Militarisation of the “Genocidaire” State and demilitarisation or disarming of their Victim, New form of Justice, part of Jewish White privilege?

Global leaders from the West and Western Media use every instance to highlight fiendish profile of Hamas a resistance group whom they termed as terrorist group of the worse kind that went around with venom for the Israeli forces, who are innocent, religious, democratic citizens who just went overboard and lost it after 7^th October 2023.

West, you got it wrong may be Palestinian group Hamas went overboard, because of West’s unconditional support for Israel’s occupation, war crimes and planned, systematic, ethnic cleansing of Palestinians from their home land. The worst cruelty of all the Western media, western global leaders, and even certain countries in the region ignored the pain of the Palestinians, their wails from being tortured were drowned by demands for security of the occupying criminal force Israel. The Palestinians were crushed from all sides if not by bombs and bullets, by accords, trade deals and financial arrangements.

Isreal’s going overboard after 7^th October is the greatest lie of all that will be cemented as truth if Israel is strengthened militarily and Palestinians are deprived of their right of sovereignty over Palestine, the right to choose their leaders, right to decide on their governance structure and extent of military for security from their Genocidal neighbour Israel. It sad the extent of injustice that’s dealt out to Palestinian when countries in the region do accept the need to demilitarise Palestine and militarise Israel, at least as per the media. The greatest irony of the so called American democracy thinks its their inalienable right to select the personnels to govern Palestine the total intrusion into the sovereign rights of Palestine, which as per US Code can be seen as a total invasion of another country. But then as the greatest military power, SCOTUS declares US President has the right to ignore or break national and international law.

Every one speaks about demilitarising Palestine for the security of Israel, the state that carried out genocide for almost two years, and still thriving at their genocidal game and seem to enjoying Palestinians including teenagers and kids are killed when they rush to get aid for their families. A situation, totally and completely created by Israel with complete support of US, the clearest indication of genocidal intent is the logistics of Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, especially the process of distribution, the number of sites for distribution, timing for distribution, the logistic and arrangement of the food distribution. America is known for its expertise in logistics and certainly Boston Consulting Group would have the best talent for the task, so if a mistake like one in Gaza happens, it is not a mistake but is conscious and purposeful, for its not a minor mistake but blatant one with no remorse or desire to change. This was done after destroying agencies that had over 400 distribution points, not even a naïve person would believe that BCG was not aware of the implication at the first glance of programme plan of GHF. In case BCG is stating the truth about its ignorance how come it took them more than a month to try to set the process straight for their agency especially as post on social media and new channels have been highlighting the “tigger happy” nature or Israeli force and mercenary groups in dealing with hungry Palestinians seeking aid for their families.

At no instance in any manner has US or anyone from the West or some countries in the region indicated through experience that Palestinians could bet their lives on their support and protection from Israel’s genocidal intent. This is the only time in history that the powerful nations across the globe have been more concerned about the Occupying country’s security and not of the victim Palestine, which has been systematically destroyed by Israel, even before October 2023.

Genocide carried out by Israel, has only made matters worse, the global countries are scared to even sanction Israel with regard to arms trade. The countries that have come forward with arms trade embargo with Israel are countries that have minimal arms trade with Israel. With regard to US complicity and participation, even thinking about sanctioning US is difficult for all, though US has no restriction on use of Sanctions and does so as per whims and fancies and imagined fears. No country raises any questions about invasions and violation on false or exaggerated fears of terrorism and impact of US actions on citizens of the country US has issues with and attacked.

As though the injustice on Palestine and neighbours was not enough, now there is pressure on Hezbollah in Lebanon to disarm, why? Is it because US and Israel and others in the West are uncomfortable with the role played by groups not directly under state institutions or have the freedom to make the call even when the US has tied the hands of countries in the Middle East with accords, trade deals and so-called Peace. For all the talks of peace, the process towards it seems to move towards super-militarisation of Israel and ensuring it has the inalienable right to keep all countries in the region under its power through threat of attacks, nuclear bombs and accords. The West seems to have only on goal “Gift the Genocidaire” and make it the unbeatable power in the region.

I. What History tells about Demilitarisation:

a) The Concept and its implication

Demilitarisation is a complex concept as is militarisation and both are multidimensional. Demilitarisation is context specific, the decision is taken by the sovereign powers within the country and not by outside powers, certainly never has history revealed the inhumanity of the Genocidaire or its complicit funding party taking the decision and others in West and region supporting it. Without being held for war crimes, genocide, occupation of past and present, the Western countries in a veiled diplomacy are underlying Prime Minister Netanyahu’s demand, Hamas should be disarmed, Gaza demilitarized and Hamas should have no role in Palestine. Under which scale of Justice is the action of IDF, Israel, Israel’s Prime Minister, Defence Minister acceptable as to they have to pay no price for their action. Isn’t it just and fair that Israel should be held accountable.

It is time UN told its powerful Member States that sovereignty is the right for all countries and not just for the Powerful and those who have the best military power. Otherwise, it would be like Thugs rule the world.

Demilitarisation is a multidimensional process that exists when there is an observable combination of the following: increasing civilian control over armed forces, a decline in the size of the armed forces, disarmament, reduction in military expenditure and conversion of the arms industries [1].

Disarmament means reduction in arms, the same indicated through reduction in military spending, reduction or destruction of stocks, a ban or reduction or destruction of certain weapons, reduction in the size of the military, limitation in arms transfer, control over defence research and development. But size reduction in itself, may not indicate demilitarisation, for a professional, efficient, military may be far more powerful. Hence the contextual reality determines demilitarisation [ibid].

Conversion can be carried in two different ways, it can be the direct conversion of defence research establishment and plants into enterprises that undertake civilian research or it can be carried out in a broader sense, with transfer of resources released from the armed forces and from declining defence industries to other sectors such as education and health [ibid].

Another definition of demilitarisation which bring forth subtle nuances of the process is by Willett (1998), “Demilitarisation includes disbarment in the cost saving and arms control sense, but it is a more all-encompassing concept, which attempts to deconstruct the ideological and institutional structures of militarism and reassert civil control over organs of the state and over the economy. It also implies the search for a new normative framework for conceptualising and implementing security at both a national and regional context" [ibid]

The paragraphs clearly indicate that demilitarisation is applicable to the State of Israel and not really to a resistance group or non-state actor groups who are asserting the right of their people to exist.

Besides, if all armed resistance groups had to agree to a demilitarised country for their aspiration for a free, sovereign country then all of the Member States in UN that fought against British Empire and other colonial powers should all be demilitarised.

Special rationale for ensuring injustice to Palestine and making sure Israel has free ground to call its shots in the region is a plan not for Peace but a plan for sustained, injustice with Israel ruling the region on behalf of US and some countries in EU.

b) What History indicates about demilitarisation

There are only three instances where countries have themselves opted for demilitarisation and rationale for the same is contextual as is the impact of the decision. Of course, there are around 24 countries that do not have a standing army but that is the result of various historical realities where the countries were always under protection of another powerful country or the process of not having an army was dependent on a powerful country like United States or countries within the EU or other countries offering their protection for a price.

The three countries that have gone through the process of demilitarisation are Costa Rica, Grenada, and South Africa. With regard to Costa Rica, it was the continuous violence its political implication on governance and entrenchment of violence in many aspects of life that led to the country leader in 1948 passing a constitutional amendment and abolishing the military. After abolishing its military in 1948, Costa Rica is totally dependent on United States for security, democracy, human rights, climate change and economic prosperity [2]. The countries together address issues of migration, organized crime and regional stability. After demilitarisation the country has the national law enforcement agency of Costa Rica which focuses on internal security and border control. US is an important trading partner and accounts for 40 percent of total trade; it was around US $19.7 billion in 2023. US is also the largest source for direct investment and main contributor for tourism in Costa Rica accounting for more than half of the tourist to Costa Rica. Foreign direct investment in Costa Rica was 2.6 billion in 2023, accounting for 67 percent of FDI [3].

In case of South Africa, the demilitarisation was that of the Apartheid regimen or the Union Defence Force in the Union of South Africa upon freedom from apartheid, it was to ensure the discriminatory, criminal, white minority that ensured Apartheid governance of black majority cannot use force for racial discrimination and continuation of power. The demilitarisation of the apartheid government agencies, also set in motion for creation of South African National Defence Force, which in 2021 had 71,235 active personnel and 29,350 reserved personnel [4]. Within this over 70 percent Africans and only 15 percentage are white, 12 percent are coloured and over one percent Indians [5].

Other than South Africa which has its National Defence Force, Costa Rica is totally dependent on United States for protection and even for its economy, and

Grenada a middle-income group in the Eastern Caribbean is a part of Common Wealth of Nations with the reigning monarch of UK as the head of the State. Grenada is dependent on UK for its defence. The governor general represents the interest of the Crown in Grenada. The country has over 100,000 population in an area of 333 square kilometres. Grenada is dependent on UK for its defence. The People’s Revolutionary Army was disbanded following US led invasion in 1983 under then President Regan’s Administration. At present Grenada only has Royal Grenada Police Force, Special Service Unit and Coast Guard to handle internal and maritime security [6].

What is interesting is that the rationale given for the invasion was to protect American citizens living in the country, especially medical students, this logic would mean any country with American citizen can be invaded by US. American government also indicated it was to resolve a situation that might endanger peace and it was in accordance to Article 28 of the charter of the Organization of American States [7]. It is similar to American Pre-emptive strike to deal with alleged terrorism in another country or case of weapons of Mass Destruction being present, all proved to be lies to attack countries.

United States was able to invade Grenada without facing any repercussions as it has in many other instances, the attempt by UN for a resolution on violation of several treaties and conventions by US led to the resolution being vetoed by US itself [ibid]. The crime was judged and judgement delivered by the criminal itself through its Veto power.

II. Relevant Issues related to Demilitarisation

a) Loser and Demilitarisation

It is the losing party in a conflict or war goes through demilitarisation or it is something that occurs from within. In a Genocide it would be unjust and an act of anti-humanity to let the Genocidal power strengthen its militarisation process and the victim Palestine, that faces and faced the harshness and criminality of genocide, decades of occupation, displacement and invasion, be forced to demilitarise for the Security of Israel the genocidal state.

It is clear United States, its Presidents, or its officials are never going to admit about war crimes, genocide, forceful starvation, sexual violations, killing of children or any other acts for it knows admitting that would mean it has to also acknowledge its own complicity. Expecting justice from US, US President Donald Trump, US Congress or SCOTUS would be naïve and foolish. The US wants to see the strengthening of military in Israel and would not mind Israel creating an encircled tech-controlled area for Palestinian to be clubbed together and live as slaves with food and water provided.

b) Demilitarisation has to happen from within

Demilitarisation is a process and not a onetime act, it needs to involve the different branches of governance, the people acceptance and concrete frame of action how to transfer power from military to civilians along with future plans to deal with any outcome for derailment of the plans. According to Guy Lamb (2018) history does indicate in the absence of consensus from all structures within the nation there is a good chance for demilitarisation leading militarisation. He further indicates that in South Africa after reduce the size of military, there has been privatisation of security and this sector has flourished [8] .

At present, the United States which is nothing but a promoter and reason for Israel in the region is putting direct and indirect pressure as to how Palestine should be in case there is a ceasefire, plan often in line with Israel vision of Gaza for Israelis.

c) Demilitarisation does not assure sovereignty and independence

Demilitarisation does not ensure sovereignty or independence, for in itself it does not indicate countries options to address threat of invasions or other international threat. Often it is addressed by having an agreement with a military power, as Costa Rica has with United States or Grenada has with UK and US.

Hence, when all global leaders talk of demilitarisation and disarming of Hamas, they are not just being flippant but cruel, for what do they plan for Palestine, would it be that Israel the Genocidal State will address defence and security concerns of Palestine, or would US the supporter of Israel’s genocidal actions be taking on the role.

d) Countries without standing army and their plight

The utopian dream of peaceful state without a military is being promoted for Palestine, while Israel the aggressor which has defeated Hitler hands down is being strengthened as a smart tech-based military power. Why? When the West and the countries in the region repeat Palestine will be under PLA, it is making a joke of Palestine’s security. PLA as a group has no idea or skill of being in War after 1967, it is only equipped to deal with guards and address local law and order issues. National security needs different set of skills especially when having a neighbouring genocidal country that shows no sense of humanity and can be cruel in the worst form.

Military skills within a group or country centres around knowledge that evolved based on experience and the personnels who have been part of the process. If PLA was the only authority to deal with genocide carried out by Israel, Gaza would been ethnically cleansed within months, it would not have taken almost two years. If Israel wants to conquer the area and people it would not be sufficient to drop bombs there would be need for Israeli forces on the ground, in the absence of Hamas, PLA would have admitted defeat long time ago. This is something known to Israel, US and EU and hence their unjust stand? In fact, even prior to 7^th October there have been allegation accusing PLA of satisfying Israel’s demand for temporary peace and ignoring the rights of Palestinians, the same has been reported by newspapers in Israel as well.

Illusion of self-reliant defence:

At present in the globe there are 24 countries with no standing army, but none of them are able to address their defence needs independently. They are all dependent on other militarily powerful neighbouring countries, or dependent on the past colonial powers, or countries that invaded it or are dependent on military powers within the given region. For example, the United States provides defence support and other aspects related judiciary, economic development and foreign relation for countries without a standing army; Costa Rica [9], Grenada [10], Micronesia [11], Panama [12], Marshall Islands [13], Palau [14] and to some extent to Saint Lucia [15].

Other countries without a standing army have defence support from EU, or countries within EU or from NATO. France provides defence support for Andorra [16], French Polynesia [17] and Monaco [18]. Kingdom of Netherland provides defence support for Aruba [19] and Curacao [20]. Countries Dominica [21], Kiribati [22], Cook Islands [23] and Samoa [24] depend on New Zealand for defence. Faroe Islands [25] and Greenland [26] depend on Denmark for defence. United Kingdom provides defence support for Cayman Islands [27] and Mauritius [28], India also supports Mauritius. Solomon Islands [29] depend on Australia for its defence needs. Vatican city’s [30] defence needs are addressed by Italy, besides this smallest country with an area of 0.49 square kms or 121 acres has a population of 882. According to WorldAtlas [31] Vatican City has the highest police officer per capita, with 15,439 police officers for every 100,000 civilians. According to Wikipedia [32] there are 94 military police (gendarmes), 99 officers, 3 department heads, 8 police chiefs, 16 police commissioners, 32 inspectors and 40 vice inspectors.

None of these countries have a genocidal state as the immediate neighbour, nor are any of them being occupied. In addition, none of them are actually totally independent for their defence, all are dependent on their earlier coloniser or invader, dependent on regional support for defence or base their security on historical arrangement as in case of Lichtenstein [33], but recently Switzerland did indicate in case Lichtenstein is attacked Switzerland would not be able to provide security because of their policy of neutrality. At the same time Lichtenstein is sandwiched between Austria and Switzerland and so the chances of being attacked is very remote. Iceland [34] has the protection of NATO.

Hence the question to be asked who is going to protect Palestine, Israel the genocidal State with desire for ethnic cleansing or America the funder, advisor and complicit partner for Genocide of Palestinians.

Tax havens, free trade zone and Financial Dependence eroding self determination

From the 24 countries, except for three all the rest are either tax havens, or provide no tax options for foreign companies, especially for income from outside. The three that do tax are Greenland with a corporate tax of 25%, Faroe Island with tax of 18 percent and Kiribati with tax of 10 percent for foreign companies. All the countries are dependent on foreign investment, tourism and catering to their protector.

Another scar on the myth of countries without armies is their dependence directly or indirectly on another country for their economy and use of a foreign currency or being pegged on it. From the 24 countries only three have independent currency and the rest 21 countries either user another countries currency or have their currency pegged to US dollar, Euro or another currency. Three countries use US dollar directly (Marshall Islands, Micronesia, and Palau) and eight countries have pegged their currency to US dollar this also includes three countries that use Eastern Caribbean dollar. Three countries use Euro (Andorra, Monaco and Vatican City) and French Polynesia has its currency pegged to Euro. Danish Krone is used by Faroe Islands and Greenland, Lichenstein uses Swiss Franc, Kiribati has its currency pegged to Australian dollar, and official currency of Cook Islands is New Zealand dollar and Samoa has its currency pegged to New Zealand dollar.

Evidently none of these 21 countries are free defence wise or financially, for when pegged to another currency there are restriction on how the countries can spend its funds. With regard to three countries that have independent currency, Costa Rica, Iceland and Mauritius, none of their currencies are doing well.

Population, inequality and growing poverty

Among the countries, Iceland is the least densely populated with 2,166,086 square kilometres and 54, 836 population, the density of population is 0.028 person per square kilometres. In sharp contrast is Vatican City with area of 0.49 square kilometres and population of 882. There is Monaco with 2.08 Square kilometre area and population of 39,000, with density of population 18,446 persons per square kilometres.

Though there is diversity across the countries, 58 percent have a density of population 200 or below persons per square kilometres and 50 percent of the countries have population below 100,000 and yet 73 percent of the countries have high or moderate inequality; this in spite of being tax haven, tax free zones and having protection of another stable foreign currency.

The question to be asked is what would the situation be for Palestine, would it be free after going through a genocide for its freedom or would it be associated for security with its genocidaire State Israel, whether directly or indirectly via countries in the middle east that have trade or accord deals with Israel.

United States that supported Israel ensured the death of many children through its systematic veto is shamelessly tampering with the sovereignty of Palestine and planning the training of security forces and even selecting the governor for Palestine. Isn’t there a limit amount of salt United States is allowed to rub on wounds of Palestinians the victims of Israel’s genocide?

Future of Palestine:

It is sad Palestine is going through a genocide to assert its right a state, while its abuser, occupying force, a criminal entity, a genocidal state still gets space in international media and a platform to assert that the last two years were about Israel’s protection. No body asks under which law a genocidal state and criminally occupying one has the right to assert for its protection.

For Palestine an independent military is a necessity for its sovereignty and independence the myth of demilitarisation and countries without an army make this amply clear. It should also have its own currency that is not pegged to any other currency, for it be free and sovereign. This is the bare minimum the world owes to the Palestinians shredded, slaughtered, snipped, burnt and buried alive all in the name of false assertions, greed and a genocidal mind.

Molly Charles

Reference

1. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/326477484_DEMILITARISATION_A_REVOIEW_OF_THE_CONCEPT_AND_OBSERVATIONS_FROM_THE_SOUTHERN_AFRICAN_EXPERIENCE

2. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Costa_Rica

3. https://2021-2025.state.gov/u-s-relations-with-costa

US Department of State. 2024. U.S. Relation With Costa Rice, Bilateral Relations Fact Sheet.

Bureau of West Hemisphere Affairs. Sept/13/2024

4. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/South_African_National_Defence_Force

5. Through google search on percentage of white personnel within South African National Defence Force

6. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/grenada

7. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_invasion_of_Grenada

8. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/326477484_DEMILITARISATION_A_REVOIEW_OF_THE_CONCEPT_AND_OBSERVATIONS_FROM_THE_SOUTHERN_AFRICAN_EXPERIENCE p.p. 12.