February 6, 2020
For over four decades, John Duke Anthony has served as the inaugural president and CEO of the National Council on US-Arab Relations. In his talk he began reflecting on his extensive experiences across the 22 Arab countries he visited, worked in, and influenced. Throughout his talk, Anthony aims to inspire Americans and people globally towards empathy. He delves into America’s impact on millions in Arab nations, particularly scrutinizing the repercussions of deploying personnel and weapons in Iraq and Iran. Anthony contends that America’s actions in the Middle East have cast it as a violator of moral codes, with countless lives, institutions, and cultural identities obliterated. He underscores the paradox of America advocating for understanding yet failing to reciprocate that understanding for Muslims and Arabs, often reducing them to mere objects in Western perceptions. Anthony reveals that the pursuit of money often underlies America’s push for influence in Arab countries, raising critical questions about the ethical costs involved. Unflinchingly, he presents the harsh realities of America’s presence in the region, asserting that the nation has shattered the lives of millions without acknowledging, apologizing, or taking responsibility for the aftermath. Anthony concludes with a call for empathy, asserting that true democracy and genuine care for one another can only be achieved when there is compassion for all of mankind and that every story has two sides.
Forced displacement represents one of the most pressing humanitarian issues of our time. Individuals and families, torn from the fabric of their communities, find themselves navigating a world of uncertainty, often without basic necessities or a clear path to safety. There are currently some 110 million forced displaced, and this number is growing by 10 million each year!
At the heart of this crisis are the political triggers. Armed conflicts, ethnic or religious persecutions, and systemic human rights abuses force millions to flee their homes in terror. Many are displaced within their own national boundaries, while others seek asylum abroad. If these factors change as a result of political shifts at home or the pressures from abroad, they can return to their homes. Forced displacement is thus different from environmentally driven displacement, as victims of climate change may never be able to return to their homes.
The ramifications of any sort of displacement are profound, not just for those directly affected, but also for host communities and countries. Overburdened infrastructures, socio-economic strains, and cultural tensions can arise, necessitating comprehensive strategies to foster harmony and integration. Yet the root causes of forced displacement can be remedied with a concerted focus by local players and international diplomacy.
Organizations like Refugees International play a crucial role in this arena, advocating for the rights and needs of the displaced, conducting on-the-ground assessments, and influencing policymakers to take informed actions. Their relentless work underscores the gravity of the situation and the urgency ofinternational cooperation. But they, too, are overwhelmed by the rapid expansion of the crisis.
International Humanitarian Law (IHL), with its core principles centered on the protection of civilians during conflicts, plays a pivotal role in this discourse. Yet, despite clear legal frameworks, compliance remains
inconsistent. This initiative emphasizes the importance of upholding and reinforcing these international standards.
It’s not just about recognizing the problem; it’s about active engagement. We urge governments, organizations, and individuals to prioritize the rights and needs of the forced displaced. Through collective efforts, informed policies, and sustained advocacy, we can shift the narrative from passive acknowledgment to proactive intervention.
