The Saudi-Iran row will only create rifts in the Muslim world and help others expand their control over the resources
LAHORE: The unnecessary conflict between Saudi Arabia and Iran — both close allies of Pakistan — will serve no purpose, other than create rifts in the Muslim world and help others with territorial ambitions to expand their control over vast oil and other natural resources. Pakistan cannot become involved in this conflict and should only serve to diffuse tensions and bridge differences.
These divisions will only benefit others who want to divide and rule. As it is, sectarian divides were exploited to stoke tensions in Iraq, Libya and now, the target is Syria. Those who harbour ulterior motives will ultimately try to divide even Iran and Saudi Arabia. It is time sanity prevails among the world’s 1.6 billion Muslims and they develop tolerance for various sects and learn to live with each other. If some Arab countries can develop cordial relations with the West, they can also cooperate with other Muslim states. Iran must also take the initiative to remove causes for such tensions and both countries must adhere to principles of non-interference and respect for territorial sovereignty of individual states. It was Iran’s obligation to protect the Saudi embassy and it must make amends.
Muslim-majority countries generally have very low literacy and high poverty rates and must invest in the development of human resources by investing in education and health, and seeking provision of justice based on the universally-accepted principle that all men and women are born equal. It is the acquisition of knowledge and self-reliance in science, technology and economics that can guarantee our sovereignty and not just petrodollars and the latest military equipment.
Malik Tariq Ali
Published in The Express Tribune, January 6th, 2016.
Like Opinion & Editorial on Facebook, follow @ETOpEd on Twitter to receive all updates on all our daily pieces.
