Turn of History

Padmini Arhant

The former secretary of state and secret society patriarch Henry Kissinger remarked on newly liberated young Bangladesh in 1971 as basket case existing on western foreign aid.

The former secretary of state Henry Kissinger’s condescendence towards Bangladesh hinted at the nation’s only hope of survival on western handouts to then one of many economically struggling nations on earth.

When elitism smothered in narcissism slight reality, such demeanor unveil facts about the mindset in the rich vs. poor economic distinction.

The truth is Bangladesh that was once East Pakistan liberated by India. I say this with personal touch regardless of Indian political class and establishment as well as contingency relentless attacks on me and my identity to appease global conglomerate for self-profiteering.

My paternal and maternal uncles were in the Indian army that marched into the war zone with bullets reining on them during India –  Pakistan war in 1971. They both courageously faced the brunt of the assault along with many brave Indian defense personnel at that time in 1971 warfare between India and Pakistan. As a mere ten-year old, I remembered them returning from the combat zone alive and recounting the horror of warfare.

In hindsight, Bangladesh freedom came from sacrifices within and across the border in India. Indian sacrifices to free the once oppressed, persecuted and abused Bengali muslims and other tribes in East Pakistan is testament to Bangladesh sovereignty.

Bangladesh was politically challenged even after independence in 1971. The nation since then was regarded the eternal dependent on foreign subsidies, international economic assistance and overseas charity.

Bangladesh then and now is noteworthy on economic development. The vast improvement from abject poverty to financial growth among population in Bangladesh is impressive.

On the other hand, the political rights and freedom remain contentious in the nation that has endured enormous strife and suffering continued to a large extent in the prevalent activities on the ground.  The simultaneous progress in all fronts beginning with political, economic, social, environment, religion and other aspects of human evolution determine and define any nation’s actual and complete achievement.

However, in contrast the state of Israel established and declared independent state in 1948 and having claimed territories near and far in the controversial six day war in 1967 against neighboring Egypt , Syria and Jordan is anything but economically independent.

The nuclear state Israel empowered with potent cyberattack tools and intelligence resources sold to ruthless dictatorial regimes in the Middle East and other nations including Bangladesh following suit on political crack down on any opposition to ruling power draw attention.

When Bangladesh received foreign aid, the status was scorned and denigrated.

Juxtaposed Israel until today is indefinite recipient of United States tax payers funded multi billion dollars financial and military relief. The practice is cheered and upheld as a proud culture.

Israel’s monetary benefit unlike Bangladesh maintained as critical tradition in United States politics i.e. administrations and Congress alike transcending political representation as right or left.

Every political member running for office in the United States is tested and questioned for their loyalty to the state of Israel.

The custom is witnessed right now in the ongoing Senate confirmation of Attorney General and other key posts in the administration as it was earlier under any Presidency and ruling party in the United States.

The Congress members revealing the truth in this context have been pursued and expelled from politics.

Again, the pledge of allegiance to the state of Israel runs across the political aisle and Presidency vying for AIPAC and Israeli approval.

As a matter of fact, the jewish connection in political members is required to reach the heights in American politics.

The former Presidents, Presidential candidates and current Vice President outreach exemplified in de facto relations with jewish background summarize the criteria in Israel dominant American politics.

The unique trend in American politics has even left the state of Israel behind in protecting and preserving Israel’s interest. The case in point is Israel’s contemporary political dilemma unable to elect a government with majority due to lack of electorate trust on political choice.

In comparison, the ominous abstinence in similar commitment to United States republic and U.S. constitution including everything that it stands for violated as a political prerogative.

United States political trait prioritizing Israel and Israeli interests at American tax payers expense undermines the benefactor and beneficiary’s independence from one and another.

Israel’s involvement in western political system is not limited to United States. Israeli representation in Britain’s homeland security, intelligence and Australian Treasury to suggest a few among sprawling influence indicative of Israel’s focus on jewish diaspora except for the citizens in the state of Israel.

Meanwhile, self-governance without expecting foreign viz. United States permanent economic and military compensations appears to be a tall order for Israel nearing seventy three years of independence.

Any developing nation receiving foreign concessions and financial support applicable to then economic condition in Bangladesh deemed necessary.

Whereas an economically developed nation  such as Israel retaining the preferred financial beneficiary status through United States reflect paradoxical paradigm.

Bangladesh surpassing Israel in self-reliance is a remarkable turn of history posing poignant question on real definition of economic freedom.

Thank you.

Padmini Arhant