Paul Donovan says we are living in a world without rules

Based on Israel, the US and Russia's recent actions in the Middle East and Ukraine, it seems anything goes!

This marks the end of the rules-based approach to world affairs that has largely operated since the Second World War.

International treaties, overseen by the likes of the United Nations, ensured a steady world peace, though with fewer conflicts and proxy wars still ongoing.

The rules-based approach was first weakened by the US when it attacked Iraq without a UN resolution in 2003, and the UK duly followed its special friend into the disastrous conflict.

International law was flouted, with no one person or country being brought to account.

Next up was Russia invading Ukraine in 2022, no going to the UN, just a straight land grab. Thousands are dead on both sides, with no end in sight.

Cllr Paul Donovan says that world affairs are rule-less (Image: Paul Donovan) Some 18 months later, Hamas attacked Israel on October 7, 2023, killing 1,200 people and taking 251 hostages. Israel claimed the right of self-defence in attacking Gaza.

The stated object was to defeat Hamas, but that action has now gone way beyond self-defence. More than 55,000 dead, with the denial of humanitarian aid prolonging the suffering and more than a million people displaced.

The US has unquestioningly backed Israel. The British government has backed up its special friend. 

Now, Israel has attacked Iran. Former US President Bill Clinton has pointed out that this attack on Iran has much to do with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu staying in power.

When the fighting stops, Netanyahu is likely to be out of office.

Most recently, the US bombs Iran, backing up Israel, on the premise of destroying Iran's nuclear bomb making capability.

No reference to the UN or even the US Congress, an attack that could have huge implications for world peace was launched by a president allegedly committed to peace.

The world is now an even more dangerous place.

In the US, the rule of law seems to have been replaced by the law of the jungle and might is right.

In the US, the President does as he pleases, and the courts seem to have little power to restrain him.

The much-flaunted US constitution is being tested to breaking point.

So, the ideals of the rule of law, democracy and peace are all up for grabs, it appears.

Whether order and the rule of law can be restored in the US and internationally remains to be seen - the alternative hardly bears thinking about. 

• Paul Donovan is Labour councillor for Wanstead Village ward, Redbridge Council and a blogger (paulfdonovan.blogspot.com).