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India Today
4 days ago
- Politics
- India Today
Benjamin Netanyahu: Terrorism is a cancer
(NOTE: This article was originally published in the India Today issue dated July 31, 1985)Israel's Ambassador to the United Nations Benjamin Netanyahu at 35 is one of Israel's youngest diplomats. He is also one of its most effective. Netanyahu is a recognised expert on international the world accepted that terrorism was anything other than an Israeli problem, he hosted a symposium in Jerusalem five years ago that foreshadowed the unfortunate events that have unfolded around the world. Netanyahu is the brother of the Israeli hero Colonel Jonathan Netanyahu, the ground commander of the Entebbe operation and Israel's sole casualty is a hard liner in that he feels appeasement can never work and only resolute action is an effective measure against worldwide terrorism. He is forthright and honest. What follows is an interview between Netanyahu and our Washington Correspondent Inderjit Badhwar. It is the first ever given to an Indian correspondent. The interview took a surprising twist when during its course. Netanyahu, fully aware of the political differences between India and Israel, called for cementing ties between the two countries. "We don't even ask India to accept all of our political positions," he said. Excerpts: Q. What new developments have changed terrorism in the last five years?A. Terrorism has become a weapon of warfare used by governments against governments, in that it is different from the work of individuals or groups. The main countries supporting terrorism are the Soviet bloc, including Cuba, and the radical Arab states and Iran, who are using it as an instrument of foreign policy. And the major targets have been democracies and countries aligned with democracies. Terrorist wars are shadow wars, the new What countries are most susceptible?A. Democracies and open societies are vulnerable because there are no barriers on movement or transfers of money, and there are few, if any, personal curbs on individuals. Totalitarian societies are not only able to squelch terrorism within their own borders, but also have a natural and philosophical alliance with terrorist groups.Q. What are the real dangers of terrorism?A. Terrorism obliterates the distinction between combatant and non-combatant. A child is seen as a potential soldier. A mother is seen as an enemy because she will give birth to a child. Their wars are waged in supermarkets, schools. While war is a tragic element of life, there are war crimes and they are not permissible. Terrorists deliberately choose women and children as targets because they are indefensible.Q. What nurtures terrorism?A. Terrorism grows by direct nurturing of class, political and religious conflicts. International terrorism has taken violent groups and internationalised the conflicts. For example, the PLO has offered arms and money and embassies for use by one side against the other in these conflicts - usually the radical left wing. But there are also right wing terrorist groups like the Mussolini Action Squads (Italian fascists). Why don't you hear about them? Because no mainstream governments have offered them any kind of What countries support international terrorism?A. Syria, South Yemen and Iran espouse doctrines of terrorist states. They have their own terrorists plus they support international groups. They use terrorism as an instrument of warfare against other states. There are very few cases where a local terrorist campaign - if it is successful - remains local. A determined group can sustain a terrorist campaign only if it can find a host government to support it.Q. How can governments fight terrorism?A. Governments facing terrorism must educate their citizens to be ever vigilant. Straight terrorist actions deliberately and systematically damage civilians. Those people who turned on those radios which exploded in Delhi had nothing to do with the grievances the terrorists were fighting. This is what distinguishes the victim of terrorism from the incidental civilian casualties of war. For example, the RAF bombers against Gestapo HQ in Copenhagen in World War II missed the target and released their bombs on scores of children. That was an accident. It was not terrorism.Q. What is the danger of world terrorism?A. Terrorism is a cancer that spreads. If it is not stopped it spreads through the body politic and it destroys democracies. It is not a marginal threat to democratic societies. It undermines the faith of people in the Government and in the rule of law. It is a precursor of anarchism, and anarchism is the precursor of Won't counter-measures destroy democracy?A. Democracies are often paralysed by the thought that if they take steps against terrorism they will destroy democracy. That's not true. Italy, West Germany, Britain. Israel - exemplary democracies who have taken steps against terrorism - have maintained their civil liberties and the rule of law by taking vigorous action against terrorists.Q. How can terrorism be fought?A. In the face of terrorism, citizens have to be educated to be soldiers. Democracies must use the mass media - TV, radio - and show the people what terrorist bombs and devices look like. And governments must refuse as far as possible to yield to terrorist demands. Surrender produces more terrorism. Whenever possible, even in hostage situations, action must be taken to free the hostages even at considerable cost of life. Other steps include infiltration of terrorist groups through intelligence, disruption and seeking out of terrorist sanctuaries and concentrations before they can get you: Israel had a terrorist mini-state of 30,000 with a potential army of 60,000 in the north. Our cities were beginning to empty out because of indefensible danger from terrorists. In this case we had to pursue the terrorist threat outside our Isn't there a danger of a wide war if terrorists are pursued across national borders?A. It makes no difference if they are inside or outside the country. A government's primary duty is to ensure the safety of its citizens. If the terrorists are outside your territory that is controlled by a government either assisting the terrorists or is unable to control them, then you have every right and obligation for cross border attacks. Or if a foreign government is colluding with the terrorists - like Idi Amin, who was in cahoots with German and Arab terrorists (in Entebbe) then you should not be paralysed by a misguided absolutist concept of sovereignty. By doing so we're protecting the very countries who support shadow wars and are not themselves guided by this doctrine. There can be no paralysis. A democratic government has to establish the principle that terrorism is But terrorists claim they are justified because all other means have failed.A. The moment you begin to rationalise the motives of people using terrorism you become open to further terrorism. Terrorism for any goal is unjustifiable. Nothing can justify blowing up the brains of a two-year-old girl, or blasting a bus full of schoolchildren. The minute you begin to make excuses, you paralyse yourself and lose moral authority. A democratic government must learn this lesson first.Q. Is Israel now in a better position politically, for taking the stands that it has?A. Throughout the decade of the 70s, Israel was isolated and ostracised. But it hasn't worked. We see a great improvement in Israel's international position in the 1980s. This is partly because of the decline of Arab oil power. There is now no fear of the oil embargo that was felt in Washington, Paris, Tokyo. Israel had been expelled from Africa because of Arab pressure and oil promises. But Israel is now coming back to Africa. The Arab threat is no real threat and the Arab promises were no real promises.Q. Can you give some specifics?A. Israel's aid and agricultural exports are now being sought increasingly in countries in Africa, Latin America and Asia. We now have diplomatic relations with 70 other countries and other formal relationships with a hundred more asking for economic, scientific and military cooperation. And the numbers are increasing every day. Every day of the week there is an approach to us being made by a new country. And this represents a dramatic change. Our decade of isolation is over.Q. Any other reasons for this change?A. Another reason for the change is the decline of the PLO. The blow they received in Lebanon not only destroyed their capability of terror against Israel, but also destroyed their position as a terrorist mini-state and their power to intimidate other Arab states. They no longer have this power of intimidation. Before Lebanon, the PLO had the aura of inevitability - the destruction of the State of Israel. This is no longer true. There is now set the stage for different movements for accommodation between Israel and its neighbours and the West Bank.Q. How does this change Israel's global relationships?A. This also means that internationally many other countries are no longer afraid of the oil threat and PLO blackmail. And this opens up new economic and political opportunities. We would like very much to expand ties with India. India recognises our right to exist. But we are now even getting approaches from countries that don't even recognise us.Q. What common interests do you see between Israel and India?A. India is a sister democracy. We admire India and its potential. There can be tremendous mutual benefits with closer ties. More and more countries are now acting in their own interests rather than placating Arab pressure. We don't even ask India to accept all our political positions. We have trade and economic relations with countries who have much less in common with us than does India. It's high time that Israel and India cement their to India Today MagazineTune InMust Watch
Zawya
6 days ago
- Business
- Zawya
President Museveni Rallies Ugandan Diaspora to Invest Back Home
President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has urged the Ugandan diaspora to invest back home and also use their global exposure, networks and influence to attract more tourists to visit Uganda. The President made the remarks on Saturday, 14th June, 2025 while meeting a delegation of 25 members of the NRM Diaspora Cadres Initiative, led by Mr. Boaz Byayesu Kabururu and Mr. Richard Kyabihende Nkuru from the United States of America. The in-depth engagement at State House Entebbe focused on key issues, namely, savings and investing back home, identifying markets across North America for Ugandan products, promoting and increasing tourism to Uganda, countering misinformation and promoting Uganda's image, attracting investors to Uganda, facilitating skills and technology transfer, and advocating for strategic unity of all Ugandans abroad. The team presented a strategic framework aimed at strengthening the bond between Uganda and its global diaspora while enhancing national development efforts. The President pointed out possible areas of investment, such as establishing low-cost housing in the areas near the industrial parks to save Ugandans the burden of trekking long distances to and from work. According to President Museveni, the industrial parks such as Namanve, Mukono, Kapeeka, Mbale, and others employ thousands of workers who are struggling with accommodation. 'These industrial parks are capturing big populations, and low-cost houses would help us so that these people just walk to their workplaces,' President Museveni said. About saving and investing back home, the diaspora team emphasized the need to encourage structured savings and collective investment. Proposals included launching Diaspora-led cooperative investment schemes, real estate ventures, and SMEs to tap into Uganda's fast-growing sectors. President Museveni welcomed this initiative, noting that channelling foreign remittances into productive enterprises is vital for national wealth creation. Mr. David Matanda informed President Museveni that they are orienting fellow colleagues in smart ways of saving, such as opening up fixed deposit accounts, which would generate 10 to 15% annual interest, and also investing in stock markets and real estate. 'All those are wonderful ideas, because treasury bills are secure money, where the government borrows from the public and then gives you interest, for sure. So, this is a smart move,' said President Museveni as he welcomed the move. On the issue of identifying markets across North America and connecting consumers for Ugandan products, the team pledged to actively scout for niche markets for Ugandan goods such as coffee, vanilla, tea, crafts, and agricultural produce. By establishing diaspora-led trade channels, they aim to bridge supply chains and connect Ugandan producers directly to consumers and retailers abroad. President Museveni encouraged this approach, describing it as a step towards export-led industrialization. He also urged the diaspora to invest in commercial agriculture back home, especially crops and fruits that are on high demand in Europe, such as passion fruits. Mr. Brian Kwesiga, a former President of the Uganda North American Association (UNAA) based in Washington, DC, informed President Museveni that he had already secured an importer's license to import alcoholic beverages, such as wine and spirits, into the United States. About promoting and increasing tourism to Uganda, the delegation committed to boosting Uganda's visibility as a prime tourism destination through digital marketing, diaspora-led tours, and partnerships with travel influencers. President Museveni noted that tourism is a key pillar in the economy and welcomed all efforts to increase visitor numbers. Ms. Brenda Nangasha requested President Museveni for land to establish state-of-the-art lodges in the national parks so as to attract more tourists, who will, in turn, counter the negative publicity about Uganda abroad. 'We have worked with the ruler of Sharjah in the UAE to build an international Airport and hotels at his cost. So, you're right, these are the ones who will tell their colleagues to ignore the bad publicity,' President Museveni noted. 'But it's better if you lure those indigenous African people there to come and visit Uganda. Our climate and the food are very good. Everyone who comes here does not want to return,' he added. President Museveni also officially recognized the group as the principal NRM Diaspora Cadres Initiative, tasked with coordinating all diaspora engagement efforts moving forward. 'The endorsement marks a significant milestone in formalizing diaspora contributions toward Uganda's development agenda,' Team leader Byayesu said. The meeting marks a renewed commitment by the government to actively involve the Ugandan diaspora in national development and global advocacy. The endorsed team is expected to begin immediate implementation of their action points, working closely with key ministries and agencies. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of State House Uganda.
News24
28-05-2025
- General
- News24
Rwanda joins criticism of M23 'parallel administrations' in eastern DRC
Twelve African countries, including Rwanda, condemned M23's 'parallel administrations' in eastern DRC. The Entebbe statement calls for all foreign armed groups to disarm unconditionally. Rwanda reconsiders M23 support; Burundi sent 10 000+ troops to aid DRC. Twelve African countries, including Rwanda, on Wednesday condemned the M23 armed group for setting up 'parallel administrations' in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. Kigali's condemnation of a group that it supports militarily comes as the M23 stands accused of human rights violations in the region, where it has seized large areas since January. The United Nations has notably denounced the M23 for summary executions of suspects, some of them minors, while on Tuesday, Amnesty International accused it of killing and torturing civilians that it was holding illegally. The group denies the charges. In a joint statement, the 12 African countries said they 'condemn the territorial advances and installation of parallel administrations' by the M23 and the Congo River Alliance (AFC) of which it is a part. The DRC also signed the declaration at a regional meeting in Entebbe, Uganda. Two analysts recently told AFP that Rwanda had begun to question its support for the M23 because of the financial and diplomatic cost. Belgium, the former colonial power in the DRC and Rwanda, has been vocal in the international community in criticising Kigali for its support of the M23. The text signed in Entebbe also calls for all other 'foreign armed groups' active in restive eastern DRC to be dismantled and to 'lay down their weapons without conditions'. They include the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR), which was founded by former Rwandan Hutu leaders of the 1994 genocide against the Tutsis. The M23 accuses Kinshasa of supporting the FDLR and maintains that its offensive in the mineral-rich region is justified to neutralise the group. Another group is the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) of Ugandan-origin rebels, who swore allegiance to the Islamic State and are behind massacres that have killed thousands. Congolese troops are fighting the ADF, backed by Ugandan troops, who are also helping the DRC against the Cooperative for the Development of Congo (CODECO), a community-based militia. Also urged to lay down its arms is the Resistance for the Rule of Law in Burundi (RED-Tabara), which has been less active in recent years but has conducted attacks on Burundian soil. Burundi has sent more than 10 000 soldiers since October 2023 to help the Congolese army fight the M23 and other armed groups.
Zawya
09-05-2025
- Politics
- Zawya
African Leaders meet in Uganda to Push Back Against Foreign Influence on Family
Top political leaders, parliamentarians and faith-based actors from across Africa and beyond have this week convened at State House, Entebbe for the Third African Inter-Parliamentary Conference on Family and Sovereignty, issuing a strong call for an African Charter that defends traditional values, strengthens national sovereignty and resists external ideological pressure. The high-level meeting, hosted by State House and the Parliament of Uganda in partnership with several African and global organisations, was opened by President Yoweri Museveni and Uganda's First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports, Janet Kataaha Museveni on Friday, 09 May 2025. In the meeting, Janet Museveni warned of growing global influences that threaten to erode African cultural identity and family structures under the guise of aid and development. 'Too often, aid is not offered freely, it now comes with conditions that threaten to redefine our societies according to foreign standards, thereby eroding the values we hold sacred and undermining our right to govern ourselves,' she said. Mrs. Museveni, speaking with the conviction of a wife, mother, and grandmother, emphasised the urgency of reclaiming the continent's educational, cultural and spiritual foundations from foreign interests. 'Africa stands today at a crossroads. We face unprecedented global pressures that challenge not just our economies but our beliefs and institutions that hold our nations together, especially the family,' she said. AUDIO: Mrs. Museveni She cited ongoing reforms in Uganda's education sector aimed at instilling patriotism, moral grounding and reverence for family and God, noting that these initiatives are fully government-funded to avoid external ideological strings. She also highlighted Uganda's commitment to the 2020 Geneva Consensus Declaration, which affirms national sovereignty in policy decisions on life, family and gender. President Yoweri Museveni, addressing the gathering, voiced strong support for the cause, warning against what he called 'disorientation' being pushed on African societies. 'Now, for some of the people to want to spread this disorientation to the whole world is really criminal. But it will not work. It will fail,' he said. President Museveni also dismissed comprehensive sexual education for children as 'madness,' arguing that African traditions offer appropriate, age-based moral instruction. He warned that Uganda may withdraw from the Samoa Agreement if it is found to contain ideologically coercive clauses under the label of reproductive rights. 'I appeal to you, now that you are here, all of you, and our lawyers are here, study that Samoa document. If it really contains all those things you are talking about, the reproductive rights, what have you, then we shall have to pull out from that nonsense, and tell the European Union that we cannot be part of that criminality. Because comprehensive sexual education, in the Bible, it says there is time for everything,' he said. AUDIO: President Museveni Speaker Anita Among reaffirmed Uganda's commitment to protecting family values, citing the country's recent anti-homosexuality legislation as an example of standing firm under international pressure. She equally warned of increasing threats to African family structures from both local and foreign forces. 'The struggle towards preservation of family is not without challenges. The forces against the foundational values of family have agents both locally and internationally. They will try to divide us so as to defeat us,' she said. Among hailed Parliament's resolve during the passage of the Anti-Homosexuality Act, saying Uganda resisted blackmail and sanctions to defend traditional values. 'The combination of blackmail, sanctions and manipulations did not deter our spirit. We legislated in the best interests of our families and society' she said. AUDIO: Speaker Anita Among Among praised the President, the first lady and Members of Parliament for their courage and role in protecting Uganda's cultural foundations. Other notable voices at the conference included Mohamed Ghayate, Deputy Speaker of Morocco, who reaffirmed his country's commitment to an African renaissance grounded in sovereignty and shared cultural heritage. 'Sovereignty is the living expression of the will of our peoples to freely define their destiny, protect their resources, and preserve their culture,' he said, pledging Morocco's support for a continental charter. Henk Jan van Schothorst of Christian Council International, a Dutch-based advocacy group, praised Africa as the 'last man standing' in the global battle for family values. 'You are threatened by the policies of the West, especially from the part of the world where I come from. But I want to encourage you to stay strong — not only for your children but also for ours,' he said. The conference, organized by the Inter-parliamentary Network on Family Values, Family Watch Africa, African Bar Association, and the Foundation for African Heritage, marked the continuation of a growing African-led initiative to frame a Charter of Values and Sovereignty. As deliberations continue, participants called for the outcomes of the gathering to be mainstreamed through African legislatures, the African Union, and the Organization of African First Ladies. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Parliament of the Republic of Uganda.
The National
08-05-2025
- Business
- The National
Sheikh Abdullah meets Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni
Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, met Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni in Entebbe on Thursday. At the meeting, part of Sheikh Abdullah's working visit to the African nation, the two sides discussed bilateral relations, state news agency Wam reported. They also discussed joint efforts to expand and develop co-operation across sectors, particularly economic, trade, investment and energy. Sheikh Abdullah said the UAE's relationship with Uganda offers promising opportunities and growth potential. He also highlighted the UAE's commitment to establishing sustainable development partnerships with friendly African countries. Six agreements were signed after the meeting. The first covered investment co-operation between the two nations. The second was a deal between the Anwar Gargash Diplomatic Academy and the Ugandan Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The third was between the UAE Ministry of Energy and the Ugandan government. A mutual visa waiver was also agreed, as was a deal between Etihad Rail and the Ugandan government. Lastly, a deal was struck between Presight, an Emirati company specialising in big data analysis powered by artificial intelligence, and Uganda's National Information Technology Authority. The meeting was also attended by Sheikh Shakhbout bin Nahyan, Minister of State; Saeed Mubarak Al Hajeri, Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs for Economic and Commercial Affairs; and Abdullah Hassan Obaid Al Shamsi, UAE Ambassador to Uganda.
