Thus, unsurprising. How a group with such a history morphs into a smidgeon of empathy for its ongoing detractors--before WW-III precipitates all around?

We're waiting to find out. Shrublike intransigence is never a hopeful sign. (But dying over ancient metaphors remains popular all over.)
Sometimes I think I see the cosmic humour in this play, but it's never funny-ha-ha :-/