Meaning: The quote by Huston Smith, a renowned theologian, reflects on the actions and motivations of former U.S. President George W. Bush in relation to his support for Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon. Smith suggests that while he initially assumed Bush's unwavering support for Sharon was driven by political reasons, he also raises the question of whether Bush genuinely believes that his actions are advancing the timeline towards an apocalyptic "final conflict." This quote touches on the complex intersection of politics, religious beliefs, and foreign policy, and it invites contemplation on the potential influence of eschatological or end-times beliefs on geopolitical decision-making.

To provide context, it is important to understand the historical and geopolitical backdrop against which this quote was made. During his presidency, George W. Bush articulated strong support for Israel and its policies, particularly under the leadership of Prime Minister Ariel Sharon. This support was evident in various instances, including the U.S. government's backing of Israel's military actions and its stance on contentious issues such as Israeli settlements in the West Bank.

Huston Smith's remark about Bush's seemingly inflexible policy alludes to the perception that the U.S. administration's alignment with Sharon's government was steadfast and unwavering. This perception led Smith to initially attribute Bush's support to political calculations, specifically in the context of domestic electoral considerations. It is worth noting that the U.S.-Israel relationship has been a significant and often polarizing issue in American politics, with support for Israel holding sway among certain constituencies.

However, Smith's contemplation takes a thought-provoking turn as he raises the question of whether Bush's actions may be influenced by deeper religious convictions regarding the eschatological narrative of a final conflict or "end times." In various religious traditions, including certain strands of Christianity, there are beliefs about an impending apocalyptic confrontation or reckoning that will precede a divine culmination of history.

Smith's query about whether Bush genuinely believes that his actions might hasten this "final conflict" delves into the realm of religious influence on political decision-making. It raises the broader issue of how personal religious beliefs, or the beliefs of influential political figures, can intersect with and potentially shape foreign policy and international relations. This intersection has been a subject of scholarly inquiry and public discourse, particularly in the context of U.S. foreign policy in the Middle East.

It is important to acknowledge that the influence of eschatological beliefs on political decision-making is a complex and contested topic. While some scholars and observers argue that religious beliefs can significantly mold political agendas and policy choices, others emphasize the primacy of geopolitical, strategic, and pragmatic considerations in shaping international relations. Nonetheless, the interplay between religion and politics has been a consistent and multifaceted aspect of global affairs.

In the specific context of U.S. foreign policy towards Israel, the potential influence of eschatological beliefs has been a subject of speculation and analysis. Certain interpretations of Christian eschatology, including the notion of a prophesied return of Jesus Christ linked to events in the Holy Land, have been cited as factors that could shape perspectives on Israel and the Middle East among some segments of American society and political leadership.

While it is challenging to definitively ascertain the personal religious motivations of political figures, including President Bush, in their decision-making processes, the intersection of religious beliefs and foreign policy remains a compelling area of inquiry. Huston Smith's contemplation, captured in the quoted remark, prompts reflection on the multifaceted drivers of geopolitical decisions and the potential role of religious perspectives in shaping international relations.

In conclusion, Huston Smith's quote encapsulates the intersection of politics, religious beliefs, and foreign policy. It invites consideration of the potential influence of eschatological convictions on geopolitical decision-making, particularly in the context of U.S. foreign policy towards Israel. This contemplation underscores the complexity of factors that can shape international relations and the enduring relevance of understanding the interplay between religion and politics in global affairs.