By Ali Raza
FAISALABAD: The newly proposed Board of Peace (BOP) has come under criticism from experts, who warn that its exclusionary structure and alignment with specific geopolitical interests may undermine genuine peace efforts in the Middle East.
Talking to Grandlines, Dr. Ghulam Mustafa, Associate Professor and Head of the International Relations Department at Government College University Faisalabad, said that the BOP as an international organization backed by the Trump administration, intended to foster social harmony in the Palestine-Israel region. While some argue this role belongs to the UN, the BOP is currently focused on the Middle East, with the potential for a global mandate later. The main agenda is Palestine and Israel, but it involves the region, including members like Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Pakistan.
However, he identified a “major failure” in its structure: the complete exclusion of Palestinian representatives from decisions regarding their own land.
Furthermore, Dr. Mustafa noted that the BOP only includes “like-minded” countries such as Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Pakistan while excluding key regional players like Iran and Syria. The attacks on Iran are aimed at eliminating what Israel sees as its biggest threat in the region. He argued that, because the organization excludes any party that opposes US or Israeli interests, it appears to serve those specific powers rather than the cause of genuine peace.
Pakistan’s Position and the “Anti-Pakistan” Alliance
Regarding Pakistan’s role, Dr. Mustafa highlighted the historical friction between Pakistan and Israel. He suggested that Israel is unlikely to accept Pakistani peacekeeping forces because of Pakistan’s unwavering support for Palestinian self-determination since 1947.
When asked if the BOP is a tool to normalize relations between the two nations, Dr. Mustafa asserted that Pakistan cannot accept Israel due to its core Islamic ideology. He further noted a growing strategic rift, pointing out that Israel and India have recently supported Afghanistan in ways that are “totally anti-Pakistan,” further complicating any potential rapprochement.
The Shift to Asymmetric Economic Warfare
Dr. Mustafa described the broader conflict as an “economic war.” Citing Pentagon analyses, he noted a massive fiscal disparity: the cost for the US and Israel to intercept Iranian missiles far exceeds the production cost of the missiles themselves. He warned that while Iran is focused on survival, the US and Israel are incurring unsustainable costs.
He concluded that he believes we are seeing the downfall of the US. While Iran is trying to survive, the US and Israel are spending billions of dollars they cannot sustain. This “blunder” of choosing conflict over dialogue may signal the downfall of the US as a sole superpower.
Dr. Mustafa pointed to the decline of US bonds and China’s “strategic patience” as indicators of an approaching economic collapse or disintegration of the US. He cautioned that the current pursuit of a “Greater Israel” policy by the Israeli government, which he believes the Trump administration is enabling, will ultimately result in greater harm to US and Israeli interests in the near future.
Author Profile
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Ali Raza holds an MPhil in International Relations and is a vibrant journalist with a keen eye for global affairs. Beyond reporting, he is a passionate teacher, dedicated to inspiring students with critical thinking and a deep understanding of world events.
Ali combines his academic expertise with on-the-ground experience, delivering insightful analyses and thought-provoking stories that engage readers and learners alike.
