Perceived double standards have poisoned European efforts to build international solidarity for Ukraine and isolate Russia
The Israeli flag projected onto the Berlaymont, the EU Commission headquarters in Brussels, on October 8th, 2023. Photograph: Thierry Monasse/Getty Images
But diplomats say it has been difficult to reverse the early impression of one-sided support for Israel. Even if leaders in the Arab world see the differences in position between EU countries and institutions, it is much harder to reach the public. “The message the Arab world is hearing is loud and clear. Palestinians lives matter less than Israeli ones. Our lives matter less than other lives. The application of international law is optional. And human rights have boundaries. They stop at borders, they stop at races and they stop at religions.”
The leadership of the Gulf countries is seen by diplomats as pragmatic, and is expected to seek to normalise relations after the conflict has died down. But the view of the public is different, and the anger is so widespread that diplomats have warned of increased security risks for diplomatic missions and ordinary European citizens in the Middle East.
There are two reasons: Washington behaved as expected whereas the Europeans – who promote themselves as a force for peace and international law around the world – were seen as behaving hypocritically. Secondly, the European voices that appear to represent the pro-Israel position of the broader “West” drown out the others.
Malaysia Latest News, Malaysia Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
GAA grounds to be used for Bruce Springsteen gigs in middle of seasonThe American singer will play in three GAA grounds next year as he returns to Ireland for more stadium shows.
Read more »
European shares mostly shrug off revived recession fearsBP tumbles as chief executive plays down takeover talk after disappointing results
Read more »
Analysis: Is a Europe-wide recession now inevitable?With the euro zone economy in retreat, there is a now realistic chance that Europe will be in a recession by Christmas
Read more »
Meta plans ad-free Facebook, Instagram subscriptions in EuropeCourts have been cracking down on social networks’ use of data
Read more »
Irish-headquartered tech firm Konversational to expand in EuropeGroup expects to generate revenue growth of more than €5m with new offices in France, Germany and Switzerland
Read more »
Irish shares gain as US interest rates hold steadyThe ISEQ Index outperformed European peers, driven by a wave of positive results.
Read more »