PEACE
USA and Israel’s politicians a threat to their nations own security

By Kirtan Bhana - TDS

6 May 2024

In the tumultuous landscape of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, recent events have ignited a fervent call for change, both within the region and beyond. The chorus of dissent against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his administration echoes through the streets of Israel, with thousands demanding accountability for alleged war crimes and corruption. Simultaneously, across the United States, a wave of protests disrupts the status quo, fuelled by a growing awareness of the deceptive practices of political elites and the erosion of democratic principles. The public dissention has exposed the corrupt lobby system rendering the process futile.

At the heart of the matter lies the declining reputation of the United States as an honest broker in the region and on the global stage. For decades, the U.S. has wielded considerable influence in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, often positioning itself as a mediator for peace. However, the perception of impartiality has been eroded by the glaring disparity in treatment, particularly in the form of billions of dollars in aid to Israel, approved by the U.S. Congress. This financial support, while ostensibly aimed at bolstering Israel's security, has raised questions about the true motivations behind such largesse and its impact on perpetuating the status quo. It has created a skewed development of Israel and a false sense of achievement and growth. Had the equal amount of aid, assistance and military support been extended to Palestine, the developments would have been similar and peace would have been maintained due to equitable military strength among other social and religious circumstances. 

The protests sweeping across Israel and the United States signify a broader awakening to the systemic injustices and manipulations that have long plagued both nations' political landscapes. In Israel, the outcry against Netanyahu's alleged abuses of power and attempts to subvert the judicial system reflects a growing disillusionment with entrenched corruption. Similarly, in the U.S., the exposure of clandestine lobbying practices and the influence of money in politics has galvanized a new generation to challenge the established order.

Central to this discourse is the role of international institutions such as the International Court of Justice (ICJ) and the International Criminal Court (ICC) in holding accountable those who flout human rights and international law. However, the irony lies in the selective application of justice, with powerful nation’s often evading scrutiny for their actions while smaller, less influential states face condemnation. This hypocrisy undermines the credibility of these institutions and necessitates the need for reform to ensure equal justice for all.

Post-colonial dictatorships in Africa were the inspiration behind the establishment of the ICC. It established recourse for the people to hold accountable their own rulers for corruption, fraud and human rights abuses. Much of the revenue generated was siphoned off from these countries and the ill-gotten gains stashed in tax free havens in Europe. These unscrupulous leaders often acquired assets in their former colonial master’s countries, living lavish lifestyles while people in their country languished in poverty and underdevelopment.

Recent events in West Africa have uncovered these underhanded practices, political interference, undue influence and sketchy economic manipulation which can find recourse in the ICC.  The USA and Israel have not signed up to the Rome Statute that mandated the ICC and exposes the glaring inconsistency in their sanctioning of the court on the one hand against Netanyahu and support against President Putin. The deeper issue is: can the US citizens and Israeli’s take actions against their own political administration for misrule and corruption just like the African nations at the ICC?  How can the jurisdiction of the court extend to the current Biden government in the USA; can it hold former presidents Bush, Obama and others accountable for war crimes and human rights abuses committed against its own citizens?

The convergence of these crises—political, moral, and institutional—presents both challenges and opportunities for change. The ongoing protests signal a collective desire for a more just and equitable world order, one that transcends narrow national interests and embraces a genuine commitment to peace and prosperity for all. As the old paradigms of power and influence crumble under the weight of their own contradictions, a new paradigm emerges—one based on cooperation, mutual respect, and shared humanity.

Indeed, some commentators see in these protests as the flickering embers of a dying conflict, a glimmer of hope amidst decades of despair. The shifting dynamics of the global landscape, marked by the rise of multipolarism and the waning influence of traditional power structures, offer the promise of a more inclusive and sustainable future. As economic and political power undergoes a seismic shift, so too does the potential for meaningful change on a global scale.

Ultimately, the path to peace and stability in the Middle East and beyond lies not in the perpetuation of old grievances and animosities, but in the embrace of a new vision built on principles of justice, equality, and cooperation. The challenges ahead are daunting, but so too are the opportunities for transformative change. As the voices of dissent grow louder and the light of truth pierces through the darkness of deception, there is reason to believe that a better world is indeed possible—one where peace reigns supreme and all people live in dignity and freedom.