Woodrow Wilson's 14 points & Allama Iqbal
Thomas Woodrow Wilson (December 28, 1856 – February 3, 1924) was the 28th President of the United States, in office from 1913 to 1921. He was famous due to his
policy of neutrality. As we know, every policy is made to protect specific
interests. Generally, a successful policy always camouflage interests and portrays
it as a coconut cake. The real issue is how to deconstruct a policy and
understand the specific interest. In this way one can find spaces for the
people. Normally powerful nations have ability to construct charismatic,
appealing and attractive policy which has been packed in multiple ribbons so that
no one can reach till the end. Till 1940s neutrality was a major policy and
after 2nd world war it was replaced by Cold war of two systems yet
these days we are living in the age of terror. No doubt US policy makers have outnumbered
her all opponents in constructing fabulous policies. Here the reference is
policy of neutrality and its impact on people living in the age of colonization.
We will observe who understand it timely and who found spaces for the people. Till
early 20th century, Ottoman Empire, Austro-Hungarian Empire, British
Empire, Prussian Germany, Tsarist Russia had occupations on different areas
(countries & nations) but United States had no colony outside US. Keeping
in view this scenario, one can easily understand genesis of the neutrality.
Hence in his famous 14 Points (1918) Wilson added issue of sovereignty of
nations. “Free, open-minded, and
absolutely impartial adjustment of all colonial claims, based upon a strict
observance of the principle that in determining all such questions of sovereignty the interests of the populations concerned must have equal
weight with the equitable claims of the government whose title is to be
determined.” As we were living in colonial times so our up to date
intellectuals picked the point smartly and that is why we saw resonance of Wilson’s
14 points in the resolution written and announced by the Allama Iqbal in a
public gathering at historic Mochi gate ground in November 30, 1919. The
protest meeting was held to remind Britishers promises as done by Willson and
in the Treaty of Versailles (28
June 1919). Don’t mix it with Khilafat movement because Mian sir Fazle Hussain
(who was presiding the meeting) and allama iqbal had reservations with that
movement. The resolution and extract from his speech is reproduced in the
piece. Just read and enjoy
For easy reading click
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