Wednesday, May 18, 2011

Selective Myopia and the Middle-East

To any observer who has followed the Middle-East uprisings/revolutions intently, one thing is clear - a lot of Arabs are unsatisfied with their governments. But why? Someone once remarked that the Arab dictators were worse than the Zionists. And while criticism of Israel (much of it fair) has been unceasing, especially from the Arab and Muslim nations, there has been an uncomfortable silence from these same nations about the situation in the Middle East.

Reading a report from Bahrain, one of the countries in turmoil, one has to marvel at the entrenched goverments' ability to blame everyone but themselves for the mass protests. And as Robert Fisk devastatingly made clear, many others (including America) have said little on this as well.

And what about Malaysia's response? I read with amusement on the unfortunate fate of MV Finch, still waiting to deliver sewage pipes to Gaza. Meanwhile, Iran's flotilla to Bahrain has been halted as well, Bahrain calling it a "blatant interference in affairs". The Israelis would agree.

Thus one thing is clear, Malaysia and other states remain silent on Bahrain and the other nations facing protests. Perhaps (in Bahrain's case) it's because we're seeing Shi'a protesting against their well connected, oil rich, Sunni rulers.

Maybe, but one thing is for sure - whenever you claim to be against injustice you better not be saying it with one eye closed.