by John N. Faraclas
We have long chronicled what we perceive as the Death of Diplomacy. In its place is rising what might be called Fake Diplomacy.
No sooner are supposed “agreements” reached than experts warn against placing much faith in a dreamed-of outcome. Witness that Hamas has reportedly agreed to a phased disarmament mediated by the US-led project, the Board of Peace. The red light is that this is supposed to be a quid-pro-quo for a full Israeli military withdrawal from Gaza and ending “all forms of aggression” by Tel Aviv. Hamas disarmament is included in the second phase of a US-brokered Gaza ceasefire plan. What odds would you give on such a retreat by Israel and “good behaviour” by Hamas militants?
The simmering Middle East is back, in addition to Iran, in the news, while Europe is literally going up in flames. The super-heat can be blamed in part on yet another failure of diplomacy. The US withdrew from the Kyoto climate protocol under George W Bush, pressed ahead with fossil fuel support under Barack Obama, and Donald Trump rubbished the Paris agreement and its like. The climate is taking its revenge. More than 200,000 people have been displaced in France, similar upheavals are taking place in Spain and now hundreds of people in central Greece are being evacuated by sea after fire broke out near Agios Vasileios in Viotia and spread rapidly. The nearby Porto Germeno is now a disaster… An uncontrolled blaze that has already cost the lives of firefighters rages on Crete.
Do not forget that the ravages of fire on land pose a threat to orderly shipping by sea. Food and farm fare and other commodities and a wide range of logistics operations stand to be “burned.”
Meanwhile Trump has reneged on a seeming commitment to allow Ukraine to manufacture Patriot air defence weapons, telling reporters of his reluctance to “give away” the technology.
The grey fleet still operates almost at will despite a few such ships being “picked off” by Ukraine. Mystery surrounds the identity of many of these vessels. Some are run by Greek owners, others by flag-hopping countries in Africa and elsewhere. Time for such scandals even at the highest level to be fully laid bare!
P.S. Did I hear you say CYPRUS and SOUTH SUDAN?? AND, what about the ongoing immigration mess in Ceuta… AND who will control Turkiye’s desires. Libya ??? Wake up!!!!
