Tyranny and the Genocide in Gaza: Insights from the Sarajevo Conference
A recent conference in Sarajevo gathered Arab intellectuals and politicians to address the ongoing crisis in Gaza, highlighting the role of tyranny in facilitating what many describe as genocide against the Palestinian people. The Arab Democratic Covenant conference aimed to explore how democratic principles could provide solutions to the Palestinian issue, with participants emphasizing that the silence and complicity surrounding the violence in Gaza stem from a lack of democratic governance in the region.
Moncef Marzouki, the first president of Tunisia post-Arab Spring, asserted that the current situation in Gaza is a direct consequence of the failures of the Arab Spring revolutions. He posited that had former Egyptian President Mohamed Morsi still been in power, the atrocities in Gaza might have been averted. Marzouki's remarks reflect a broader sentiment among conference attendees that democracy is essential for supporting the Palestinian cause and countering the influence of oppressive regimes.
In addition to Marzouki's insights, former Tunisian Minister of Women Sihem Badi noted the Zionist influences behind counter-revolutionary movements, suggesting that these forces have exacerbated the plight of Palestinians. Badi's firsthand experience in Gaza during Morsi's presidency illustrates the tangible benefits of democratic leadership in the region.
Call to Action: Supporting Gaza through Democratic Principles
The conference also featured contributions from Palestinian lawyer Wassim Shatti, who outlined practical measures that democratic advocates can employ to assist the Palestinian people. He highlighted successful actions taken by countries like Malaysia and Colombia, which have blocked ships and exports to Israel as a form of protest. Shatti urged for intensified boycott campaigns and popular movements to disrupt normalization with Israel, which he believes undermines Palestinian rights.
Yemeni lawyer Tawfiq Al-Hamidi echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the importance of strong democratic societies in supporting the oppressed. He pointed to historical examples from South Africa and Latin America, where the end of tyranny has empowered these nations to advocate for Palestinian rights. Al-Hamidi also called for comprehensive documentation of Israeli leaders' speeches to hold them accountable for their actions.
Jordanian human rights activist Hala Ahed raised critical questions about the political measures that Arab nations have yet to implement. She suggested that effective democratic tools could have facilitated humanitarian aid to Gaza, indicating a need for stronger political will among Arab states. The conference participants collectively recognized the necessity of unity among Arab nations in addressing the Palestinian issue, rejecting sectarian divisions that distract from the common struggle against oppression.
The Sarajevo conference not only sought to redefine democracy as a means of national liberation but also aimed to create a roadmap for future action to support Gaza and its people. As discussions continue, the urgency for a coordinated effort to end the suffering in Gaza remains paramount.
