Issue No. 613
Opinion
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21 - 27 November 2002 Issue No. 613 Opinion |
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| Published in Cairo by AL-AHRAM established in 1875 | |||
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Reshaping the world
All forms of organised violence are evil, whether the perpetrators are governments, groups, or individuals. The only exception to this rule is legitimate struggle against foreign occupation and despotic regimes. But facts have been twisted since the horror of 11 September. A new imperialism has taken shape and the so-called war against terror is its main engine and excuse. The US is using its military and political power to reshape the world. It is sidelining Europe, bribing Russia and neutralising China with trade deals. Washington is also steamrolling developing countries into submission.
The Middle East, Central Asia and Africa are particularly vulnerable to the schemes of Washington politicians. If US policy succeeds the Arab world may soon have 28 countries instead of the current 21. Iraq will be split into three, Sudan into two, Somalia into two etc.
Israel, meanwhile, is at the centre of US plans to reshape the region. The expansionist state that makes a point of oppressing and killing the Palestinians is Washington's closest ally. Why? One reason is the close alliance between the ruling Republicans and the Zionist lobby, an alliance that has robbed US Middle East policy of sense and integrity.
Meanwhile, globalisation is marching blissfully ahead, with US companies penetrating national economies across the world, draining their resources and pumping the profits home. The world's sole superpower uses its military might to further its economic interests. The war against terror is just an excuse. But it is a dangerous one, for it feeds the hatred it is supposed to end.
This week's Soapbox speaker is professor of political science at Helwan University.
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