Letters regarding Rishi Sunak and Palestine seem off the mark to me.
I found the comments about Sunak quite perplexing and untenable. He was prime minister for less than two years. It is nigh impossible to turn things around and make a difference in that space of time. Even 5 years is not that doable.
He was saddled with the fallout from both Brexit and Covid, neither of which can be attributed to him. If Keir Starmer’s supporters think he can wave a magic wand to change all the ills and problems in five years, it is very unlikely.
There is no magic wand and compromise is usually the only solution in matters of conflict and dispute.
As regards Hindus and Muslims in the UK, there has been conflict in certain areas where they are in larger numbers, but as a percentage of the population, Hindus number less than 1% and Muslims less than 3%, so hardly a pressing problem in comparison to others such as the NHS.
Regarding Israel, Gaza and the ongoing conflict there, it is mind-boggling that that anyone would consider the outcome and solution to this war being of significance to South Africa.
A ceasefire in Gaza or the global condemnation of Israel will not help the poor, the unemployed or the homeless in this country.
Day after day, we hear of support for Palestine. October 7 and the hideous attack on Israel which sparked this war seems to be forgotten.
And there is very little condemnation of Russia with regards to the war on Ukraine. An unprovoked and unnecessary war which is causing shock waves and repercussions throughout the world and affecting millions of Ukrainians who just want to live their lives in peace.
Is it because Russia is the aggressor and we have the unfortunate relationship with that country in the form of BRICS?
The conflict in Ukraine could cause World War 3, not so the case with Gaza. Many Israelis also want to live their lives in peace and there are ongoing protests against the government of Benjamin Netanyahu. One cannot condemn all of them.
If the leaders of SA want to condemn Israel, then they need to be ethical and condemn Russia as well.
* Anne Olver, Cape Town.
** The views expressed here are not necessarily those of Independent Media.
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