L-R: Clinton, Trump, Francis Obama
Simon Utsu|24 October 2016
I shudder in disbelief at the naivety of some Nigerian nay Africans who 'advise' some of us to focus on the issues at home and leave foreign affairs. The same people go ahead and blame their leaders of being unable to multitask. That isn't even the point, the point is they fail to know how the outcome of affairs abroad affect the polity cum well being of Africa, hence the need to be worried at least.
The events of the last few weeks should send shivers down the spines of discerning minds worldwide- Syria has been turned to a wit testing ground for the world powers and a theater of death for Syrians. Just yesterday, I saw on Britain's dailymail a feature story about Russia moving in massive battleships (aircraft carriers&support ships) and submarine through British & European waterways for one final onslaught in Syria. Russia passing these war equipment very close to the coast of major European nations was a statement of intent- the usual muscle flexing tactics that has been a trademark of Vladmir Putin.
Amongst the European political class, I can sense an air of frustrated resignation. Its obvious that the fear of Russia is increasing by the day. America is clueless as to what move(s) to make next to checkmate Putin's daredevil series of moves. Putin is growing stronger by the day- something I anticipated right from the time Obama won his re-election. I have always been a proponent of eastern world powers springing up and squaring up to the west but I'm not comfortable with Putin's provocative gestures which might culminate in a third world war if not handled with care.
That brings us to the most news worthy topic of late- the issue of who becomes the next United States President. I see Putin becoming more powerful than he currently is if Hillary gets the Presidential ticket in November. And this has nothing to do with Hillary being a woman, its more about her personality- like Obama(and most liberal Presidents), Hillary will make a 'soft', much talk and less action leader. It is also noteworthy that Russia's leader, Putin was a hot topic in the US presidential debate series – something that I think is unprecedented.
The choices that lie before Americans are two very delicate and unenviable ones – A very temperamental and reactive Trump vs a coordinated but corrupt Hillary; head or tail, Americans lose. But losing a chunk of world power to Putin with a Hillary in charge is much better than starting a third world war with a Trump in charge. The same Africans(especially Nigerians) who are shouting go-go Trump will be the same to cry to God for mercy when Africa is used as a testing ground for nuclear weapons in the eventuality of a third world war.
As a panacea to all I've stated above, I would suggest that Americans make do with Hillary for four years and wait till 2020 when they can elect a leader with a stronger persona.
Simon Utsu
Is a Social Commentator
