SA on collision course with Obama administration - Tony Leon

 "How to prevent an early collision between Pretoria and President Barack Obama"

Yesterday Barack Obama was inaugurated as the 44^th President of the United States. He provides a symbol of hope to a fearful nation and an uncertain world, battered by the worst economic crisis we have experienced in 80 years, and facing an array of vexed international challenges. These range from uncompleted wars in Afghanistan and Iraq, a hostile standoff between nuclear India and nuclear Pakistan, to an intensification of violence in Palestine and Israel, and growing uncertainty as to whether the crisis of stabilizing global carbon emission will be addressed conclusively and successfully in Copenhagen later this year.

President Obama offers the opportunity for America and the world to look for rights-based and multilateral solutions to these global crises. South Africa, by rights and by inclination, should be a willing and vigorous partner in the plan to reinvigorate a more just world order.

It is my opinion that our recent votes and voice in international councils and forums, such as the United Nations, have placed us on a potential collision course with a more enlightened White House administration and put us in the company of the rights-delinquent nations and authoritarian regimes of the world.

Earlier this month it was revealed, for example, that South Africa refused to support a declaration by the United Nations General Assembly calling for the decriminalization of homosexuality. What we practise at home, in our constitution and via progressive legislation, we contradict abroad for fear of offending some of the most retrogressive authoritarian countries in the world.

Shortly before Christmas, South Africa's foreign policy was again in the news in Washington - and again for all the wrong reasons. Under the headline, "South Africa's Crime", the highly influential Washington Post decried our government's enablement of Robert Mugabe's "destruction of neighbouring Zimbabwe, at the cost of thousands of lives."

What inflamed the Post - a reliable barometer of liberal, Washington opinion, and required reading by all members of the new US administration - was South Africa's continued refusal to pressure Robert Mugabe to step down as a first step to ending the humanitarian crisis which he has inflicted on his own country. South Africa's blocking (with Russian connivance) of a US-British initiative to place Zimbabwe again on the Security Council agenda of the United Nations, in December, was widely portrayed as another instance of our temporizing with tyranny, rather than standing , alongside Botswana and Kenya, against the widening oppression unleashed by Mugabe.

In its lead editorial on Sunday December 21 2008, the Post thundered - "What's happening here is pretty clear: South Africa, a country which aspires to continental leadership, is allowing a depraved strongman to utterly destroy a neighbouring country...(President) Motlanthe's government has the economic, political and military leverage to rescue Zimbabweans from their leader ; yet it not only refuses to act but actively blocks interventions by other countries. Mr Motlanthe, Mr Mbeki and those in South Africa who support this unconscionable policy have become accessories to a grave humanitarian crime."

I expected some sort of defence against this serious, but justified, charge. But quiet diplomacy is clearly spreading: The South African Embassy in Washington issued no rebuttal, not even a feeble resuscitation of the clearly flawed and failed "power-sharing deal" authored by Thabo Mbeki. Perhaps Mugabe's clear affirmation, in mid-December, that he shares power with no one (he was quoted as saying, "I will never, never surrender, Zimbabwe is mine") made such a defence inadvisable, or maybe our diplomats were simply asleep at the switch: a late-December check of the SA Embassy website revealed no statements had been issued since November 15, when President Motlanthe visited Washington for the emergency G20 economic summit.

The end of 2008 also marked the end of South Africa's ill-starred two year turn as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council. What should have been the crowning achievement of South Africa's ascent to the heights of the world stage, proved instead to be a solidarity-exercise with some of the most repressive regimes in the world.

Apart from blocking UN discussions about human rights in Zimbabwe, we voted against imposing sanctions on Burma's rights-delinquent military junta and Iran, for violating nuclear safeguards. Elsewhere at the United Nations, our votes on the Human Rights Council, for example, extended forward cover for other tyrannies, from Belarus to Uzbekistan. This led Washington heavyweight, Michael Gerson to suggest, earlier this year, that South Africa's voting record placed it in a new foreign policy category: "a rogue democracy."

Whatever has motivated these gestures - from reconfiguring the world order to reaffirming our third-world credentials - we are heading for an early collision with the administration of Barack Obama.

Our UN votes, alongside Russia and China, have undermined efforts to implement the ground-breaking UN "responsibility to protect" resolution, which authorizes international intervention when a state fails to protect its own people from grievous violations of their human rights. Yet the new US administration is headed by true believers in this doctrine. Take Obama's close foreign policy confidante, Susan Rice, for example. She has been nominated, with cabinet rank, as US Ambassador to the UN. An emphatic believer in coercive diplomacy to avert humanitarian catastrophes, she has previously advocated American led bombing campaigns or naval blockades "to force a recalcitrant Sudanese government to stop the slaughter in Darfur." Seared by her visit to Rwanda after the 1994 Genocide there - which the Clinton Administration, of which she was also a member did nothing to interdict, she vowed to never let it happen again. 

The Obama administration clearly takes international rights and justice seriously, and will be keen to engage like-minded international partners. It will turn the page, decisively from the unilateralism and global unpopularity of President George W. Bush. President Obama's ascent on the world stage should provide a pause for thought in Pretoria. Do we want to be remembered for the distance our policies have travelled from Nelson Mandela's 1994 promise that "human rights will be the light that guides our foreign affairs?" Or will we seize the moment to reconnect our own constitutional commitments to equality, human dignity and liberty - to our voice and votes in world forums. Promoting the decriminalization of homosexuality, and supporting democracy in Zimbabwe and justice in Sudan would be good places to start.

This is an edited extract of a speech delivered in Cape Town by the Democratic Alliance spokesperson on foreign affairs, January 21 2009

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responses to this article

I say what?? How do you go from talking about Zimbabwe and its poor people getting shafted by Mugabe, and us (S.A) not helping, to homosexualty as a good place to start... hardy har-har... hidden agenda 101, thats what that is.... by Hardy Harhar on January 21 2009, 17:46 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Tony Leon Please Tony why dont you address the ISRAELI massacre of the PALISTEINS,or do you still support apartheid go and speak to your Israely tugs and please leave Pres OBAMA alone you are the most arrogant person ive ever come across. by Richard [London] on January 21 2009, 20:36 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Yes we can :) I feel greed is the number 1 cause of most of the bad things happening in the world today. Zimbabwe, Gaza, the bush administration, the sa arms deal. If only people in politics were not more interested in self gain than the the bettering of their . .more countries. Not to say everyone in politics are greedy and are only in those positions to better themselves but a surprising number of politicians are. People love to make attempts at talking articles like this down like mr hardyharhar and richie being nasty. you guys just add to the problems in this world. Non-constructive comments contibute to making anything better. chow . .less by Frank on January 21 2009, 21:35 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Obama and the ANC I'm optimistic that Obama is unfettered by IOU's to dodgy politicians and that he really is focussed on human rights, justice and peace. If that is so, I agree with Tony Leon that ANC and ZanuPF are indeed on the wrong side of both history and the USA. by Zim Exile on January 22 2009, 05:39 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Thanks Tony, insightful article @Richard[London] More people have died from Cholera in Zim than in the Gaza War! Over the last 5 years a lot more than 2000 dissapeared or find themselfs in Jail. You have NO idea about human rights violations going on in Zim. The world must . .more take note of this and the ANC and SADC must wake up! Sa will be on a collision course with Obama. . .less by Carl on January 22 2009, 06:21 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

NAME AND SHAME Viva Tony! You pointed out soon after 1999 that our democracy is being eroded "without us noticing." Was he correct ? Oh YES! Is he correct now? Oh YES ! WE need to be shamed in world politics. The "Hypocritical ANC." by old,female, pale face on January 22 2009, 07:12 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Leon's comments, OBAMA hope The problem I have with Mr.Leon is the"I" and "my" in his views, this is not the language of a spokesman for the DA. I would rather listen to Zille. Obama laid down a code of conduct for Public Service that one wishes, against all hope, could be . .more adopted in South Africa - he said "However long we are keepers of the public trust, we should never forget that we are here as public servants, and public service is a privilege,". "It's not about advantaging yourself, it's not about advancing your friends or your corporate clients. It's not about advancing an ideological agenda or the special interests of any organisation," he added. Sigh! . .less by ADP on January 22 2009, 07:19 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

True leaders admit failure Is it not time that our ex-President, Thabo Mbeki, comes clean with the true reasons of allowing Zimbabwe to reach this desperate level of survival, so that he can reinstate some of his own leadership legacy. The greatest leaders are those who admit their . .more wrongs, and turn passionately to undo the wrong they have done. [pls note I speak out of ignorance, not knowing our ex-President personally, but reading the views of the media on his legacy, if it be true] . .less by David on January 22 2009, 08:11 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

The ANC government is morally corrupt! They don't care about human rights Good article Tony by Fred Ventura on January 22 2009, 08:19 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

At least Tony Leon Talks At least Tony Leon has something to say......unlike the quite diplomacy. How can we sit in our country and turn a blind eye to our people who are being killed. Mugabe should be tried for murder/genecide/plunder I am sure you could come up with . .more misconducts!! As for Israel and Palestine - that is thousands of Km away from here. If the naughty boys stop firing rockets into Israel, then maybe they would not be retaliating. I dont get what their war is all about, but I do know that Zimbabwe is our neighbour. I cannot turn a blind eye to what my neighbour is doing and just keep quite. If I am to "love my neighbour as myself" would I want Zim to keep quite if things went wrong in our country?? Thank you Graca for talking out - I will fast and pray and think about our people in the North, they are humans like us - just they are now stripped of their dignity, values and are in desperit need of help that is NOT forth coming of the people who could make a difference!!! . .less by Fred on January 22 2009, 08:23 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

There is no crisis in Zimbabwe by Thabo and Bob on January 22 2009, 08:40 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

yawn YAWN!!!........just more of the same economic/human genocide that goes with africa. the west sends aid, the african leaders blame the west and CHINA AND RUSSIA collude with the "mugabes" to rape that countries resoures for as long a the goverment . .more stands.......WHO CARES......except for SA i care because the oppresive aparthied has been replaced by the grossly incompetent ANC . .less by dreamer on January 22 2009, 08:46 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Richard you twat Idiot - your pointles diatribe clearly indicates u missed the point of the article. TL is pointing out the shortcomings of our once proud democracy which has decayed into an administaration much like it predecessor. The apartheid Govt gave the world the . .more finger, this govt is doing one worse - it is actively supporting human rights violations around the world on the largest diplomatic stage, whilst giving said same finger. PS - Richard, take a moment to look at both sides of a story before espousing an opinion. I daresy the British Govt wouldnt be to passive if some rogue state delivered 8000 missiles over Southern England over a 3 year period - and I reckon u would be hiding quivering under ur kitchen table if u were the target of such attacks!! . .less by Gary Gamma on January 22 2009, 08:57 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

The opportunist is awake For someone who is the DA's foreign affairs spokesperson, you chose to remain quiet when the massacre in Gaza was in full swing...and now you seem to have found your voice. do us all a favour and go back to sleep. the world is a much better place when you . .more are silent . .less by Former DA member on January 22 2009, 09:19 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Hooray Tony Leon You were holding the government of the day to account years ago and you're still doing it now. May you continue for many more. This country would be a much poorer place if it hadn't been for your efforts. by Keep the crooks on the straight and narrow on January 22 2009, 09:35 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

VIVA ISRAEL VIVA WIPE TERRORIST PIGS HAMAS FROM THE ... FACE OF THE EARTH, HAMAS DOGS IS TO BLAME FOR THE DEATH OF INNOCENT PALISTINIANS AS THEY USE WOMAN, MEN AND CHILDREN AS HUMAN SHIELDS, HAMAS DOGS IS TOO SCARED AND SISSY-BOYS TO FIGHT ISRAEL MAN TO MAN FACE TO FACE WHERE NOINNOCENT PEOPLE CAN BE USED AS . .more THEIR SHIELD, VIVA ISRAEL VIVA DESTROY HAMAS !!! . .less by mossad on January 22 2009, 09:55 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

What Gaza Massacre? Former DA member, get lost! You've lost your marbles. Good riddance. Hamas systematically set about rocketing Israeli towns and villages from Gaza. It poured 1000's of missiles into Israel. The IDF merely retaliated, eventually, after tolerating this . .more madness for too long. If craven cowards Hamas HIDE BEHIND GAZAN CIVILIANS, its inevitable that lives will be lost? No intelligent person could seriously suggest Israel should allow these assaults on the lives of its people to continue. Its time this JIHADIST propaganda stopped, because thats all it is. Its also very pleasing that the odious Hamas has received such a comprehensive thrashing! Tony is absolutely correct in his analysis, of course. The ANC has no excuse for its ridiculous behaviour vis a vis Zimbabwe and all the other ghastly, tyrannical, pariah regimes it supports! I believe the leading Goons in this shambles of a govt have lost their minds, thats if they ever had minds in the first place. . .less by Jack on January 22 2009, 10:15 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

@Former DA member - you're mislead Former DA member - I completely agree with you that the issues in Gaza are serious and require comment. That being said the whole world is watching and trying to make a change. Zimbabwe on the other hand is on our doorstep and WILL directly influence all . .more of us who live in SA. Whether you like him or not Leon's article is highlighting 2 important issues: 1) as SA we are not doing nearly enough with regards to Zim and 2) in todays global village to thrive as a country (whether you like it or not) we better be at least aligned to the western world's regimes who are still going to dominate world economies over the next few years. Suggesting that "being silent" on these issues makes the world a better place is either very arrogant or ignorant - neither of which is going to help SA's problems - take note Leon's points are valid - SA has made some pretty embarrasing remarks/statements/ lack of actions on the world stage lately! I don't think oit is troo late to fix them - but keeping silent is not the answer! as for Richard in London - well just stay there "boet". . .less by Supporting a better SA on January 22 2009, 10:16 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Leon cares for Zim!!! ???? by S.D on January 22 2009, 10:25 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

To Mossad Hahaha wow that has got to be the most dramatic comment ever. Go home by Laughable on January 22 2009, 10:39 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Israel To everybody crying about Tony not focusing on Israel. I believe the point is SA did take a strong stance on the Israel issue correctly or not; but when it comes to the suffering of our neighbours quiet diplomacy is the stance. You have to ask yourself . .more why? . .less by aj on January 22 2009, 11:20 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Mugabe is the tollgate and collector between the DRC Congo and RSA.. of the flow of the blood diamonds from the DRC into RSA, this ruthless mafia political gangsters will keep Mugabe there as long as possible, and Mugabe just collects his wealthy share of the loot. by miner on January 22 2009, 13:33 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

The US civilisation itself is passed its peak. Not only is its economy in trouble after 30 years of living on borrowings, Obama's election is a sign of how the demographics are changing - it will be 3rd world in some 50 years. by LP on January 22 2009, 13:48 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Vava voom tony tony , call it as it is , let's hope barack will wipe sadacs glasse with a dose of reality by brad on January 22 2009, 13:55 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Tony has reached maturity Its amazing that Tony can give a speech without mentioning his nemesis - ANC - take a bow Tony Leon! this shows that you are no longer fixated with the ANC. you've outgrown your previous knee-jerk responses to the good and ills in SA. BRAVO!! Now only if . .more you can teach helen godzille to follow in your footsteps . .less by Former DA member on January 22 2009, 14:07 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Tony Why is it that always when the US and Israel cullude in war crimes DA supporters turn a blind eye. It is a fact that Israel is a mini US and serves to ensure that Arab states are distabilsed for the benefit of US. I don't and will never like . .more Robert Mugabe but SA cannot emulate thugery behaviour of invading a sovereign country to please pro US and Israel supporters. The US and Israel never invaded Apartheid SA to free Blacks from the White minority atrocities. Townships were invaded by tanks and war vehicles to fight unarmed youth. Sis tog. . .less by Pops on January 22 2009, 14:36 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Does SA have a Minister of Foreign Affairs ? Doea SA have a minister of foreign affairs. ? Doesn't seem that way. by Sipho Van Resburg on January 22 2009, 14:40 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

I am Minister I am Manto, Minster of foreign affairs, I dont know what that means, and I doesn't cares, When I'm hungry and need food quickly, My blue light gang gets me through the traffic sneakily, And if you get in my way buster, They will . .more kick you with all the strength they can muster, I lie and say I had to get to an emergency meeting, But actually I'm just in a hurry to get eating. This big body takes some lot of calories, In one day I can eat a week's groceries, Simple pleasures in life are good, I have no time to work, although I know I should, Mbeki and ANC promised me a job for life, Work for me is just trouble and strife, The revolution is here and we are the winners, Even though I came last in the competition for slimmers, Politics is a game and I love my job, Even though I am just a big fatty slob. . .less by Manto Minister of Foreign Affairs on January 22 2009, 15:00 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Gaza Tony to gain credibility you must first attend to the Jewish issue. Do not point fingers when your people are doing worse. by Bass Johannes on January 22 2009, 15:15 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

There has to be more to it........... Can't just be politics, what are they involved in with Mugabe that keeps them loyal for necessity's sake???? Surely world leaders can't believe its been done just for the sake of old political alliances. Hope the full story comes out one day..... by Curious on January 22 2009, 15:38 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Former.....? More tripe from the stirrer. If it was intelligent or amusing, that would make a difference. As it is, however, its just mindless babble from a cretin who thinks its being clever. Helen Zille, already having won world acclaim as a top mayor, would . .more totally ignore this rubbish from a subnormal, possibly disturbed source. She is pretty secure in her somewhat unique position as SA's articulator of incisive truths, something the ANC has little experience of, and doesnt like hearing. Now, if Helen and Patricia and COPE, possibly with support from the mini parties, can just get together to reduce the ANC voting fodder to below 50pc, there will be hope for this land yet, and indeed, all of Southern Africa. Nothing would dismay, disconcert and discomfit Mugabe more than that. . .less by Jack on January 22 2009, 15:55 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Zim well said Tony,i could not agree more with you our black compatriots have no idea of what 'humanity' or 'fairness' is. President Obama warned the rogue dictators in his speech....i expect him to act soon by sudanstud on January 22 2009, 22:01 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

Obama not again this mampara chooses SA on a coalition cause with Obama and leaves out Israel on a coalition cause with Obama. by Siyabulela Livatsha on January 23 2009, 11:06 Find this comment inappropriate? Report it

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