Today’s global politics is at the same crossroads as the politics of the early 20th century. The changing world order has given Muslims a chance and similar opportunities like the Jews of the early 20th century, to assert their interest and establish themselves back on the world stage.
In the early 20th century, despite of having many internal issues within Europe, many western countries came on to the same page against Muslims. The powerful West was making its final assault on the Ottomans who were its only non-white rivals. Conquering Istanbul and Arab countries was a point of prestige for the West.
Istanbul for its strategic location, symbolism – as it was the seat of power of the Islamic world – and to fulfill a deep desire to once again dominate it under Christian rule. While Arab lands had a rich religious heritage which had now acquired civilization supremacy as well. The Ottoman Empire was reduced to a small piece of land in Turkey during the First World War. How the legendary military general, Mustafa Kemal Ata Turk was able to snatch Turkey out of the jaws of the West is an incredible part of history.
At the same time, in the early 20th century, the Jews could foresee that their dream of almost 2000 years could soon be turned into reality. The West at that time wanted to assert itself as a super power and invaded countries, taking over the resources and lands. It established puppet governments across the Arab world and supported new ideologies suited to its interest.
The Jews, meanwhile, had established themselves well in all aspects of life in the West. They were the biggest businessmen and policymakers in the world. Rothschild’s family, a powerful Jewish business house, was responsible for orchestrating much of the wars in the 18th and 19th centuries. That was the sort of power the Jews enjoyed. Socially they were progressive and in sync with western values and sometimes even the torch bearers of new evolving social values.
After the world war, the West wanted to keep the Middle East burning, and what better than placing Jews back in Palestine. Since then, they have been expanding the borders of Israel through illegal and oppressive means. In the conflict between the West and the Muslim world, the Jews reaped the most benefits.
Today, as China attempts to assert itself on a global level, in some cases ready to flex its muscles as well, America is intent on crushing China and to scuttle its ambitious economic corridor project to stymie Chinese influence. China, in retaliation, is making strong allies who share common interests and ambitions with it—many old foes of America, among them Muslim nations.
The scenario where gives Muslim nations an opportunity to mediate and assert their interest. Both sides will try to woo Muslim countries but definitely, with China, there is more dignity and chances of regaining the lost pride. In the conflict between the West and China, there is a chance for Muslim nations in today’s times to reap benefits.
Muslims, like Jews, need to create an important and indispensable space for themselves in all spheres of the modern world. For that Muslim nations need to eradicate internal problems. Externally, Muslim nations need to end the infighting, the oldest one being the Shia-Sunni divide.
Internally Muslim world should in their respective countries fight corruption giving it similar importance like of jihad: struggle against the self. It is the root problem of every Islamic community. Poverty caused by corruption leaves the people frustrated, ignorant, and vulnerable. In return, they vent out their frustration by choosing radical and repressive regimes. Ending corruption will lead to economic progress and better education and henceforth produce fertile brains.
For taking the utmost benefit of changing world order Muslim nations need to get united, accept the new leaders and new ways and with patience give it a chance. Muslims need to start thinking critically and see where they have gone wrong. In Quran God says; “When oppressed don’t blame others, but redress your own self-guilt” and in one more verse God says: “I don’t change the destiny of people until they change what is in their hearts”.
Views expressed in the article are the authors own. The Kashmir Walla doesn’t take responsibility for the author’s views. The author can be reached on twitter at @khurramwani
