M.M. Shuja
There have been many instances in the history of the foreign policy of the United States where the foreign policy of the country has been based more on the interests of the state than on the values of equality, sovereignty and peaceful coexistence of nations. Be it through military intervention or other methods like economic sanctioning, the foreign policy of the United States has often caused problems well beyond its borders. The history of US military intervention goes back a long way. The Mexican-American War of 1846-48 brought about huge territorial changes for North America. In modern history, the US attack on Grenada in 1983, Gulf War of 1991, the attack on Afghanistan in 2001 and Iraq war of 2003 are all important instances of US military intervention in international affairs. There were specific historical and political contexts for all these wars and they need to be analysed separately, but there are still many questions raised about the boundaries of military power and national sovereignty. The 2003 war against Iraq is one of the most controversial ones. A US-led coalition attacked Iraq and removed the regime of Saddam Hussein based on false accusations about weapons of mass destruction. The war led to many casualties and destruction of infrastructure as well as long-term instability in the region. Iraq keeps suffering the effects of that war. In addition, in response to the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, the United States invaded Afghanistan with the aim of destroying Al-Qaeda and getting rid of the Taliban regime. However, almost two decades after the beginning of the war, the US forces withdrew from Afghanistan in 2021, and the Taliban came back to power.
Palestine and the Problem of Double Standards
The events in Palestine have made the issue of American foreign policy even more serious from the perspective of international community. America has always been the major international backer of Israel, giving military, diplomatic, and political support to this country for many years. The tragedy of Gaza has led to killing thousands of civilians and destruction of homes, schools, hospitals and other civilian structures. The international community has many times demanded civilian protection, humanitarian assistance and cessation of violence. The international community should use the same standards regarding human rights and international laws for all participants. The case when Washington gives the reason of human rights and democracy as a justification of interventions somewhere else, should give an explanation of their attitude towards the victims of Palestinians. The lives of Palestinian children are no less precious than the lives of children in any other part of the world.
Iran and The Risk Of a Broader Regional Crisis
Iran has been subject to economic sanctions imposed by the US for decades owing to differences regarding Iran’s nuclear program and regional policies in general. These sanctions have had a number of economic effects on the Iranian people. The continued tension between the US and Iran poses the risk of broadening the regional crisis into something more dangerous. Any military intervention in the region by Iran, Israel and the US can have ramifications which go beyond the borders of the Middle East. The Strait of Hormuz becomes a key factor in international economics due to the fact that a substantial share of the world’s oil and gas transport passes through it. This can lead to an abrupt spike in energy prices and further raise the cost of transportation. Countries such as India, Pakistan and Bangladesh will suffer greatly from any such shock in the form of economic downturns which will affect transportation, energy consumption, agricultural production and the prices of basic goods.
Venezuela and Regime Change Politics
America’s policy toward Venezuela is yet another case where the US has applied economic and diplomatic pressure on governments that it perceives as anti-American. The Venezuela debate should not be limited to one’s perception of its regime. What really matters is whether a country has the authority to choose a leader for a foreign sovereign country. Democracy and human rights are global values. They must be protected regardless of geopolitics.
The Russia-Ukraine War
The Russia-Ukraine war, which broke out in February 2022, has led to massive destruction and displacement. The war has claimed the lives of many people, resulted in the displacement of many more Ukrainians, and inflicted much damage to Ukraine’s infrastructure. Furthermore, the effects of the war have impacted many students, entrepreneurs, and families hailing from various countries who were in Ukraine at the time the war broke out, forcing many to cut short their education and go back home. The international community should continue advocating for diplomacy and negotiations. Military engagement alone is not sufficient for bringing about a lasting solution to such a destructive war. The longer the war persists, the higher the costs for Ukraine, Russia, and the international community as a whole.
Strategic Autonomy is Necessary for India
The foreign policy of India should be formulated mainly on the basis of India’s own national interest and not under any coercion from any major power. While the Indo-U.S. connection has widened greatly over recent decades, especially in economic and strategic realms, India should retain its strategic autonomy and not become a tool for great power politics. For decades now, Russia has been a crucial defence and strategic ally of India and has stood by India in many times of need. However, India’s ties with the United States, European countries, the Gulf countries, and others are also crucial for India in both economic and strategic terms. Thus, India’s foreign policy needs to be balanced and independent.
South Asia Requires Economic Cooperation, Not Confrontation
At a point where the entire world economy is under stress, South Asian nations simply cannot afford geopolitics instability. The rising costs of oil have impacts on almost all economic sectors, be it agriculture, transport, industry, or even household consumption. India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal and Sri Lanka should look into economic cooperation among themselves through trade linkages, energy cooperation, food security initiatives, and transportation. The South Asians have suffered sufficiently from poverty, joblessness, inflation, and political instability. What they require now is peace and economic opportunities – not more geopolitical confrontation.
Military Power is Not Enough, the World Needs Dialogue
The main lesson of history is that military power can conquer, dismantle infrastructure and regime, but it cannot guarantee peace, democracy, or prosperity. There is a need for a foreign policy built upon dialogue, diplomacy, respect for sovereignty and equality in the implementation of international law. It is necessary for those nations with powerful military and economic strength to realize that every use of military force has an impact that will endure for many years. Those leaders that have vast military and economic power must realize their responsibilities. Millions of innocent lives must not become victims of political ambitions, individual egoism and geopolitical games. Therefore, it is necessary for the international community to come to the system in which human rights would be protected, international law implemented equally and conflicts settled via dialogue and not wars. The world has seen enough destruction. What the humankind needs today is not war, but peace.
The Author is Senior Journalist / Human Rights Activist, can be reached at mmshuja@gmail.com
