The Costs of Unilateralism: Lessons from Syria, Ukraine, and Afghanistan
Yesterday, Wednesday, Vladimir Putin hosted a grand reception for al-Jolani at the Kremlin Palace. Bashar al-Assad, present in Moscow with pride, undoubtedly witnessed this scene. Perhaps for the first time, he has realized that placing all political eggs in one basket was a mistake.
He likely thought to himself that he should have maintained relations with both the United States and Russia simultaneously, and also balanced the dynamics between Iran and Saudi Arabia.
Had he done so, his political fate might not have reached this point. Putting all political eggs in one basket often leads to deadly consequences.
Another example of this approach is Ukraine, which, by unilaterally focusing on joining NATO, has exposed itself to severe crises.
In a different scenario, the Taliban in Afghanistan claim to take only God’s side and have placed all their eggs in the basket of the Almighty. However, they have disregarded the rights and demands of the people, even though God himself emphasizes not only His own rights but also the rights of others.
Ignoring the suffering and displacement of the people, even under the claim of strict adherence to God, leads to devastation.
Dr. Seyed Javad Sajadi
