We live in very disturbing times, where rights-based approaches have given way to bloc politics. The current geopolitical climate is heavily influenced by fake news, with anything the West (major NATO members, G-7) does being deemed acceptable, while actions by Beijing or Moscow are painted as evil and motivated.
This situation raises several questions: What is geopolitical hypocrisy doing to world peace? Is the West promoting reconciliation among Islamic countries or driving divisions by touting a version of Islam colored by Western values?
For decades, importing cheap gas and oil from Russia was acceptable, but a visit by former PM Imran Khan coinciding with the Russian military action in Ukraine became undesirable. Russian oil and gas exports to G-7 countries are sanctioned, yet these same countries import Russian energy via companies based in Dubai.
Western governments are aware of this. Countries like France continue importing Russian oil and gas for their own consumption and supply to Germany and the UK. This paradox highlights the tough economic times precipitated by the West’s reactions to the Russo-Ukraine conflict.
Silence on Palestinian genocide
The same nations that sanction Russia have indirectly condoned the genocide of over 33,000 Palestinians — including 14,000 children — by Israelis. The West's silence on Israel’s brutalities while offering minimal aid to displaced Gazans underscores a significant double standard. Yanis Varoufakis, former Greek finance minister, publicly criticized Germany’s apologetic behavior towards Israel, questioning how long Germany would use the genocide of Jews under Hitler as justification for the killing of innocent Palestinians.
A friend in Geneva was swiftly fired in November 2023 after publicly condemning the Israeli invasion of southern Gaza, exemplifying the suppression of dissenting views on this issue.
Western media often paints Islam, China, and Russia in a negative light, influenced by governmental policies. Ukrainian resistance to Russian invasion is glorified, while the Palestinian struggle against Israeli aggression is delegitimized. Western media justifies Israeli actions as defense against “terrorism” without questioning the blockade and bombardment of Gaza. This biased narrative fails to acknowledge the humanitarian crisis faced by Palestinians.
Good cop, bad cop approach
The West’s contradictory ‘good cop bad cop approach’ has been evident for years. Islamic countries like the UAE, Turkiye, Jordan, and Kuwait that align with the US-led West are the “good cops,” while countries like Sudan, Iran, Malaysia (under Mahathir Mohammad), and Pakistan are the “bad cops.” Any attempt to humanize victims of Israeli aggression is often labeled as anti-Semitism. Contextualizing Hamas actions is equated with supporting terrorism, further entrenching the notion that Islam is synonymous with terrorism.
Role of fake news
In a world driven by geopolitical considerations and commercial interests, fake news has become a dominant factor influencing public opinion and policy. Media networks such as Sky, Fox News, CNN, ABC, The Economist, The New York Times, and The Washington Post often reflect the narratives peddled by Western leadership (NATO, G-7), rather than providing independent, unbiased reporting. Official narratives shape the opinions of anchors and writers, making it challenging to present a true reflection of global events.
The prevalence of fake news and geopolitical hypocrisy calls for a rethinking of ethical and professional journalism. Media must strive to present the world as it is, reflecting diverse perspectives and questioning dominant narratives. Only then can we hope to achieve a more balanced and just global discourse.
