Influence Disparities and the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict

International response is also absent

The recent events in Gaza, with Israeli soldiers causing significant damage, have brought the lack of international response to the forefront. Despite the scale of the conflict, major world peacekeeping organizations like the United Nations and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation have not taken decisive action. The reasons behind this silence can be traced to complex geopolitical factors, but at the heart of it lies the influence of key nations and the disparities in educational and technological advancements.

First and foremost, it is essential to acknowledge that the Israeli-Palestinian conflict is a deeply rooted and complex issue. The world is well aware of the suffering experienced by Palestinians in Gaza, and the calls for peace are loud and clear. However, the lack of substantial action by international organizations like the UNO and the OIC is indeed concerning. It is also worth exploring why influential nations like the USA, UK, and France, who have the potential to play a significant role in stopping the ongoing destruction, have not taken more decisive steps.

The lack of international response to conflicts such as the Israeli-Palestinian situation is influenced by a complex interplay of geopolitics and the disparity in educational and technological advancements. While the Jewish community has made substantial contributions to various fields, Muslims face challenges in education and scientific progress. To play a more significant role in addressing global issues and maintaining peace, Muslims must prioritize education, research, and technological advancements, ultimately bridging the influence gap on the world stage

One critical factor in this lack of action is the vested interests of influential nations. It is an accepted truth that Jewish communities have had a remarkable impact on various aspects of global society, including economics, science, business, and education. As of 2023, the global “core” Jewish population, those identifying primarily as Jews, numbered 16.1 million, making up a mere 0.2 percent of the world’s 8 billion population.

One area where the Jewish community has excelled is in receiving Nobel Prizes. Between 1901 and 2022, of the 954 individual Nobel Prize recipients, at least 212 have been Jewish or individuals with at least one Jewish parent, constituting 22 percent of all laureates. These figures underscore the significant influence of Jewish individuals on global recognition and success.

In contrast, the Muslim population is vast, exceeding 1.8 billion people, making up nearly 24 percent of the world’s total population. However, despite their large numbers, Muslims face challenges in terms of education, science, and technological advancements, which are vital for overall progress.

As of 2023, only 15 Nobel Prize laureates have been Muslims, with more than half of them receiving their awards in the 21st century. While eight of these laureates have been recognized with the Nobel Peace Prize, four have been awarded for scientific contributions, and three for Literature.

The disparity in educational and technological advancements is evident, with many Muslim-majority countries lagging behind in terms of education, scientific innovation, technological progress, and democratic development. These factors contribute to their lower international status in diplomacy and global influence.

One of the reasons for this disparity is the educational gap. Jews are renowned for their dedication to education and have made significant contributions to various fields. Their emphasis on education has empowered them to excel in economics, science, and various industries, thus making them more influential on the global stage.

Muslims, on the other hand, are predominantly lagging behind in educational advancements. The lack of investment in education, especially in science and technology, has hindered their overall progress. To achieve equitable global influence, Muslims must prioritize education, research, and development.

Moreover another factor contributing to global influence is military strength. Israel, home to a significant Jewish population, possesses advanced military capabilities, including nuclear weapons. In contrast, very few Muslim-majority countries are internationally recognized as nuclear powers. Pakistan is one among them, but it faces challenges due to economic dependencies and international pressures.

The path forward for Muslims is to focus on advancing their education, scientific research, and technological innovations. To address global issues, Muslims need to be at the forefront of scientific advancements, contributing to the world in areas like science and technology, business, and diplomacy.

The destiny of Muslims is currently in a challenging state, and it may not change in the near future unless substantial efforts are made. Breaking free from historical traditions and bringing advancements in education, science, and technology is crucial. By doing so, Muslims can emerge as a formidable force and share power with influential nations, contributing to global peace and prosperity.

The lack of international response to conflicts such as the Israeli-Palestinian situation is influenced by a complex interplay of geopolitics and the disparity in educational and technological advancements. While the Jewish community has made substantial contributions to various fields, Muslims face challenges in education and scientific progress. To play a more significant role in addressing global issues and maintaining peace, Muslims must prioritize education, research, and technological advancements, ultimately bridging the influence gap on the world stage.

Mujeeb Ali Samo
Mujeeb Ali Samo
The writer can be reached at [email protected]

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