By Dr. Sawraj Singh
Rodrigo “The Punisher” Duterte, the President of Philippines has done something which nobody could have predicted. He has stood up to America. He has criticized America and the other western countries for pursuing gross double standards. He said that if we kill drug lords then they cry foul and blame us for genocide. However, they can kill hundreds of thousands innocent people in countries like Iraq and they can get scot free. He feels that the western countries are arrogant and they do not treat the other countries with equality and mutual respect. He feels that the western countries do not show any concern or sensitivity towards the problems and challenges faced by the developing countries. He seems to feel that the western countries are big bullies who do not hesitate to resort to arm twisting if that will serve their purpose. The western concept of human rights is equally self serving. Under the garb of human rights they want to impose their will and their values on the others. They use human rights as a tool of dominating and controlling others. They consider the western values as the universal values. When Duterte tries to free his country of drugs and crime then the western countries raise the issue of violation of human rights. Does this mean that the western countries do not want law and order in the developing countries? They would rather have chaos and anarchy in these countries. Are they really concerned for human rights or they are shielding the criminals. It could be even worse; they are abetting the criminals to destabilize the country so that they can completely control it. Are these criminals working in collaboration with them? Duterte has raised all these questions. Instead of answering his questions, the western countries keep clamoring about violation of human rights. Duterte’s policies against crime and drugs are extremely popular with the people. He has the highest rate of approval. 91% people approve his policies. Compare this to the approval rate of the American President or even worse with the two candidates for the Presidency, a majority of Americans dislike them. The other western leaders like Angela Merkel are not doing much better. Before criticizing leaders like Duterte, the western countries should set their own house in order. In America almost every day one hears of an unarmed black shot by the police. The way the European countries treated their refugees should make them think twice before laying claims to be the champions of human rights. Duterte wants to follow an independent foreign policy. He does not like America meddling in the internal affairs of Philippines.
America was forcing him to take anti China stands. However, Duterte feels that he can get a much better deal from China than America. He has announced separation from America. Duterte seems to feel that America only knows how to be your master and does not know how to be your friend. He finds the Chinese much more understanding and willing to act as equals. More over they are willing to put their money where their mouth is.
In a recent trip to China, he not only got tremendous respect and sympathy, he also signed many deals where he found the Chinese very generous with their money. Duterte seems to have made a clear choice between America and China. One is reminded of a similar situation about two decades ago when Putin made the same choice. Is Duterte going to be Philippines Putin? Putin decided to be friends with China and stand up to America. History has proved that Putin made the right choice. Standing up to America made Putin the most powerful leader in the world and has made Russia one of the most important players in the world affairs. Putin’s choice gave one of the biggest blows to the American hegemony at the global level. Duterte’s choice can give a fatal blow to the American policy of containing China. The days of western domination and American hegemony seem to be numbered. East is rising in Asia’s century.
Dr. Sawraj Singh, MD F.I.C.S. is the Chairman of the Washington State Network for Human Rights and Chairman of the Central Washington Coalition for Social Justice. He can be reached at [email protected].
