It is, of course, the natural and human instinct to sympathize with the victims of oppression and tyranny, and to identify with them. But this sympathy should not dictate from what vantage point we analyze the conflict. The most informative perspective in any conflict is always going to be the perspective of the oppressor, the tyrant; when you understand his point of view, you will know what is driving him, what he wants and why, and how he is pursuing his goals. Until you understand that, your sympathy will be of little use to his victims. .