Dear Editor,
Diplomacy, it is said is war by other means. This war of words was very much in evidence at the United Nations General Assembly when United States President Donald Trump took to the stage and levelled accusations against North Korea and Iran which, along with Venezuela are perceived by the current US administration as ‘rogue states’.
Not to be outdone, the Iranian President did not mince words in his condemnation of the US President whose speech he said was unfit to be heard at the United Nations.
Regrettably, all of this is taking place in the hallowed chambers of the United Nations General Assembly where world leaders and top diplomats meet to share their views and perspectives on the current state of global politics and the way forward. What is even more disturbing is the fact that all of this was taking place days away from the UN-designated International Day of Peace which was observed on September 21.
There are those who sought to justify the build-up of military hardware on the grounds of an old adage that if you wish for peace then you must prepare for war. This is a Stone Age mentality that has no place in a modern and civilized global community. The best way to ensure peace is by creating an architecture for peace grounded on the principle of non-interference in the internal affairs of sovereign states, demilitarization and respect for territorial integrity.
It is time to give peace a chance. Peace is indispensable for development. Instead of beating the war drums, leaders should look for ways to reduce international tension and create a durable framework for peace. The peace dividend could then be used to alleviate poverty in the world which in turn would result in a further consolidation of peace and human prosperity.
Yours faithfully,
Hydar Ally
