Clear and present danger

“May you live in interesting times” is an English expression purported to be a translation of a traditional Chinese curse and is undisputedly appropriate for this particular juncture in human history.

Clearly the swirling events of the past couple of years culminating in the latest tragedies afflicting the European continent make for increasingly alarming geopolitical ramifications. The effects of these events are still to be played out making for an uncertain future for many states and their respective citizens.

The domestic economic landscape of many countries is still nursing the bruising effects of a financial meltdown postLehman in 2008/2009. This makes for an already discomforting situation for many policy makers still struggling with high levels of youth unemployment and sluggish economies in vast regions of Europe. All the latter is so more complicated by an endless migratory event that has destabilised in one way or another several receiving European states.

This is coupled by still unfolding territorial claims in Ukraine by Russia and the complications arising from the Brexit vote. Another toxic ingredient was added a couple of weeks ago with the failed coup in Turkey and the abysmal purge following the unsuccessful attempt on a democratically elected government. All these unpredictable events make for a time when leaders around the globe truly feel as if they are treading on thin ice!

As if all this was not enough, at the moment the omnipresent threat of terrorism looms like a large spectre over Europe. Rad- much of all this to the persistent and bloody conflict that has spread from the Middle East and Syria to Iraq and Afghanistan. After years of deadly conflict in parts of these regions, the wounds refuse to heal and violence continues unabated. Peace efforts have been cynically daubed as imperialist efforts and the warring parties seem to be in no particular mood for compromise. The mix is surely a potent one comprising among others international interests, a millennial religious convulsion and deep hatreds, resentment and frustrations that do not want to be laid to rest.

Indeed, the mood so evident in Europe is steadily approaching our shores. Although many of us would rather believe that our country is insulated in some sort of protective bubble, it would be foolhardy to persevere in such thinking. People are voicing their concerns as they watch their TV screens and the unfolding madness afflicting our European neighbours.

This concern was eloquently expressed by Nationalist Party leader Simon Busuttil in an interview he gave last Sunday. He confirmed the people’s preoccupation with the escalating terrorist threat affecting Europe. Dr Busuttil considered the domestic perspective and called for a heightened sense of preparedness for any unexpected events that may threaten our country.

By no means are these statements antediluvian. Rather they are words of extreme caution and should be heeded. Our forces, stretched as they are, clearly do not need the ongoing dose of partisanship that afflicts many within their ranks. The government should do its utmost to assist materially and in policy terms to make our forces as efficient and as prepared as possible. It would be foolish to do otherwise.

If anything, it should dispel any false sense of security. Just look at the ongoing situation in Libya, a country that is a mere 200 miles away.

Five years since the death of Colonel Gaddafi, Libya has yet to find any lasting stability as it succumbs to continued internecine and inter-tribal conflict. ISIS is the unknown quantity that will hopefully not tip the precarious balance that reigns in Libya. So far Malta has suffered relatively minor negative effects from the ongoing conflict in Libya barring the lost investments of several Maltese entrepreneurs whose chances of recuperating their losses are, to put it mildly, slim at best.

This is a time for the international community to come together. Surely it is not a time for squabbles if lasting solutions are to be found and challenges realistically addressed. For too long principal actors on the international stage preferred to adopt a ‘kick the can down the road’ approach. Changes must be made unless we wish that change is thrust upon us with their attendant consequences.