Is history going to repeat itself, but question remains the same — has anyone learned some lesson from history? The Crimean Tatars assembly voted on Saturday in favour of seeking ‘ethnic and territorial autonomy’ for Tatar Muslims living in Crimea, the Ukrainian state recently annexed by Moscow. Tatars, an indigenous population of Turkic origin, were deported from Crimea to Central Asia in 1944 by the Soviet Strongman Stalin to punish the community which sided with Germany during WW-II. They were allowed to return from exile only two decades ago and settled back in Ukraine, only to be again annexed by Russians in the present standoff in Ukraine. West has already rejected the Russian annexation of Crimea and is proceeding with sanctions as first step to force Russia into submission.
I doubt West will move beyond toothless sanctions to punish Russia, however, I see another opportunity for the West to again take the Muslim world onboard as they did in 1980s. They used the Soviets presence in Afghanistan to drum up calls for jihad to free the Muslim brethren enslaved by the communist regime in Kabul. By exploiting the sentiments of Muslims across the world, Western leaders were not only able to finance the war against Soviets but also created the jihadists as fodder for the war. That’s another issue that the genie of west-sponsored Jihad has refused to go back into the bottle and is giving a tough time to its creator. Now Tatars’ demand for autonomy can be used to repeat the saga of 80s to arrange money and zombies to deploy against ex-communists. Tatar assembly, Kurultai, has already asked the UN, EU and OIC to support them in their struggle.
Will the Muslim world take the bait this time — to be seen in coming months and years. Perhaps West will be able to prove it one more time that it can fool most of the people all the time.
MASOOD KHAN
Jubail, Saudi Arabia
The writer seems to be confused about history and its lessons. The saga oe Crimea is not knew, only the facts are muddled and mis understood by him. Under the International laws Russia has legally annexed Crimea. The west is just raising hue and cry for no reason. It is not the question of Communist regime acting in this manner but what is right ? Crimea 's population is predominantly of Russian origin.It is the only hot water access for Russia. It is the question of right and necessity.
This time west can not create Jihadis. There is difference between Invasion of Afghanistan by Soviets and Annexation by Russia.The writer is comparing apples with oranges. . The era of Mujahedeens and Jihadis have past. It can not be used again. West would not be able to exploit the situation again.
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