British members of parliament voted against David Cameron’s bid for war saying we do not support lies.
KARACHI: The US seems unable or unwilling to learn the lesson from so many unsuccessful wars in Vietnam, Iraq, Afghanistan, Libya and Syria is next on its agenda despite a dismal economy and growing poverty in America. Surprisingly, it was the British people — who historically and more recently, have their own experiences with lost wars — who have understood the writing on the wall much better and decided that they don’t want to be part of another debacle no matter what.
The decision of the people has been accepted by the British government; it was David Cameron’s black day when he, who had been one of the most ardent of warmongers, had to declare that he had been wrong and the British people wanted something other than what he wanted. He had the stomach to accept defeat and bow to the will of the voters. This has weakened the chance of a military intervention by the UK considerably, with Germany also refusing now to take part in a military operation in Syria. Russia is sticking by its guns and vowing to block a UNSC resolution and sending war ships into the Mediterranean and has already warned these warmongers to be prepared to face the consequences.
Hopefully US President Barack Obama will understand this and also refrain from making another mistake. In such cases, the voice of the people — if and when listened to — will prevent a disaster. British members of parliament voted against David Cameron’s bid for war saying we do not support lies. Britain was earlier also fooled by the lying about Iraq, Afghanistan and Libya. This is what democracy could do if it functions properly. Lessons from this could be learned by all who pay attention to human dignity.
Ali Ashraf Khan
Published in The Express Tribune, September 3rd, 2013.
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