By Dr Raji Bello
I have no intention of aggravating anyone’s feelings over the war in Gaza. I also feel bad about it, even though I don’t write much on the subject. The main reason for this is that nothing surprises me about what is happening. I have completely anticipated what Israel would do as well as the reaction of the Western countries to Israel’s conduct. No UN vetoes or abstentions by the Western countries is a surprise or a shock to me.
My interest in history and current affairs for over 40 years has taught me two uncomfortable truths, which I have written about a few times:
1. Might is right. Powerful civilisations, kingdoms or countries have always done as they wished and will continue to do so until the end. Most other countries would either accept or at least not confront what the powerful countries do.
2. Relations between human societies or countries have never been based on moral considerations and will never be. They have always, and will always be, based on interests. Morality only becomes a consideration when there are no compelling interests to pursue.
When these two truths have been understood, two conclusions can be made:
1. no level of horror of human suffering would make powerful countries stop pursuing their interests. This is why the US and the UK behave like they do at the UN.
2. While it is incumbent upon the less powerful countries to also pursue their interests, they should never get in the way of a powerful country’s pursuit of its interests.
Human beings are not as mentally sophisticated as we might think. We are technically and materially advanced, but the ancient rules still apply. For less powerful countries to survive and flourish, tact is essential. They could get what they wanted through tact but would risk being crushed if they stood in the way of a powerful country.
The only feasible way to take on a powerful country directly is by acquiring more power than them. Until a less powerful country acquires more power, its strategy should be tact, and tact only.