The ongoing crisis in the Middle East has revealed the hidden complexities and intrigues of the Gulf States. It is akin to the operations of the Economic Hit Men, as described by John Perkins, which are now manifesting in the Middle East.
I want to emphasize my full support for the Palestine Authority led by President Mahmoud Abbas, a state recognized by both the African Union (AU) and the United Nations (UN). The Palestinian flag from Ramallah represents the legitimate aspirations of the Palestinian people.
The Palestine question is a multifaceted issue, often manipulated by certain Arab nations to exploit the plight of the Palestinians. Recent British research revealed that Saudi Arabia has played a significant role in the radicalization of Muslims through the propagation of Wahhabi ideology.
The conflict in the Middle East can only come to an end when both Israel and Arab states are transparent in their dealings. On one hand, the war is fueled by petrodollars, and on the other, it is driven by the absence of a Palestinian homeland. These two factors lie at the heart of the current strife in the Middle East.
Let’s delve into the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the place of origin of Osama bin Laden, and its alleged role as a major supporter of foreign funding for extremist branches of Islam in Great Britain. It is known that Riyadh has invested at least 76 billion Euros in various radical Islamic programs, whether knowingly or unknowingly.
In her research, Professor Susanne Schröter, former director of the Frankfurter Research Center for Global Islam, emphasized the exporting of Wahhabist ideology by Saudi Arabia, which closely resembles the ideology of the so-called “Islamic State” (IS), of which Al-Shabaab is an offshoot.
In East Africa, where my allegiance lies, one can observe the elements of Wahhabism present in the conflict in Somalia. The uniforms worn by some Islamic fighters in global conflict zones, especially Al-Shabaab, appear to originate from the same suppliers who manufacture Saudi Arabia’s security uniforms. These similarities extend to the uniforms of Saudi Arabia’s military and police, which are analogous to those worn by Al-Shabaab fighters in various videos.
A thorough examination would inevitably trace the propaganda material and organizational expertise, coupled with the influx of oil money, to a single source in the Middle East.
The British research study also found that individuals are being employed to establish educational institutions, cultural centers, and similar organizations to propagate Wahhabist theology worldwide, with considerable success.
This leads me to the enduring issue of Palestinian statehood, a core point of contention in our history. The failure of the United States to facilitate a resolution has impeded the achievement of peace in the Middle East.
The pursuit of peace necessitates the granting of equal rights to both states. A two-nation state, while challenging, is the most viable path forward, ensuring the rights of Palestinians for self-determination and self-rule.
The influence wielded by Saudi Arabia in Arab affairs is substantial, and it doesn’t take a genius to recognize the link between oil and the ongoing conflict in Somalia, where neighboring countries’ troops have paid a heavy price in their efforts to bring stability to the region.
Hence, we call upon all peace-loving global citizens to support the dialogue between the Palestine Authority and Israel, aiming to prevent the humanitarian crisis unfolding in the Middle East.
It is our plea that the United States, being a major beneficiary of Saudi Arabian oil proceeds, takes a proactive role in promoting peace in the region. This contribution represents one voice among many, and others can surely add their insights. The international community must not forget the tragic killing of Jamal Khashoggi in Turkey, a matter where the silence of the United States has been conspicuous.
The author is a Pan-Africanist based in London, Political Scientist and international Relations Expert, Conflict resolution expert, Member of the Royal African Society (RAS) and member and Founder/Chairman Pan African Forum (UK) Ltd.
Twitter: @MatsangaDr
