Little Satan (Israel title)
Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found. Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found. Little Satan (Persian: شیطان کوچک) (Shaytân-e Kuchak) is a derogatory epithet used for Israel.[1][2][3]
Background history
According to some sources Ruhollah Khomeini, leader of Iranian Revolution, coined this phrase in its contemporary meaning.[4] While according to others such as the Glasgow Herald Colonel Gaddafi was the one to use it for Israel.[5]
Contemporary use
Prime minister of Israel, Benjamin Netanyahu, used this phrase when referring to Iranian rhetoric during a visit to the United states and said "For them, we are you and you are us. And you know something, Mr President? At least on this last point, I think they're right. We are you and you are us. We're together. ... Israel and America stand together,"[6] In another situation, he stated that: "For the Mullahs that rule Tehran, Israel is the small Satan and America is the great Satan."[7]
In Fatima gate border, a Lebanese gate border near Israel, there are two pillars as sign for performing symbolic stoning little Satan and great Satan. Lebanese people with this action will not throw stone towards Israeli soldiers.[8] Hizbullah has same political ideology with Iran and depicted the Zionist Entity as little Satan.[9]
Analysis
According to Ze'ev Maghen writing in The Wall Street Journal, there's a critical distinction in Iran attitudes toward the 'great Satan' and the 'little Satan', which should not be ignored; Although they chant ""Death to America" and "Death to Israel" with equal fervor," they tactically know "that the Great Satan is . . . great."[10] In an address to the United States House of Representatives Government Reform Committee, Benjamin Netanyahu said that "the soldiers of militant Islam" call Israel 'Little Satan' "to distinguish it clearly from the country that has always been and will always be the Great Satan."[11]
See also
References
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