-
NAM
whistling in the wind
Gulf News
-
The Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) summit in Malaysia has ended without much
fanfare. It is hardly surprising, for its influence on world affairs is
almost non-existent. What was once perceived as a good concept in the days
of the Cold War has now become archaic with the dissolution of the Soviet
Union and the emergence of a superpower, if not a hyper-power. Its
conclusions are rarely more than recognition of current events, achieving
little or nothing for the population the leaders represent, some 55 per
cent of the world's population, but with less than 20 per cent of the
world's gross domestic product, and this in a time of increasingly
globalised economy.
The real crux of the problems facing NAM members and their populations are
rarely addressed, hence their voice becomes one in a wilderness of the
growing number of global associations, affiliations and trade and
commercial organisations. Yet, there is still a need for a body like the
NAM, but with considerably more influence, for them to be a proactive part
in world events, rather than merely passive spectators. With two
additional members in the NAM this time, bringing the number to 116
members, then by virtue of sheer numbers alone, it is a voice that should
be heeded, a voice that will not allow itself to be dominated by outside
influence. That, in theory, is what the NAM is all about, but in practice,
it is very different. Too many so-called non-aligned members have
allegiances or co-operation agreements of one type or another with past,
present or future superpowers, thus throwing the whole movement into doubt
and questioning the very purpose of its existence.
As in past years, the NAM issued a final statement that merely addresses
issues of the past couple of months. That the summits only occur every two
years seems to be disregarded, for events that have occurred in the past,
or may occur in the longer-term future, are ignored. Instead, the summit
concerned itself with the immediate issues of global concern: Iraq, the
UN, the Palestinians and U.S. hegemony. Admirable, indeed, but not issues
that the majority of the populations they represent are necessarily
concerned with. Instead, the main issues would be education, water and
sanitation, infrastructure, medical facilities, employment, food on the
table... Ignoring these issues is tantamount to ignoring the very purpose
of a leader being put in a position of power.
Perhaps as a way to draw attention to what otherwise would be deemed a
pretty passive NAM summit, Malaysian Prime Minister Dr. Mahathir Mohammed
decided to hold a special meeting of Islamic leaders and ministers from 49
countries represented at the NAM. It was following the special meeting
that Mohammed told the press that the use of oil supplies as a weapon
against the West to dissuade them from war against Iraq was discussed.
However, he acknowledged that no decision had been taken, although it was
something that was being thought about.
As if oil prices are not jittery enough, the comment certainly sent
shivers through the markets. Yet the likelihood of such action being taken
is remote, as it could rebound upon the oil-producing countries,
especially the poorer ones which are dependant on receipt of a steady
income from their oil supplies. However, that said, it does represent the
seriousness and concern that is being shown by nations, including Islamic
and oil-producing countries, that the present crisis should escalate into
a war against Iraq.