Why, oh why, are the vast majority of Muslim nations so unremittingly repressive and undemocratic? We, who rightly condemn the cruelties, unjust laws and actions of Western states, have a duty to extend that concern and condemnation to the Arab Kingdoms, to Egypt, Pakistan and Bangladesh, Iran and Indonesia, the Maldives, other Muslim-majority countries and the most blighted of all, Afghanistan.

Old colonialism depleted the resources of the nations they ruled over and neo-colonialism continues that history of economic exploitation, but most of the suffering of people in the post-colonial world is made worse by ruthless, corrupt, get-rich politicians who exert absolute power.

Almost exactly five years ago, the US abruptly left Afghanistan after 20 years of war and semi-occupation. The agreement was negotiated by Donald Trump, but the decision to go through with it was taken by Joe Biden and supported by Kamala Harris, supposed liberal internationalists. They handed the country to the Taliban. I remember scenes of weeping, desperate Afghans who had worked with the allies trying to cling to planes at Kabul Airport (over 120,000 were airlifted, but many more were simply........

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