The bigger picture!

The earthquake and consequently the Tsunami that devastated Japan last week and put it on the verge of a nuclear disaster have diverted some of the world’s attention from Libya and the Middle East demonstrations.

Two very different yet very similar situations – both have high human cost and suffering, and both need all our help and support. Regarding Japan, the world has individually and collectively sent over rescue teams, health, food and shelter supplies, and although Japan is a wealthy and resourceful nation outside help at this distressing time is critical.

On the other hand, the Libyan people are daily being massacred by their leader; by one of their own while the world’s media is focused on Japan. Reports smuggled from Libya shows Gaddafi and his army are gaining ground and retaking the country one city at the time and doing it by any means possible. News of human suffering is heart breaking and rightly so, many in the West feel we can’t just standby and watch while this happen and do nothing. Economics aside, global responsibility and human decency prevent us from being idle observers.

However, post the Iraq war, the one lesson learned by the West should be when it comes to Arabia and the Middle-East the immediate action to take is moral support, medical and natural crises aid but anything beyond that we need to tread cautiously or it will backfire – because it will be seen as interference in the sovereignty of that nation and regarded as mere guarding of self-interests. The backlash of which will come in two folds from the aided nation and even from some of our own people.

Having said that, it does not at all mean we should do absolutely nothing and just watch while this tyrant devastates innocent people so he can stay in power. Besides sanctions and diplomacy (having his one friend in the world talk to him), there are other ways to handle the situation. Organizations like the Arab League and the African Union should be encouraged, supported and if need be even guided to take the lead and help in making the main decision concerning what should be done next, not because we are weak or unconcerned but because it is their responsibility and it’s happening on their backyard. Plus it will set a precedent for future crisis management in the region. It should include decisions on a No Fly Zone, arming and aiding the revolution, of course all done with the blessing, support and guidance of the United Nations – but it should never be a West, NATO, or European lead resolution. In other words it shouldn’t be anything that “can” translate into Western guarding their interest, or the big bad West leading a military intrusion.

The situation in Libya is not too dissimilar to any rocky marriage; friends who take sides during stormy times always become the enemy when the matrimony ship makes it to calmer shores. Taking sides in relationships always backfires and it will in Libya too. If there is one thing we learned form Iraq, is that even our own people will never forgive us our interference!