Going around, coming around

The numbers related to the arms trade are zealously guarded. What comes out does so in terms of country-to-country deals and no reliable information about the ‘leakages’ that take place. That is where it becomes alarming because sophisticated arms find their way into the hands of terrorists, renegade groups and rebel groups. And when it all goes out of control the developed world finds it convenient to tackle the threat by going into other countries and bombing the daylight out of everything.

Much is being made of the rebel cause in Syria because the west supports it against an apparently democratic arm-twisting elected Assad. That there are others like that around is not of concern. The tragedy that is Libya and Iraq have failed to cast any impact on do-good western governments. The arms and munitions poured in there have also found their way into ISIS hands. The dismay with which Russia’s reiteration of fulfilling agreements with the Syrian government has been met is understandable if not acceptable.

Everyone knows ISIS got their funds from Qatar but where did the arms come from? Obviously some western nation. So the social media caption ‘we are not claiming your social security, we are just trying to escape your bombs’ is an apt one for fleeing refugees. For years the Tamil Tigers, sitting on the Emerald Isles got their flow of arms easily enough. No boycott or sanctions were proffered. The Iraqi government’s opponents are getting their arms and munitions from somewhere as are those in Libya.

Even in Bangladesh, police and other law enforcers continue to capture arms caches almost at will.  Again, much is made of the capture of terrorists; the supply issue is never highlighted. Because it is big, big money, both in terms of direct purchase as well as smoothening the demand terrain. It are these bombs and weapons that the hapless Syrians are fleeing. Bombs that could well have been manufactured in the countries’ they seek asylum.

The world’s arms dealers lead flamboyant lifestyles. Our country’s ones maintain a low profile existence except maybe Moosa Bin Shamsher who sticks out a thumb every time someone pokes around with his fortune and status as the unofficial richest man in the country. Under the guise of legitimate deals, unholy ones are also executed leading to further strife. Their reach is long and torturous. It is a domain no government has seriously addressed.

There then comes the link between National Intelligence agencies. There have been claims that earlier reports of the growth of ISIS were watered down for President Obama’s and junior sleuths are the ones complaining. Or maybe not acknowledging such reports allowed a political siesta affording breathing space for them to gain the initiative. Money changed hands, a private army armed and still nothing really happens.

The eight truck arms case is now on the back burner. Tracing the sources is almost like a no no. Indian intelligence probably have the information but are being tight-lipped about it. Where they were headed is important; where they came from is critical to know. But then the cat would be out of the bag. When the economy flounders arms sales usually grow with uncanny conflicts emerging literally out of no where. Except that conflict does not emerge suddenly. A lot of activity ensues. The arms carried by guards in Europe are most likely indigenous to Europe. Thankfully these did not require to be used.

The country of origin is so diligently followed when our clothes get shipped abroad. Maybe now we ask for something similar for all arms imports. Socially correct; politically perhaps not.

(The writer may be reached at [email protected])