For those of us in the human rights movement in the time of Trump, the air left decency in diplomacy and reasonable standards for international behavior. The dictators became pals of the American government. Bad things happened. Uighers suffered. Jamal Khashoggi was chopped to death at the request of Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud (MBS), leader of the Saudi nation. The hope for a two-state solution with security for all was mocked by Trump. Russia got a new defender and ally, namely the USA. Human rights were seldom raised. Very little attention was paid to Latin America or Africa except for provocation when bored. Some Latin American countries never even got an ambassador.
As sure as mothers love their children, the nation woke up and dropped over 81 million votes on the Biden /Harris ticket. The new team looks and feels like America does, finally, and seem smart and ready to go. I can only speak for myself but water in a desert does beautiful things.
So far, Putin has been called a killer. Secretary of State Antony Blinken spoke to the Chinese about the ill treatment of Uighers and protection for Taiwan and Hong Kong. Netanuhu’s diplomacy was distanced from the hugs of old days. The CIA exposed that MBS really did call for the execution of Jamal. On the downside, Egypt with tons of political prisoners was given a deal, to my chagrin. Egypt and Turkey, who also has tons of innocent prisoners need a firmer grip from Mr. Blinken.
Biden has spoken with a clear voice for human rights. It’s a great start for human rights which has clearly moved on to the agenda. Blinken is in step and the world will be a little safer and a little kinder now.
The gap that needs immediate attention by Biden and Blinken is the raging and mean famine in Yemen. Since the USA has been a backer of that war for 5 years, we owe it to the Yemeni to use our drones to deliver food and water and medicines. POTUS has been clear re the war in Yemen. We are or have gotten out. But just walking away is another blow to the Yemeni people. Yes, Iran is a supplier of guns to the Houthis. This famine needs the attention of Mr. Blinken and his staff. We rebuilt Europe after it was destroyed by our enemy, the least we can do is help a nation we never should have gone to war with.
We human rights folks will keep up our clamor for a single standard for all nations and we will continue to criticize as we see fit. But make no mistake there is a big player again in the ring of diplomacy and I for one wish them love, truth and congratulations. It is a great entry for human rights.