Professor Bolaji Akinyemi, Nigeria’s former Minister of Foreign Affairs, recently shared his insights on the escalating tensions in the Middle East during an interview with ARISE NEWS.
He expressed deep concern over the actions of Israeli Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu.
“Netanyahu is deliberately provoking Iran with the intention of instigating a war,” Akinyemi stated. He further elaborated on the potential consequences of such actions, “Even though Israel possesses nuclear weapons and Iran does not, Iran still has the capacity to inflict significant damage on Israel.”
Akinyemi’s comments come in the wake of an airstrike on the Iranian Embassy in Syria, an attack that Iran has blamed on Israel. Israel, however, has not claimed responsibility for the attack.
The former Foreign Affairs minister expressed confusion over the shifting dynamics in the Middle East. He cited the contradictory actions of the United States as an example, “Initially, there were calls for countries to stop supplying weapons to Israel. But a few days later, the United States declared its full support for Israel.”
Akinyemi also highlighted the tragic incidents that have occurred amidst the conflict, including the killing of seven innocent people who were providing aid, the bombing of the Iranian embassy in Syria, and the death of three children and four grandchildren of a Hamas leader.
He criticized the international community’s response to these incidents, “If it were the children of Netanyahu who got killed by Hamas, all Western leaders would be in Tel Aviv by now, commiserating with Netanyahu. Instead, the United States has declared its full support for Israel if Iran retaliates.”
When asked about a potential resolution to the ongoing conflict, Akinyemi expressed pessimism, “Each time we move close to a rational end, Netanyahu does something else. If Iran does not retaliate, it will be perceived as a toothless bulldog that Israel hits wherever it wants to.”
He also shared his thoughts on the role of the United States in the conflict, suggesting that President Biden might be pushing Israel to start a war. He further speculated that this could be a strategy to prevent China from becoming the world’s leading superpower.
On the threat of a possible war, Akinyemi warned, “All of us should be worried, including China. It’s only a misstep that will lead the world into war.”
Despite the escalating tensions, Akinyemi believes that the UN Security Council should remain on standby, “The Security Council has to be on standby. It is in standby mode now, hoping that somebody will not whisper into its ear.”
He expressed sympathy for the Secretary General of the United Nations, acknowledging his efforts in managing the crisis.
