Shifting powers
The US has continued to maintain its status as a superpower of the world for a long time, however in recent times, the balance of power is shifting in a fragmented fashion towards a few countries in Asia — especially China (‘Vietnam legacy has key lessons for anti-Americanism today’, Gulf News, March 24). The perception of the US being a superpower cannot be explained in simple terms because the world order has changed a lot from the time the US first sent man to the moon. A combination of factors would now determine the potential of a country to become a superpower, and these include political superiority, technological prowess, military capabilities and economical superiority. Ideological warfare has become the new phenomena. The debate of yesteryears regarding communism versus capitalism has died a natural death, only to be replaced by other ideological groupings.
China, as an emerging power, is now viewed as a considerable threat to the hegemonic stance of the US. The European Union, as a source of power, appears to have a different strategy that stands at odds with that of the US. Middle Eastern countries, which had maintained a rather easy relationship with the US, have now come to realise the changing equation, particularly after the overtures of US President Barack Obama towards Iran, regarding discussions about its nuclear issues. The GCC states perceive the nuclear capability of Iran as a threat to their peaceful existence, but now have come to realise they cannot solely rely on US assurances. During the time of Iraq’s invasion of Kuwait in the 1990’s, the deployment of US military forces in the region was rather quick and the US proved their capabilities by liberating Kuwait without a prolonged war. However, with the Syrian internal conflict and the subsequent spillover into neighbouring states, the US acted like an observer, offering not much support. One has to decide whether this is because of an impassive US president or the US itself losing its power.
From Mr V. I. Mohammad Sageer
UAE
Unapologetic power
Americans went into Vietnam and when they pulled out, they left it in a mess. The same happened in Iraq and much the same in Korea, with the creation of a divided nation. However, the French were in Vietnam before the Americans and they too pulled out, but no one said anything bad about the French. Now, they are a major investor and trading partner for Vietnam. Russia went into Afghanistan and pulled out, leaving a mess behind for the Americans and the British. The only saving grace was that Russia warned the US and Britain not to enter, because they would never win and nor have they.
So why are Americans always criticised? Well, they are the ones who have taken it upon themselves to spread democracy. They are the outspoken ones on the subject. So, because America chooses to stick its nose into other countries’ affairs, it is the first to receive criticism. But, why does the US enter into some conflicts, but not others, such as Syria? I am a firm believer in the tenet that each and every country should look after itself and its own territories or protectorates only. The United Nations (UN) should engage other countries within its membership. That way, no one can criticise anyone.
The US, Russia, France and Britain are the largest arms manufacturers in the world. Many people depend on this industry for their jobs. So, do those arms-producing countries really care what other people think – provided they are keeping people employed back home and are boosting their own economy through arms sales?
The US has made a total mess of Vietnam and dragged Laos and Cambodia into the conflict. Former US president Richard Nixon was not just unapologetic for his errors but also tried to deceive people into believing that it never happened. It is no wonder that the US was criticised in that engagement.
From Mr David Woodward
Dubai
Evolving power balance
Many nations all over the world believe the balance of power and authority between the US and China is tipping in favour of China. However, the US is still regarded as the leading economic power around the globe. Progressively, people are likely to say China is the world’s leading economic power, especially in Europe and America. Many global communities also think China will eventually eclipse the US as the world’s leading superpower. Africa and Latin America welcome China’s influence. In Africa, a majority says China and the US have a great deal or fair amount of influence on their country and their economy. They view this impact positively. In Latin America, the US is still labelled as the dominant player in the region and some believe China’s influence is more beneficial. In Asia, societies hold extensively different opinions of the two world powers. I believe that as an emerging economic power, China has a clear edge over the US across all battle fields other than military affairs.
From Mr Saadat Ullah Khan
UAE
No point
Whether we are talking about Vietnam or Iraq, whatever happens, there is no point being anti-American. Why? At a grassroots level, ordinary people like you and me cannot prove a point by being anti-American when our very own countries’ leaders are determined to offer support to America. From a historical point of view, business, work, ethos and sports, I’m a huge admirer of the American society. However, their controversial foreign policies are a huge mess for the rest of the world.
When the British built an empire where the sun never sets, the good thing was they developed whichever colonies they had created, in terms of infrastructure, plantations and educational institutions. I believe Americans, on the other hand, are bombing countries into the Stone Age in the name of democracy and terrorism. They know exactly where the vested interests of each political group lie and then take full advantage of it. So forget carrying this debate. After all, most of us are addicted to America in some way or form — most consumer products are American, whether it’s the iPhone or the coffee in your hand. We’re just wasting our precious time debating.
From Mr Jameel Othman Khan
UAE
Sustainable efforts
As a rapidly developing country, the UAE experienced extraordinary economic growth and with that came the increased demand for energy and resources. The UAE has been ranked as having one of the highest per capita ecological footprints in the world, by the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) Living Planet Report. As a part of the UAE, Dubai’s biggest challenge is water, which may be everywhere in the Gulf, but is undrinkable without desalination plants. This produces emissions of carbon dioxide that have helped give Dubai and the UAE as a whole, one of the world’s largest carbon footprints. The enormous amount of heat generated is pumped back into the sea. Albeit with all these hassles, the UAE remains a firm believer in sustainable and clean energy. In the aftermath of realising all these issues and the large-scale predicament these issues would create in the near future, the UAE has taken several initiatives to reduce its footprint. These small initiatives have not only mitigated the UAE’s footprint to a minimum, but have also increased sustainability in the region by leaps and bounds. In fact, the region is witnessing a massive shift from investment in oil and gas resources to more sustainable energy investments. The country also hopes to stand as an example to other Gulf and oil-rich countries, epitomising changes and improvements in energy management and usage. This is an indication that the region is a key player in advocating a giant shift to sustainable resources.
From Mr Manav Jha
Dubai
Don’t risk others’ lives
I once lost a close relative in a motorcycle accident. He was not even riding the bike when the accident took place. He was waiting on the side of the road, and meant to warn motorists about a dangerous object on the road that they perhaps couldn’t see when driving. In the end, it resulted in his death. It was a two-way road and he saw a bike coming in the opposite direction in a zig-zag manner. There were three men on the bike and they were drunk, which we were told later. My cousin stopped the bike because of the danger on the road. Still, the bike sped on and hit him so badly that he lost his life on the way to the hospital. My colleague also lost his nephew in a bike accident, which happened in Dubai. He was a university student and was dropping a friend off on his bike. He was hit by a car near the World Trade Centre roundabout and was killed on the spot. Sometimes, it so happens that however safe you drive, a small mistake from another person results in a big loss in your life.
From Mr Ajeet Kumar S. Pillai
UAE
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