Persecuted Middle East Christians, Arabs, Do Not Support Israel or Jews

[From article]
Sometimes American Christians romanticize overseas persecuted Christians into disembodied noble souls unaffected by terrestrial concerns. But they, like everybody else, have histories, loyalties, resentments, grievances, and political calculations. Generally, most Mideast Christians cannot further imperil themselves by ever seeming politically to sympathize with Israel or the West. But their notions are not just for appearances. Many Mideast Christians are Arab nationalists. And whether for survival or genuine sympathy, some church leaders over the years have aligned with repressive regimes, like Assad’s and Saddam’s.
Mideast Christians, in other words, are not necessarily planning to ever be on board with Israel and may very well continue to align with terrorist groups and leaders as they see fit.
[. . .]
Maronite Patriarch Cardinal Bechara Raï, who was scheduled to speak during the same keynote slot as Cruz on Wednesday evening, has called Israel an “enemy state that is occupying Lebanese territory” and defended Hezbollah’s right to attack the Jewish state.
[. . .]
There appears to be a wide array of people working with this foundation from all ends of the spectrum, but with just this one example of someone actively on the board, it is fair to question the financial backing and intentions of this organization. The fact that they have suddenly disposed of their board member names online is questionable. Perhaps Cruz was well aware of exactly what he was walking into.

http://pjmedia.com/tatler/2014/09/13/exactly-who-is-in-defense-of-christians/

Exactly Who is ‘In Defense of Christians’?
September 13, 2014 - 10:04 am
by MICHELLE HORSTMAN