Jamaica can’t act as moral police in international affairs
Dear Editor,
Several people disagree with Jamaica’s decision to abstain from voting on the UN resolution nullifying America’s recognition of Jerusalem as the capital of Israel. The responses to the choice made by Jamaica suggest that some people still do not understand global politics.
In international relations realism teaches us that states will pursue their interests to maximise national objectives. Therefore, it is expected that, like other states, Jamaica will seek to protect its interests. Regardless of how one may feel about Israeli-Palestinian relations, it is not the role of Jamaica to act as moral police.
In the past, Jamaica may have been seen as the defender of the developing world, but this can no longer be the case. As a small State, it is prudent for our leaders to forge alliances with influential countries. In this competitive political climate, we ought not to base our foreign policy on mere sentiments.
In reality, America is still the world’s sole superpower and Israel is a global leader in science and technology. Therefore, Jamaicans should not be admonishing the present Administration for strengthening ties with Israel, but rather commending the prime minister for having the foresight to be an ally of a major leader in innovation. The present Administration would be foolish to isolate America and Israel over some strange sentiments, when Palestine has nothing to offer Jamaicans.
Lipton Matthews
lo_matthews@yahoo.com