Nazi War Criminals: A Hidden Connection in the Middle East

SYSyrian Arab Republic|

Following World War II, many Nazi war criminals sought refuge in the Middle East thanks to the assistance of figures like Amin al-Husseini, the Grand Mufti of Jerusalem, according to reports by Marcel Gyr. This collaboration began during Hitler's regime when al-Husseini visited Berlin in 1941, despite Hitler's expressed disdain for Arabs, promoting the shared goal of exterminating Jews. The alliance persisted post-war, with notable fugitives like Alois Brunner and Walter Rauff finding sanctuary in countries such as Egypt and Syria.

Both criminals had previously orchestrated mass killings in Europe, with Brunner evading justice for decades in Damascus while collaborating with the local government. Some reportedly assisted intelligence services in their new environments, using their wartime experience. Historical investigations reveal that German authorities were aware of Brunner's whereabouts yet hesitated to pursue his extradition, partly due to the complexities of Cold War geopolitics. The legacy of this historical collaboration raises questions about the enduring impacts of such alliances in shaping contemporary Middle Eastern politics.

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