Trump's UN!

Pakistan has, along with seven other Muslim states, hopped on the bandwagon of Donald Trump's initiative for rebuilding and demilitarising the Israel-besieged enclave of Gaza. The 'Board of Peace' is now a reality as more and more members are eager to become a part of it to address the world's most traumatic dispute in the Middle East, and henceforth move on to tackle other flashpoints as desired by POTUS. The White House incumbent has led from the front in canvassing his 20-point agenda for Gaza, and has invited more than 60 states to become its primary members.

Islamabad has taken a leap forward in its outreach as it sees the Board as an opportunity to comprehensively work for ending the conflict in Gaza, as endorsed by the UNSC Resolution 2803. It is aimed at advancing the prospects of statehood for the Palestinians, ultimately paving the way for security and stability in the Middle East. The decision is an extension of Pakistan's strategic positioning in world affairs too. Pakistan has also walked the extra few miles to harbinger a consensus within the Muslim world for tactfully dealing with the volcanic Palestine-Israel dispute, and its role is commended by Washington.

The plan, however, faces some tough resistance from the heartland of allies in Europe. France and many other NATO states have aired their reservations, accusing Trump of undermining the authority of the United Nations, and assigning himself the role of a saviour to end conflicts around the world. They are bothered at the contention of the Board being floated as a permanent global entity to be chaired by Trump for life with executive powers that stand in conflict with the rules-based world order.

This divergence is likely to split the world into camp politics with the UK nursing grievances on Russia joining the club and, likewise, China posting its own vision for serenity. Last but not least, Trump's demand of $1 billion from each member is a cumbersome proposition for countries like Pakistan, and is set to pose a spanner in the works.