History and present politics Part II
In Iraq and Afghanistan the Americans validified their attacks by repeatedly lying to their own nation and to the world at large. Iraq did not possess weapons of mass destruction or a nuclear weapons programme and Afghanistan, as a country, was not involved in the 9/11 attack. Meanwhile, more than three million innocent Muslim men, women and children have lost their lives. Saddam Hussain was hanged for killing 43 people and Omar Hassan Al-Bashir has been presented with a warrant of arrest. But Bush and Blair are still moving around as VVIPs. Similarly, “Chemical Ali” was condemned to death for his role in the manufacture of chemical weapons, but no American was ever charged with the manufacture, or use, of Agent Orange.
The recent conditions placed on aid to Pakistan are unfairly discriminatory. But then, beggars can’t be choosers. Do we want to continue depending on aid? Isn’t it time we threw away the begging bowl and became masters of our own destiny despite the initial hardships this may cause? As a matter of fact $1.5 billion in aid is not that much compared to the $7 billion per year that Pakistan is receiving from expatriate Pakistanis. This amount could be greatly increased if the Pakistani government demonstrates good governance, sincerity and an earnest approach to solving problems.
Drone attacks continue unabated. In around 60 such attacks, about 700 innocent men, women and children have been killed. Patriotic Pakistanis hang their heads in shame since it is being internationally acknowledged that these attacks have the tacit approval of our government. A strong resistance acts as deterrent, as has been adequately demonstrated by both Iran and North Korea. Bush openly blamed Iran for supporting insurgency in Iraq and supplying them with weapons, but America did not dare undertake a single drone attack in Iran. Iranian students also showed their determination when they detained US embassy staff for more than a year in retaliation to the US meddling in Iranian affairs and supporting the suppressive policies of the late Shah.
It was undoubtedly an act against diplomatic norms and hospitality, but when tempers run high such behaviour can be expected. The US, Japan and South Korea tried to bully and pressurize North Korea to deter them from launching a missile/satellite and threatened to shoot it down. Nonetheless the launching took place and no country dared take action. The South Koreans knew that any aggressive attack against North Korea would not go unanswered. Tokyo would have fared no better if Japan had tried to play bulldog for the USA.US aborted all resolutions to condemn Israel or even to enforce a ceasefire. For the last 32 years all US presidents have deceived the world with their rhetoric of a free and independent Palestinian state. The aim of the Americans and the Europeans is to delay the process, enabling Israel to grab more and more Palestinian land, build settlements and erect walls, thus making it a fait accompli.
Over the despicable and un-Islamic act of a young girl being flogged in Swat (whether this was a “real” or a “fake” incident does not make any difference here as such actions have taken place in the past and will, most likely, continue to do so in the future), The UN Secretary-General immediately fired a salvo in our direction. However, about four months ago, when the Israelis killed more than 1400 innocent Palestinian men, women and children, he conveniently looked the other way. Furthermore, the
If one analyses the trouble being faced by Muslims, one often finds the hand of the British at its source. The problems of Kashmir, Palestine, the Pak-Afghan border, the aggression against Egypt in 1953, the division of Punjab and Bengal are a few examples.
The Palestinian problem could be sorted out quickly if the US and its allies sincerely wanted to do so. They could get Israel and all the Arab countries together; get a document signed whereby Israel committed to evacuating all occupied territories within, for example, three months and whereby the Arabs committed to recognizing Israel as a sovereign state. Mutual diplomatic relations could then be put in place. However, the western countries are not sincere in their efforts. The rather cowardly policies of the Arab countries have added to this dismal scenario. A three-month oil embargo would be enough to bring Israel and their friends to their knees. But the rulers’ self-interest prevails over all else.Israel’s nuclear programme and weapons are sacrosanct, but Iran’s programme is something to be prevented at all costs.
During the past couple of weeks, two issues have dominated American attention – the North Korean missile test and the Iranian nuclear programme. This once again illustrated the hypocrisy of the west. If India, Japan, Israel, etc. test missiles, they are congratulated if successful. Why is it then, if North Korea tests a missile, it becomes unacceptable and cause for uproar?
Recently, President Obama gave a blank condonation to all Americans, mostly CIA personnel, who have been involved in inhuman treatment, even torture, of Iraqis, Afghans, Pakistanis, Arabs, Guantanamo inmates and many expatriates. Even actions that have been clearly prohibited under the UN Charter and that call for punishment have been pardoned. And then the Americans wonder why they are disliked in so many parts of the world.
