The world needs to give Germany its place
Regional-UN, Editorial, 10/27/2003

Germany, a country at the center of Europe and its economy, is a peaceful nation that has and continues to contribute immensely to world progress by its politics, great economy and culture and deserves its place on the international arena. But some 60 years after the world war II, Germany continues to be punished and held back by some.

The UN Security Council has the winners of the second world war II as its permanent members with veto power. But what has this to do with democratic institutions -- is absolute nothing. It is an accident of a tragic episode of world history that we are stuck with. How is that for being the logic underlying today's world's most important security body? Why are not Japan, India, Brazil and others not on the Council yet? We need these countries effective voices on the international seen to be listened to. The world needs new voices and fresh perspectives on dealing with problems, and breaking away from past dogmatic and fossilized thinking, of the dominant few.

The second world war is long past, and there is no logic in holding Germany back; Politically Germany has great democratic institutions that are of the highest caliber; Economically, it has one of the world's largest economies; Culturally, it is a most peaceful country that contributes greatly in progress and aid to the world; morally, Germany has suffered enough herself from her past acts, and has compensated plenty for its mistakes; besides, how long is punishment supposed to last? Guilt should not be used to forever used as an instrument to harm a country for very old mistakes that have nothing to do with the present. There are those who believe in forgiveness and moving forward, and those who do not.

Irrational fear, jealousy, and competition may behold some countries' emotions about Germany, but that is exactly what they are, bad excuses that should not hold back the rest of the world from doing what is right by Germany and the world.

The US, that has through out the last forty years claimed Germany to be its greatest friend and pillar of security in Europe, has yet to submit a resolution to the UN Security Council to make Germany a member. Why? Why not the UK volunteer to make such a resolution? Why not make it this Monday?

How much time and effort does it exactly take to draft this resolution? Of course, the world's must harmful institution -- the UN Security Council -- is too busy for its own reform, having to figure out how to ensure, in the most hygienic way possible, that the developing and underdeveloped world stay riddled with cross-border problems, and of course, the Security Council is also busy with other important world "security" issues -- such as health related issues. How nice of you. We know you "really care!"

There is no greater harmful body in the world -- bar none -- that comes close to the damage this institution does by its existence -- that is a such a fundamental barrier to progress in international politics.

Enough talk, let us see some action. Who will volunteer first to submit this resolution? Certainly, nonmember states are making a huge mistake being quite on a number of issues, lulled into the false feeling that unanimity is "good" for them. These members are wasting their seat to really help themselves and others, and making a "strategic mistake" by adopting such a strategy!

There should be a resolution put forward on this issue -- proposed by anyone. Whether they vote on it or not is another matter. But we need a public record of a resolution made, to find out in public those who supports it and those who opposes it. Having opposed the unification of Germany, maybe the UK can now propose this resolution; Or maybe the US -- Germany's proclaimed great friend over all these years will do it.

By,
Jamil Kazoun

Previous Stories:
  Boldness and courage for a historic change is demanded from France   (10/16/2003)
  Boldness and courage for a historic change is demanded from France   (10/16/2003)
  The US, weapons of mass destruction and the politics of fear   (9/24/2003)
  The US, weapons of mass destruction and the politics of fear   (9/24/2003)
  A historic moment before UN General Assembly   (9/19/2003)
  A historic moment before UN General Assembly   (9/19/2003)
  Libya's critical move regarding Morocco and Algeria   (4/3/2003)
  Libya's critical move regarding Morocco and Algeria   (4/3/2003)

Please add a link on your webiste pointing to ArabicNews.com and bookmark ArabicNews.com & subscribe to our daily email news bulletin.

Search