The creation of the nation state is almost entirely an artificial construct. Creating a state that is moulded together into a single entity encouraged to share a national identity has not only been a violent process but one that was born from colonialism and one that continues to benefit colonial interests. If we look at any of the wars taking place across the globe in recent times, (Sudan, Yemen, Syria, Afghanistan and Iraq) all of them have to do with borders that were imposed on them by imperial powers. Iraq is an example of how the British carved out a country with their own interests in mind and no consideration for the people of the region. The three main ethnic groups, The Kurds, the Sunnis and the Shias, were divided in such a way that certain sects were given power over others therefore ensuring regional tensions and disharmony.
Category: imperialism
Palestine, European Hypocrisy and The World Cup.
As a Muslim women, I’m used to robustly defending myself and every one of my choices. I know that my existence is political so everywhere I am, politics follow, from my home to the football stadium. I’m grateful that politics took the centre stage in this World Cup, that support for Palestine was loud and proud. That the hypocrisy of Europe was laid bare for all to see (or not!). I’m glad that the Muslim world got to showcase its excellence and its solidarity, because its people are from removed from its leadership.