Ramzy Baroud

Because of Tutu, we are constantly reminded that Israeli apartheid in Palestine must be fought with the same ferocity, will, and moral fortitude as that of South Africa.

"While the vote in Congress to 'monitor and combat Islamophobia' is a positive step, the urgency of the situation demands not just symbolic gestures."

The world insists on facing a global crisis with nationalistic and politically-driven solutions.

While Belgium's position, on its own, is praiseworthy—as it reflects the ceaseless activism and pressure of the country's own civil society—it should not be seen as an alternative to a courageous political and moral position, similar to the one taken during the anti-apartheid struggle in South Africa.

For Palestine to be free, for the Palestinian people to achieve their full rights and for the Right of Return for Palestinian refugees to be honored, the story of Palestine has to be told by the Palestinians themselves.

The question remains—will Israel be able to use its power, influence and leverage in Western societies to force the world to accept and co-exist with a full-fledged apartheid regime in Palestine?

Expecting COP26 to save the world is wishful thinking. Our fate is truly in our own hands. It always has been.

Gates' obsession with 'innovation' might have blinded him from addressing other issues that Israel is also 'known for'—namely, being the world's leading human rights violator, whose horrific track record of racial apartheid and violence is known to every member of the United Nations.