By: Ahmad Moustafa, Egyptian political scientist, journalist economist and writer
Published by: AlDIPLOMACY, 25 April 2024
Recently, Columbia University in New York City, known for its rigorous academic standards and prestigious reputation, took a bold, fait accompli stance in support of Gaza and Palestine, casting a shadow over long-standing Israeli influence within the institution. A resolution passed by the Columbia University Student Council, with an overwhelming majority of student representatives voting in favor, condemned Israel’s ongoing human rights violations in the occupied Palestinian territories and called on the university to divest from companies that contribute to the Israeli government’s repressive policies.
The move represents a major shift in campus policy, as Columbia University has historically maintained close ties with Israel and its supporters. The decision sparked intense controversy, as some students and faculty members expressed their support for the Palestinian cause, while others strongly opposed the university’s decision to distance itself from Israel. The decision drew widespread attention, and was hailed by pro-Palestinian activists as a human rights victory and a testament to the growing momentum of the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) movement, which aims to pressure Israel to end its occupation.
Palestinian Territories, Gaza ceasefire and compliance with international law. The implications of this decision extend far beyond Columbia University, indicating a broader shift in American academia’s attitudes toward the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. It remains to be seen how this decision will affect the university’s relationship with its donors and the broader Jewish community, but it undoubtedly sets a precedent for other universities to follow as the debate intensifies over the Israeli occupation of the Palestinian territories.
West and Israel should listen to the voice of Wisdom if they want to be a part of the New World Order
The current geopolitical landscape is undergoing a profound transformation towards a multipolar New World Order. In this emerging era, the West and Israel must heed the voice of wisdom if they wish to maintain their relevance and influence. Unilateralism and the imposition of their will through military force have proven ineffective and counterproductive. Inflammatory rhetoric and the undermining of international law have only further alienated them from the rest of the world.
True strength lies not in dominance but in cooperation and mutual respect. The West and Israel must reorient their foreign policies away from aggression and towards diplomacy. They should engage with other nations as equals, recognizing their legitimate aspirations and concerns. Collaboration on global challenges such as climate change, terrorism, and economic inequality will foster trust and build bridges across cultural divides.
The ‘Wisdom’ referred to here encompasses a broad range of principles: empathy, tolerance, understanding, and a willingness to compromise. By embracing these values, the West and Israel can break free from the cycle of conflict and mistrust that has plagued the past. They can become true partners in the creation of a just and equitable global order, where the welfare of all nations is prioritized over narrow self-interest.
Ignoring the voice of wisdom will only lead to further isolation and irrelevance for the West and Israel. They must choose whether to be part of the solution or part of the problem. The future of the New World Order depends on their wise choices.
In conclusion, the resistance in Palestine needs fait accompli to cease the fire immediately, and sooner or later will be achieved according to the fact that after 200 days of the conflict Israel failed to achieve any of its objectives. Also, the recent Iranian strikes on Israel have created a new category of deterrence in Palestine’s favor. For the first time in the USA a resolution passed by the Columbia University Student Council, with an overwhelming majority of student representatives voting in favor, condemned Israel’s ongoing human rights violations in the occupied Palestinian territories and called on the university to divest from companies that contribute to the Israeli government’s repressive policies. Accordingly, West and Israel should listen to the voice of Wisdom if they want to be a part of the New World Order.
VIIMES does not take institutional positions on public policy issues; the views represented herein are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of VIIMES and Advisory Board or its staff.