Germany’s foreign policy, especially as represented by its current foreign minister, exposes an unsettling contradiction that reflects a lack of intellectual consistency and moral clarity. While offering unconditional support to Israel — a state openly defined as a “Jewish state” privileging Jewish identity globally, often at the expense of Palestinians and non-Jewish citizens — Germany simultaneously imposes rigid expectations of secularism and inclusivity on the new Syrian government. This disparity reveals not just geopolitical hypocrisy but a deeper, systemic issue in German political culture.Double standards and unquestioned supportfor IsraelGermany’s unwavering support for Israel is deeply entrenched in its historical guilt over the Holocaust, which has morphed into an almost reflexive pro-Israel stance. For many Germans, especially those in the Green and Social Democratic parties, supporting Israel has become a near-automatic, unquestioned response — a Pavlovian reflex deeply ingrained in political discourse. This philo-Semitism, often confused with moral integrity, has become dogma, immune to critical scrutiny.This uncritical stance ignores the evolving reality of Israeli governance, which is no longer shaped by the victims of European anti-Semitism but by a coalition of military elites, ethnic supremacists, and religious settlers.The German foreign minister’s policies demonstrate either ignorance of or indifference to these realities. To attribute any nuanced geopolitical strategy to her actions would likely overestimate her intellectual and political capacity. Her support appears less a product of thoughtful diplomacy and more the result of an ahistorical, automatic allegiance, devoid of critical analysis.Selective application of moral principlesIn sharp contrast, Germany lectures the Syrian government on the need for secularism and inclusivity, emphasizing the protection of minorities to prevent Sunni Muslim dominance. While inclusivity may appear virtuous, it is hypocritical when Germany simultaneously supports Israel’s exclusivist policies.Moreover, the demand for Syria to adopt a sectarianised governance model risks perpetuating instability, as seen in Lebanon and Iraq.This inconsistency in Germany’s foreign policy undermines its credibility as a defender of human rights and democracy. By selectively applying principles based on political convenience, Germany not only exacerbates divisions in the Middle East but also weakens its reputation as a moral and intellectual leader on the global stage.A legacy of historical amnesiaGermany’s approach to Israel and Syria stems from a broader issue: an ahistorical and apolitical amnesia rooted in the institutionalised guilt of German fascism. While Germany’s recognition of its Nazi past is essential, it has evolved into an uncritical deference to Israel, often devoid of nuanced understanding. The German foreign minister’s stance reflects this phenomenon. Far from learning the lessons of the Nazi era, she exhibits a shallow understanding of global dynamics, driven by an over-simplified moralism.This moral posturing is not new in German history. The motto of German fascism — “The world will recover from German ways”— resonates in the behaviour of politicians who see themselves as global moral arbiters. While it is unfair to equate the foreign minister’s actions with fascism, her policies reveal a dangerous lack of intellectual and historical depth, leading to decisions that harm not only Syria and Palestine but also Germany’s own credibility.The consequences of naivety and dogmaThe German foreign minister’s actions have far-reaching consequences. Her inability — or unwillingness — to recognise Israel’s policies as discriminatory and colonialist undermines Germany’s ability to act as a neutral mediator in global conflicts. This not only disadvantages the victims of her selective morality, particularly in Palestine and Syria, but also damages Germany’s reputation as a nation capable of clear thinking and consistent action.Furthermore, this double standard erodes trust in Germany’s ability to lead responsibly. German politicians like the current foreign minister project themselves as super-moralists while failing to apply their principles uniformly.This approach has resulted in a loss of confidence in Germany’s leadership, a trust that will take years to rebuild.Looking aheadOn 23 February, Germany will elect a new government. Whether this election will bring about a shift in foreign policy remains to be seen. What is clear, however, is that Germany must critically reassess its approach to Israel and the Middle East.If it seeks to regain its reputation as a principled and thoughtful actor on the global stage, Germany must move beyond reflexive dogmas and engage with the realities of an evolving world.This requires not only intellectual honesty and moral courage but also the willingness to confront uncomfortable truths about its own policies. Without this, Germany risks further entrenching the very hypocrisies it seeks to overcome.The author, a researcher specialising in Middle Eastern affairs, is known for his in-depth expertise and insightful analyses on regional issues