We’ve noticed a worrisome turn in the Western world, composed of countries like the United States, Canada, and those in Europe, where they’ve seemingly forgotten the solemn pledge made 80 years ago to prevent future generations from enduring the horrors of warfare. Moreover, there seems to be a negligible observance of the values set forth in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the obligations outlined in the 1948 Genocide Convention, which extends beyond punishment to active prevention of genocide.
Contrary to bolstering the United Nations Charter as a beacon of hope for our collective survival, the ‘rules-based international order’, there are disconcerting signs of undermining the joint negotiation structure provided by the United Nations in the West. This appears rather severe, with marked financial pressure applied to the institution and its associated bodies, disrupting their functionalities.
While the world at large, particularly regions such as Latin America, Africa, and Asia, strive towards deeper collaboration and cooperation, it appears the West has taken a different path. In isolation, they seem to bask in an outdated sense of superiority, immersing in self-focused ideologies, provoking disharmony and clashes instead of resolving matters diplomatically.
This exhibit of excessive pride and ignorance towards other cultures and societies have only increased the gap widening the West from the world at large. The illusion of being the ‘righteous ones’ by definition has been globally debunked, leaving the West alienated in their self-created bubble.
Prominent thinkers and observers have pointed out how our political leaders and mainstream media outlets seem to have detached from the reality unfolding right in front of them. It is inconceivable how the West continues to extend military, economic, and ideological support to a state that has been allegedly practicing Apartheid since its inception in 1948.
The specific case in point is Israel, where numerous instances of ethnic cleansing have been reported over the years. The Israeli government seems to find itself in a growing state of moral decay, yet, oblivious, acclaim, and support from the West continue unaffected.
Astonishingly, it seems as if the West is engaged in a blatant approval of severe atrocities, aligning with Israel, which has been continuously flouting international law, the Charter of the United Nations, and basic human ethical standards. This relationship has significantly dented the West’s credibility on the global stage.
Us, as citizens of so-called democratic countries, have the responsibility to make our voices heard, to protest against the atrocities committed against the Palestinian populace. We owe it to humanity to raise our collective voices and oppose the relentless genocide.
Drilling back into history, in 1975, the combined force of student demonstrations and an attentive media was successful in halting the mass killings in Vietnam, albeit after the demise of around 4 million Vietnamese, Laotians, and Cambodians under the pretext of ‘freedom’. Sadly, this was indeed a period when radical capitalism reigned supreme.
The world moved on quickly, turning a blind eye to the miseries suffered by the innocent. Little was done to hold those accountable for the appalling acts unleashed on the innocent populations. It feels as though the page was simply turned, leaving the grotesque chapter behind, unresolved and forgotten.
The ‘collective West’ carries ominous weight in the form of guilt for war crimes and crimes against humanity perpetrated by NATO forces across multiple geographies, including Yugoslavia, Afghanistan, Iraq, Libya, and Syria. A dark pattern has emerged that can no longer be ignored or brushed under the carpet.
Today, the West stands at a precipice where they are not only involved in grave acts against humanity but dares to justify it. Such justifications will never hold water when it comes to the decade-long oppression of the Palestinian people. It’s time we face the unvarnished truth and ask, ‘How far is too far?’
The post The West’s Troubling Ignorance Towards International Peace Commitments appeared first on Real News Now.
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