Diplomatic efforts and international relations have played equally crucial roles. Therefore, the claim is misleading.
