Podcasts > The Ben Shapiro Show > Why The West Mourns the ‘Butcher of Tehran’

Why The West Mourns the ‘Butcher of Tehran’

By Ben Shapiro

In this episode of The Ben Shapiro Show, Shapiro delves into the Western response to the death of Ebrahim Raisi, the former president of Iran. He critiques the secular belief that institutions alone shape human behavior, contrasting it with the Judeo-Christian view of an innate human struggle between good and evil. Shapiro argues this perspective explains why individuals can corrupt institutions, as exemplified by Western dealings with groups like Hamas and the failures of bodies like the UN and ICC.

The episode also examines the underlying philosophical divide between secular and religious worldviews on human nature. Shapiro posits that the West's approach to malign actors stems from a naive assumption that providing aid or adhering to international institutions can transform destructive ideologies, ultimately undermining Western values.

Listen to the original

Why The West Mourns the ‘Butcher of Tehran’

This is a preview of the Shortform summary of the May 21, 2024 episode of the The Ben Shapiro Show

Sign up for Shortform to access the whole episode summary along with additional materials like counterarguments and context.

Why The West Mourns the ‘Butcher of Tehran’

1-Page Summary

Unprecedented Western Condolences for Raisi's Death

Western leaders and institutions offered rare expressions of condolence following the death of Ebrahim Raisi, the former president of Iran. The UN Security Council held a moment of silence for Raisi, while the US Senate chaplain offered a prayer - a stark contrast to how the West responded to the deaths of other dictators like Pol Pot.

Contrasting Views on Human Nature

Ben Shapiro critiques the secular belief that all humans are inherently good, with evil arising solely from systems. He advocates for the Judeo-Christian view of an innate human struggle between good and evil, as articulated by Thomas Aquinas. According to Shapiro, this religious perspective explains why bad actors often corrupt institutions.

Shapiro argues the West naively assumes the UN and ICC can effectively address human rights violations, while these bodies can be manipulated by malevolent actors. He criticizes the secular philosophy for disregarding individual contributions to sin.

Western Naivete in Dealings with Hamas and Iran

Shapiro points out Western efforts, like aid sent to Hamas-controlled Gaza, being exploited - countering beliefs that providing resources can transform such groups despite their destructive ideologies.

He also notes the ICC attempting to equate Israel's defensive actions against Hamas with Hamas' terrorist attacks - falsely implying moral equivalence between a democracy and terrorist organization.

According to Shapiro, such actions exemplify a willingness to appease or align with dangerous actors, corroding Western values and positions.

1-Page Summary

Additional Materials

Clarifications

  • Ebrahim Raisi was a prominent Iranian politician who served as the country's president. He was known for his conservative and hardline stance on various domestic and international issues. Raisi's presidency was marked by tensions with Western countries, particularly the United States, over issues such as Iran's nuclear program and human rights record. His death led to rare expressions of condolence from Western leaders, highlighting the significance of his political influence in the region.
  • Ben Shapiro critiques the secular belief that all humans are inherently good, advocating for the Judeo-Christian view of an innate human struggle between good and evil. He argues that bad actors can corrupt institutions due to this struggle. Shapiro also criticizes the reliance on international bodies like the UN and ICC to address human rights violations, suggesting they can be manipulated by malevolent actors. Additionally, he points out Western naivete in dealing with groups like Hamas and Iran, highlighting how aid can be exploited and how moral equivalence can be falsely implied between different entities.
  • Western dealings with Hamas and Iran have been criticized for potentially enabling and legitimizing these entities despite their controversial actions. Aid sent to Hamas-controlled Gaza has been scrutinized for potentially supporting a group with destructive ideologies. The International Criminal Court (ICC) has faced criticism for its handling of conflicts involving Israel and Hamas, with accusations of moral equivalence being made. Critics argue that Western actions towards these groups may compromise values and positions, leading to concerns about appeasement and alignment with dangerous actors.
  • The criticisms of the UN and ICC by Ben Shapiro revolve around their perceived ineffectiveness in addressing human rights violations and their susceptibility to manipulation by malevolent actors. Shapiro argues that the secular belief in these institutions' ability to combat evil overlooks individual responsibility for wrongdoing and can lead to moral equivocation between democracies and terrorist organizations. He points out instances where Western actions, such as aid to Hamas-controlled Gaza and the ICC's treatment of Israel, are seen as misguided attempts at appeasement that undermine Western values.

Counterarguments

  • The expressions of condolence for Raisi's death could be seen as a diplomatic gesture aimed at easing tensions and fostering dialogue, rather than an endorsement of his policies.
  • The moment of silence at the UN Security Council could be interpreted as a standard protocol for any head of state, regardless of their regime's actions.
  • The prayer by the US Senate chaplain could be part of a broader tradition of offering prayers for all deceased, reflecting values of compassion and respect for the dead.
  • The secular belief in inherent human goodness does not necessarily exclude the possibility of evil actions; it may simply emphasize the potential for good within all individuals.
  • The Judeo-Christian view of a human struggle between good and evil is one of many religious and philosophical perspectives on human nature, and other traditions may offer different but equally valid insights.
  • While bad actors can indeed corrupt institutions, it is also possible for institutions to be designed with checks and balances that mitigate the influence of malevolent individuals.
  • Criticism of the UN and ICC might overlook the complexities of international law and the challenges of achieving consensus among diverse member states.
  • The effectiveness of aid to Gaza could be debated, with some arguing that humanitarian aid is necessary regardless of the governing body, and that it can alleviate suffering and potentially support peace.
  • The ICC's actions and statements should be evaluated based on the specifics of each case, and the organization's mandate to uphold international law may lead to scrutiny of all parties in a conflict.
  • Equating the actions of different parties in a conflict does not necessarily imply moral equivalence; it may be an attempt to apply international law impartially.
  • Engaging with or offering diplomatic gestures to controversial actors does not always indicate appeasement; it can be part of a strategy to encourage change or stability through engagement rather than isolation.

Get access to the context and additional materials

So you can understand the full picture and form your own opinion.
Get access for free
Why The West Mourns the ‘Butcher of Tehran’

Reactions and responses from Western leaders and institutions to the death of Ebrahim Raisi, the former president of Iran

In an unprecedented set of events, Western leaders and institutions have offered expressions of condolence and sympathy following the death of Ebrahim Raisi, the former president of Iran.

The West's unprecedented expressions of condolence and sympathy for Raisi's death, in contrast to how it has responded to the deaths of other dictators

The UN Security Council and US Senate chaplain holding moments of silence and prayer for Raisi

Shapiro notes the peculiarity of Western responses to the death of Ebrahim al-Risi, illustrating that expressions of lament are uncommon for such figures. The UN Security Council held a moment of silence for Ibrahim Raisi, and the Senate chaplain in the United States also held a moment of prayer, signaling a remarkable departure from usual diplomatic practices.

Western governments like the US, EU, and NATO issuing statements of condolence for Raisi's death

The State Department of the United States, the EU, and NATO each issued statements of condolence. NATO’s press secretary, Farah Dakhlala, issued a heartfelt statement of condolence for the death of President Raisi who perished in a helicopter crash. Charles Michel, President of the European Council, offered sincere condolences for the death of President Taherisi and the Iranian foreign minister Abdoulayehan, as well as other members of their delegation.

The stark contrast between the West's response to Raisi's death versus ...

Here’s what you’ll find in our full summary

Registered users get access to the Full Podcast Summary and Additional Materials. It’s easy and free!
Start your free trial today

Reactions and responses from Western leaders and institutions to the death of Ebrahim Raisi, the former president of Iran

Additional Materials

Clarifications

  • Ebrahim Raisi served as the President of Iran before his death. He was known for his background as a conservative cleric and his involvement in the country's judiciary system, including controversial decisions related to human rights issues. Raisi's presidency was marked by his conservative policies and his stance on various domestic and international matters, shaping Western perceptions of him during his time in office.
  • The UN Security Council and US Senate chaplain holding moments of silence and prayer for Ebrahim Raisi signifies an unusual display of respect typically not extended to controversial figures. This gesture is uncommon for leaders with contentious backgrounds like Raisi, highlighting a departure from standard diplomatic norms. The act of observing a moment of silence and prayer for Raisi's passing is a departure from the usual condemnation or silence that follows the deaths of such figures. It suggests a nuanced response from Western institutions to the death of a polarizing figure like Raisi.
  • The stark contrast in responses to the deaths of Ebrahim Raisi and other dictators like Pol Pot can be attributed to the political context and international relations at the time of their deaths. Raisi's death prompted expressions of condolence due to potential shifts in Iran's leadership and regional dynamics, while the condemnation of Pol Pot's atrocities upon his death reflected a historical context of human rights abuses associated with his regime. The differing r ...

Counterarguments

  • The UN Security Council and US Senate chaplain's moments of silence could be seen as a diplomatic gesture rather than an endorsement of Raisi's policies or actions, reflecting a respect for the office rather than the individual.
  • Expressions of condolence from Western governments could be a strategic move aimed at maintaining or improving diplomatic relations with Iran, especially in the context of ongoing regional tensions and nuclear negotiations.
  • The contrast in the West's response to Raisi's death versus Pol Pot's could be attributed to different geopolitical contexts, changes in diplomatic norms, or a desire to engage with Iran's current leadership in a constructive manner.
  • The issuance of condolences does not necessarily imply agreement with or support for the deceased leader's policies; it may simply be an a ...

Get access to the context and additional materials

So you can understand the full picture and form your own opinion.
Get access for free
Why The West Mourns the ‘Butcher of Tehran’

Underlying beliefs and assumptions about human nature and the role of international institutions that lead to these responses

Shapiro critiques the secular and Judeo-Christian views of human nature and addresses how these perceptions shape the expected role and function of international institutions like the UN and ICC.

The secularist belief that all humans are fundamentally good, and that evil arises solely from societal systems rather #than individual sinfulness

Shapiro argues against the secularist view that posits humans as inherently good beings and suggests that evil is purely a systemic issue. He believes that this belief is flawed and leads to the misconception that by simply reorganizing international structures, it is possible to convert bad actors into benevolent ones. This secular perspective often downplays the role of individual actions in favor of systemic explanations for sin.

This flawed view leads to the idea that reorganizing international institutions can transform bad actors into good ones

In line with his critique of the secular standpoint, Shapiro points out that this view naively presumes that institutions like the UN can be reformed to foster global goodwill. However, he notes the hypocrisy of such institutions, highlighting that in 2023 the UN General Assembly passed more resolutions against Israel than any other country, suggesting that these bodies become platforms for specific agendas.

The Judeo-Christian view that humans have an internal battle between good and evil desires, and are all inherently sinful to some degree

Shapiro delves into the traditional Judeo-Christian doctrine, which articulates that everyone harbors an innate battle between the urge to do good (Yeitzer Hatov) and the impulse towards evil (Yeitzer Hara). He extends this notion to Christian theology, following Thomas Aquinas’s teachings, which state that while humans were created good, they became inclined towards sin after the original sin, a condition believed to be rectified by Jesus' death.

This view is more realistic and explains why international institutions often get corrupted by bad actors

Shapiro advocates for this religious perspective, as he believes it presents a more accurate understanding of human nature that ...

Here’s what you’ll find in our full summary

Registered users get access to the Full Podcast Summary and Additional Materials. It’s easy and free!
Start your free trial today

Underlying beliefs and assumptions about human nature and the role of international institutions that lead to these responses

Additional Materials

Clarifications

  • Thomas Aquinas was a prominent Italian Dominican friar, philosopher, and theologian in the medieval period. He is known for his synthesis of Aristotelian philosophy with Christian principles, particularly emphasizing the role of God in human reasoning and faith. Aquinas's influential works include the Summa Theologica, where he explores various theological and philosophical questions. His teachings on the nature of God, reason, and faith have had a lasting impact on Western philosophy and theology.
  • Original sin is a concept in Christian theology that stems from the belief that all humans inherit a sinful nature due to the disobedience of Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden. This doctrine suggests that as a result of this original sin, humans are born with a natura ...

Counterarguments

  • The secular belief in inherent human goodness can be seen as aspirational, promoting a positive view of human potential that encourages societal and institutional reform.
  • Reorganizing international institutions might not transform bad actors into good ones, but it can create systems that limit the power of bad actors and promote accountability and transparency.
  • The Judeo-Christian view of an internal battle between good and evil may not account for the complex interplay of genetics, environment, and free will in shaping human behavior.
  • While international institutions can be corrupted, they also have a history of promoting peace, cooperation, and hu ...

Get access to the context and additional materials

So you can understand the full picture and form your own opinion.
Get access for free
Why The West Mourns the ‘Butcher of Tehran’

Examples of the West's naivete and willingness to appease dangerous actors like Raisi and Hamas

Shapiro discusses recent events that suggest a troubling tendency within Western institutions to engage in moral equivalency or to appease groups with dangerous ideologies and practices, particularly in the context of relations with Raisi-led Iran and the Hamas-controlled Gaza Strip.

The West's efforts to provide aid to Gaza, only to have it stolen and exploited by Hamas

Shapiro points out a notable instance of Western efforts going awry with Israel's shipment of thousands of tons of aid into Gaza, a war area controlled by an enemy, which is unprecedented in the history of warfare. Moreover, he highlights the inefficiency and counterproductiveness of such aid, as he mentions the American initiative to build a pier off the coast of Gaza, intending to facilitate the shipment of aid directly into Gaza. However, these efforts were undermined by Hamas, as indicated by a startling statistic—eleven out of sixteen trucks meant to deliver supplies were cleaned out, halting aid deliveries. This example embodies the West's naivete in believing that providing resources to Hamas can somehow transform their stance, despite their explicit goal of Israel's destruction.

The ICC's efforts to equate Israel's defensive actions against Hamas with Hamas' terrorist attacks on civilians

Shapiro turns to the actions of the International Criminal Court (ICC), which has attempted to issue arrest warrants for Israeli political and military leaders on the same bill as leaders of Hamas. In doing so, the ICC implies a false equivalence between the actions of a democracy that is defending itself and those of a terrorist organization.

Moreover, the ICC has indicted Isr ...

Here’s what you’ll find in our full summary

Registered users get access to the Full Podcast Summary and Additional Materials. It’s easy and free!
Start your free trial today

Examples of the West's naivete and willingness to appease dangerous actors like Raisi and Hamas

Additional Materials

Clarifications

  • The International Criminal Court (ICC) has attempted to issue arrest warrants for Israeli political and military leaders alongside leaders of Hamas, implying an equivalence between their actions. The ICC has indicted Israel for alleged war crimes, including accusations of intentionally using starvation of civilians as a method of warfare and committing murder and persecution against Palestinians. These actions have been criticized for failing to distinguish between Israel's defensive measures and Hamas's deliberate attacks on civilians. This has led to concerns about the ICC's impartiality and understanding of the complexities of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
  • Natural law is a theory that suggests there are universal moral principles inherent in nature or the human condition, which are discoverable through reason. It forms the basis for ethical standards that transcend human-made laws and are believed to be applicab ...

Counterarguments

  • Aid to Gaza is a humanitarian necessity, and while some aid may be misappropriated, the majority helps civilians in need.
  • Building infrastructure like a pier could, if properly managed, increase the efficiency of aid delivery and reduce the potential for misappropriation.
  • The ICC's mandate is to ensure accountability for war crimes, and its investigations into both sides of a conflict could be seen as an effort to apply international law impartially.
  • Equating actions in a conflict can be a complex legal matter, and the ICC's approach may be based on legal criteria rather than moral equivalency.
  • Indictments by the ICC are based on legal grounds and evidence, and the presumption of innocence applies until proven guilty in a fair trial.
  • Criticisms of the ICC's actions should consider the legal context and the challenges of enforcing international law in conflict situations.
  • Engaging with actors like Hamas could be part ...

Get access to the context and additional materials

So you can understand the full picture and form your own opinion.
Get access for free

Create Summaries for anything on the web

Download the Shortform Chrome extension for your browser

Shortform Extension CTA