MAYBE it’s a sign I’m getting older, but I can’t help feeling the West’s unity and sense of purpose are under threat.
Not necessarily in the conventional sense, but more a lack of moral fibre and leadership.
The US, whether it likes it, or not, is the world’s policeman.
They may not have called everything right, but rather a democracy than an authoritarian regime like Russia of China.
Today, in a concerning move, budgetary turmoil has seen the US consider cancelling aid to Ukraine and Israel.
The EU’s support is pretty flaky, too.
Unchecked, Putin will continue right up to NATO’s borders, while Iran’s proxy, Hamas, remains dedicated to wiping Israel off the map.
With flashpoints such as Gaza, Ukraine, Taiwan and others all prominent on the radar screen, I am concerned and surprised that the West is not showing a lot more muscle.
I am not suggesting we launch into any war, but planning and preparation prevent a poor performance, as we used to say in the military.
And, in that spirit, many NATO members must start meeting their defence obligations by spending two per cent of their GDP.
Illegal migration is another area where the West is severely wanting.
Even EU members are realising what’s at stake.
Germany, Italy and Holland are devising measures similar to Rwanda, while others flatly refuse the imposition of quotas.
Meanwhile, easy rhetoric and unrealistic targets are imposed at annual climate change gatherings, where many arrive on private jets.
Some joint pragmatism is needed here, desperately.
Proper leadership is key, rather than political expedience.
The UK, which remains a beacon of freedom and democracy, has a major role to play on the world stage.
Our island nation has a proud history and obscurity was never part of it.