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Security of small states

15 July 2005, 18:00 PM
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
By Syed Farhat Ahmad Roomy New DOHS, Dhaka
15 July 2005, 18:00 PM
Concept of security of small states is used to be based on UN intervention in case of aggression by any external force. But the concept is now outdated if not invalid altogether. Earlier a small state would have a defence force which the state could afford and it was so designed and developed that in case of external aggression the force would be capable enough to hold the aggressor at bay till intervention by the UN. But the role of the UN has since changed and it has become merely a tool in the hands of great powers to serve their interests.

Another change has taken place in the international scenario. Earlier disputing parties having clash of interests would usually agree to third party mediation. But it is no more. Bilateralism and unilateralism have replaced multilateralism and mediation by third party. That is to say the parties have to either negotiate among themselves to arrive at a solution or else the stronger party would force a decision on the weaker one.

In the above circumstances what should the small states do to safeguard their legitimate interests? Ostensibly, there could be only two alternatives. Surrender to the stronger power and be happy with whatever it offers. Or else, develop such covert force, which would compel stronger power to be just and fair on a negotiating table.

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What is this covert force? Before going any further it must be clarified that a covert force is not a substitute for conventional defence forces rather it is complementary to the conventional forces. A highly efficient covert capability could perhaps be obtained by spending a very minor fraction of a defence budget. Ironically, most great powers have this capability. Whereas, small states needing them most do not have it. But there is one exception ie the state of Israel. Some examples of these covert force/agencies are CIA, KGB, MI6, ISI, RAW, Mosad etc.

Mosad is a covert agency of the state of Israel concerned with espionage, intelligence gathering, and covert political operations in foreign countries. Mosad is the most important and efficient Israeli intelligence agency, and its head reports directly to the prime minister. The Mosad maintains numerous Israeli secret agents in Arab and other nations, and its operatives are believed to have carried out undercover operations against enemies of Israel and former Nazi war criminals living abroad. Mosad has also been linked with several assassinations of Palestinian leaders in Europe, the Middle East, and North Africa.

Mosad plays a vital role in keeping both friends and adversaries of Israel maintain a softer posture towards the state. For example it has been reported that Mosad has acquired such capability that it can monitor the entire telecommunications of the US.