Raw hated and soft power: Who came out ahead after the October 7 massacre? – opinion

The article analyzes the aftermath of the October 7, 2023, events, assessing the positions of Iran, Hezbollah, Hamas, and Israel. It concludes that Iran is significantly weaker due to the death of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei in February 2026, the degradation of its air defenses and nuclear program, and the weakening of its proxies. Hezbollah and Hamas are also deemed worse off, having lost most of their senior leadership and capabilities, despite Hamas's efforts to rebuild. Israel, while incurring profound costs including 1,152 military personnel killed and immense economic strain, is considered to be in a stronger military position, having achieved significant objectives against its adversaries. However, the article highlights the troubling rise in global antisemitism, with an estimated 2.2 billion people harboring antisemitic attitudes, particularly among younger generations. It suggests that Israel's "soft power" through its connections with global evangelical communities may be its most strategic asset in this evolving landscape.