Progress is measured by our capacity for compassion and ethical leadership

Every year, July 4 is rightfully held in high regard by hundreds of millions from various faiths across the world. On July 4th, 1187 CE, Saladin (1137-1193) the first Sultan of Egypt, the Levantine & Yemen and the founder of the Ayyubid dynasty not only led a campaign that liberated Palestine, including the holy city of Jerusalem, but he also became a role model in mercy, chivalry, and interfaith understanding for almost a millennium.

Our world also owes him firmly diminishing the reign of terror of our world’s most infamous Assasins cult, and ending the unjust rule of Fatimid Dynasty in Egypt.

In contrast, as the US celebrated its 248th Independence Day, while hundreds of millions around the world who believe in the right to live with dignity are holding the US responsible for the continuous suffering of tens of thousands of people. This suffering is not only in Palestine but also in Sudan, Congo, Yemen, and Syria. United Nations organizations, including the International Court of Justice (ICJ) and the International Criminal Court (ICC) among others, have attested to this through witness testimonies, live broadcasts of massacres, and documented evidence of the Israeli occupation’s murders, rape, and torture. The optimal way for humanity to make serious socio-economic progress is to celebrate the values learned from Saladin and hold those responsible for genocide accountable.

As we reflected on the significance of July 4, it is essential to recognise the stark contrast between the legacy of Saladin and the current state of global affairs under a unipolar world order. Saladin, is often remembered not only for his strategic acumen but also for his chivalrous conduct during the Crusades. His actions, particularly during the conquest of Jerusalem in 1187, were marked by an extraordinary level of mercy and respect for the defeated. Unlike the mass slaughter that followed the Christian capture of Jerusalem in 1099, Saladin ensured safe passage for Christian inhabitants and safeguarded holy sites. His approach to leadership, grounded in principles of fairness and respect, starkly contrasts with the modern unipolar methods that often prioritize power over principle.

The US backed genocide against Palestinians committed by the Israeli Occupation Forces serves as a poignant example of the failures of a unipolar approach devoid of moral consideration. Justified under the pretense of eliminating weapons of mass destruction, the invasion led to immense human suffering, destabilisation of the region, and the emergence of Judeo-Christian terrorist mercenaries. The decision, driven by geopolitical interests rather than ethical considerations, resulted in a protracted conflict that has cost countless lives and exacerbated global divides. This starkly contrasts with Saladin's ethos, where even in victory, the well-being of civilians and respect for different cultures and religions were paramount.

Similarly, the protracted conflict in Syria reflects the unipolar system's inability to foster peace and stability. Multiple interventions by the US and its allies, often driven by strategic interests rather than humanitarian concerns, have prolonged the suffering of the Syrian people. The lack of “redlines”, and a coherent and morally grounded approach has led to a complex and devastating civil war, with millions displaced and untold numbers killed. Saladin's model of leadership, where diplomacy and ethical conduct were as crucial as military might, offers a stark lesson on the importance of moral integrity in conflict resolution.

The ongoing tension in Eastern Europe, particularly the conflict in Ukraine, further exemplifies the deficiencies of a unipolar world order. The initial response from the West, characterised by sanctions and military aid, has not led to a resolution but has instead entrenched the conflict. This approach, driven more by power dynamics than by a genuine commitment to peace and justice, highlights the moral void at the heart of the unipolar paradigm. Saladin's legacy reminds us that true leadership involves not just strength but also the wisdom to pursue peace and the empathy to consider the well-being of all affected parties.

In conclusion, the current global conflicts reveal the inherent flaws of a unipolar world order that operates without the guiding principles of morality exemplified by leaders like Saladin. His legacy teaches us that effective and just leadership must balance power with ethics, strength with compassion, and victory with mercy. As the world grapples with ongoing and emerging conflicts, there is an urgent need to revisit these timeless principles and recognise that the path to lasting peace and stability lies not in unipolar dominance but in a morally guided and multipolar world order.

Let us not only celebrate the independence and values of the US but also reflect on the broader implications of our actions on the global stage. Let us honor the legacy of Saladin by striving for a world where power is tempered with justice, and where true progress is measured by our capacity for compassion and ethical leadership.