Dear Editor,
Citizens of any country ought to feel proud and a part of any award that one of its fellow citizens receives, be it in sports, academics, politics, commerce, etc. However, if any citizen questions or disagrees with the grounds for granting the award, this should not be seen as being against the recipient.
There are two recent international accolades about which I seek clarification. Both are reputable and enviable awards given by institutions respected worldwide. The first awardee is President Obama, who was the recipient of the 2009 Nobel Peace Prize.
History will prove that all the previous recipients had actually some accomplishment to be recognized, eg, Nelson Mandela and Bishop Tutu in the struggle against apartheid; or Anwar El-Sadat and Menachem Begin over the Middle East peace accord. On what basis was President Obama awarded this ultimate symbol of peace, when he is actually involved in two wars, and still sending troops to Afghanistan.
The USA is guilty of many serious human rights travesties within the Middle East and President Obama has strengthened America’s war efforts in Afghanistan.
Civilian deaths are high and are explained and excused as “collateral damage” that cannot be avoided. President Obama is also considering war against Iran if the last resistant Muslim state, does not ‘fold’ to Western demands, policies and politics. Iran has reached a nuclear deal with Brazil and Turkey, with China and Russia’s approval, but the USA is still vigorously pursuing further punitive sanctions.
North Korea, a much more vengeful state, which already has nuclear arms and is continually, through provocation imposing military strength, is not being targeted; observed, mentioned, yes, but not targeted with 20/20 vision.
It appears to me that with all of President Obama’s rhetoric vis-à-vis a new start with Muslims in his first few months in office, and his widely publicized speech in Egypt, America’s foreign policy remains the same. Simply put, defend Israel at any and all costs. The most direct and effective way of securing Israel’s future is to disable all Muslim countries.
My second query is the Champion of the Earth award, received by our own President Bharrat Jagdeo. By definition, the word ‘champion’ is one who has defeated the rest of the field. Usain Bolt is an Olympic and world champion; we all know how, when and where. President Jagdeo has merely formulated a thesis with regard to climate change (the new international hoax). This thesis has not found favour or consensus among the indigenous peoples and the wider Guyanese population.
President Jagdeo has not won anything other than general elections in Guyana. His theory has found favour with Norway which is trying to absolve its guilt of polluting the world, whilst enjoying among the highest standards of living in the world. This theory has not benefited Guyana (especially the mining sector) or by extension, the earth, so my confusion persists.
Yours faithfully,
Bilaal Eusi Nantambu
