Scoop has an Ethical Paywall
Work smarter with a Pro licence Learn More
Top Scoops

Book Reviews | Gordon Campbell | Scoop News | Wellington Scoop | Community Scoop | Search

 

Michel Collon: Keep it simple

Keep it simple


Michel Collon

What exact rules govern the right to secession and, more generally, self-determination of peoples? Some tell us these rules are confusing. And if we believe the corporate media, we might think:

In Asia, Tibetans have that right. Not Iraqis, nor Afghans.

In the Middle East, Israelis have this right. But neither Palestinians nor Kurds.

In Africa, the gangster Generals of the East Congo have this right. But not Western Sahara.

In Latin America, wealthy (rightist) provinces of Bolivia and Venezuela have this right. But not Indigenous peoples of Chile, or of Mexico, etc...

In the Balkans, Albanians of Kosovo have this right. But not Serbs of Kosovo, nor those of Bosnia.

In Western Europe, the Flemish might have this right, but not the Northern Irish, nor the Basques.

Complicated, indeed. How can it be simplified? Like this: Only those people who are "with us" are entitled to self-determination. Noone else.

And as long as we're here, let's replace the word "democratic" by "with us" and the word "terrorist" by "against us."

That's politics. Simple when you know how!

Translated by John Catalinotto

*************

More articles about Tibet, Iraq, Palestine, Congo, Latin America
(in French and soon also in English) : www.michelcollon.info

Advertisement - scroll to continue reading

Are you getting our free newsletter?

Subscribe to Scoop’s 'The Catch Up' our free weekly newsletter sent to your inbox every Monday with stories from across our network.

© Scoop Media

Advertisement - scroll to continue reading
 
 
 
Top Scoops Headlines

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Join Our Free Newsletter

Subscribe to Scoop’s 'The Catch Up' our free weekly newsletter sent to your inbox every Monday with stories from across our network.