Hope falls if Europe falls

Europe stands as a reminder of how once lawless, unstable societies can transform into strong, stable nation-states.

There has been much talk about Europe’s growing international irrelevance. As the old continent — known for its cultural enrichment and rare standards — becomes more sidelined with passing days, there is much that we Pakistanis must learn from the ancient land.

Obsession with the US remains inherently deep-rooted within us. But why is it that we perpetuate our own downfall? Setting the wrong role models and aligning ourselves — politically, socially or otherwise — with states that will do little to blanket a positive influence on us, is one thing we must correct.

Europe was one of the richest breeding grounds for religious war and intolerance, not very different from current-day Pakistan. Today, it serves to be the strongest proponent of secularism and religious tolerance. Europe went through the two most devastating wars in the 20^th century and today it’s repudiation of war, for better or for worse alternatives, remains unmatched; they still haven’t raged a ‘pre-emptive war’. However, it seems others can’t get enough, and we are most certainly always dragged in; be it because of the Soviet Union in 1979 or the war on terror in 2001.

This is a continent where countries have been developing a structural base to support a growing professional middle-class and not sparking delusional teasers of ‘grandeur hope’ and ‘drastic change’. A lesson even US President Obama must take seriously, if he hopes for another term. Europe continues to strive to achieve relatively equal levels of income distribution, usually succeeding, whereas Obama faced countless hurdles for months trying to end the tax-breaks for the rich. Meanwhile, more than 90 per cent of Pakistan’s wealth rests in the hands of the 5 per cent rich people who continue to look the other way.

Yes, the likes of the weaker economies is taking its toll on the European Union. Germany and France might not wait too long before they cut off the rope with which Greece and Ireland are hanging. That means Europe, a should-be role model for developing countries like Pakistan, faces the danger of virtually being non-influential after its much anticipated ‘fall’. The Financial Times’ Gideon Rachman wrote: “My current best guess is that the single currency will indeed eventually break up, and that the euro’s executioner will be Germany.” According to him, successive financial bailouts will eventually exhaust Germany’s patience. And it would not be long before Germany finally releases itself of the self-imposed historic obligation to build Europe. If this indeed is true, the collapse of Europe’s monetary system will undoubtedly adversely affect Europe’s unity. Moreover, it will continue to serve as an insurmountable blow to the rest of the world.

In the meantime, till Europe stands, it stands as a reminder of how once lawless, unstable societies can transform into strong, stable nation-states. A lesson of history Pakistan should take very seriously.

Published in The Express Tribune, December 14^th, 2010.