Israel's attack on Qatar (also attacked by Iran very recently but this
one is qualitatively different as it plays on deep fractures) is especially
concerning and made dangerous by transactional minded incompetent US president
elected by revivalist forces (very much facilitated by self-centered irresponsible posing as liberal opposition). Middle east and Arab nations lack
democratic institutions or progressive values. Rabid religious zealots of this
oil rich region are mostly kept under check by feudal puppet leaders
controlled by West, and thus making the world a safer place -considering what
could be unleashed. Blatant attack like this, by increasingly unhinged
Netanyahu -who should be immediately dealt without any delay whatsoever,
will break that balance. Religious driven semi-literates are now connected
through social media, and unlike a decade back the consequence can be severe
and has possibilities to overthrow regime by popular uprising (as has happened
to corrupt politicians in Nepal, they thought banning social media will solve problem).
Feudal Qatar that lacks progressive values and democratic institutions was
propped up by west as glittering civilized version of middle east…well with space
and time as democratic institutions take root it could even become one. But the
chance of falling into the lap of islamists is very likely considering how
insular world is becoming. Hypocrisy of West is now so glaring with Trump (and
opportunist british elite) that it is shocking. As communist can easily flip into religious
fanatics so too can capitalist hedonist feudal in Arab into barbarian brotherhood. It is time up for Netanyahu before he further perils lives of common people trying to eke out a living in an increasingly hostile world.
UN is incapacitated
Nobody was expecting wonders from
UN in a dangerously polarized world. At the least it was to be a collective moral
authority and arbitrate peace by providing platform and forums for warring agents
to find some sense by discussing or consensus building or atleast taking out their anger by posturing. More than two decades ago there was blatant undermining of UN that
people, including this blogger, strongly protested (I had started to take deep
interest in my surrounding -local, national and international…things that
affected my life directly and indirectly- as also quality of life of common
people across the world. We even arranged signature campaign against war…since
there were no social media, we had to send it to regrettable legacy media). Unilateral
action by US-Britain on Iraq was serious breach of international consensus. Military
actions on terror groups in Afghanistan was needed but could have been under
the aegis of UN. There was consensus among international community and common
people in the aftermath of 9/11. It was a golden opportunity to strengthen UN and UNPKF. What we saw was serious breach of international laws and crimes
against humanity. People around the world were aghast at the arrogance of few
periling the world for their narrow gains and ego. These don’t go away as they build up
general cynicism and distrust.
If UN was strong then terrorist organization like Hamas would have found it difficult to gain foothold. UN would have used its power to stop Israel after initial strikes that debilitated Hamas infrastructure. It is now a genocide. Also, instead of NATO UN would be active to deal with Russia. UNPKF forces (with majority vote, no veto) would be fighting for Ukraine. Importantly rule of law is important, defines democratic liberal nations, that provide opportunities for millions of people to find their best possible self and humanity to progress (there are only few places in the world that provides such spaces). Migrants have important function while people in dire situation must be extended refuge. That in no way justifies illegal immigrants and undocumented refugees (or beyond the capacity that perils common people). Sooner or later this sickening self-righteousness of selfish feudal leaders -who don’t have to face the consequences, will be tapped by devious nationalist forces. These leads to rise of revivalist authoritarian values and diminishing liberal space. Most importantly regressive values of religion cannot be condoned and normalized as diversity, nor can these be extended the largesse of liberal state. Some may say these are subjective. Anything that diminish individual right and freedom is a threat to liberal values. Collective cannot be the reason to diminish liberty. It is only rule of law that can put restrictions. Rule of law that defines ideals of democratic society. As societies evolve even rule of law may not be needed as individual becomes responsible and will be aware when to self-restrain. The collapse of international consensus has to do with distrust at the individual level leading to primal associations devoid of reason and compassion. Rule of law, asserting progressive values and being responsible, is reflected in how nation contribute to collective consensus of the world. Britain is an example of feudal society (eased into neoliberal capitalism greed) that is collapsing in its own self-righteous muck arbitrated by low quality extremely devious political elite who take common people as their entitlement. It is a debating club without any meaning and intent attached to words. It is also time out for Starmer, the reason why Britain is churning out such low quality leaders shows much deeper flaw.
