Are We Truly Human or Worse Than Animals?IWhat does it mean to be human?

We distinguish ourselves from animals because we can think, decide, and show compassion. But when we reflect on our actions—or the lack thereof—are we truly worthy of calling ourselves human? In regions like Palestine, Iraq, Libya, Syria, Burma, Afghanistan, Japan, and China, oppression has persisted for centuries, while the world remains a silent spectator. From the perspective of humanity, this article sheds light on the history of oppression, the role of tyrannical leaders, and the consequences of our silence, urging us to return to our humanity through compassion and courage.A History of Oppression: Global PerspectiveThe history of oppression varies by region, but its essence remains the same—the dominance of the powerful over the weak. Let us examine the brief history of these regions that have suffered oppression: ‎Palestine: Oppression in Palestine intensified with the establishment of Israel in 1948. During the Nakba, millions of Palestinians were displaced from their homes. Israeli prime ministers, such as David Ben-Gurion and Benjamin Netanyahu, have sustained military occupation, bombings, and human rights violations. In 2023-2024, over 40,000 Palestinians were killed in Gaza attacks, including a large number of children and women. Israel’s policies have been backed by the United States, making it complicit in this oppression.Iraq: The 2003 U.S. invasion devastated Iraq. President George W. Bush launched the war based on false claims (e.g., weapons of mass destruction), resulting in millions of Iraqi deaths and displacements. The war gave rise to terrorist groups like ISIS. British Prime Minister Tony Blair shares responsibility for this destruction.Libya: In 2011, NATO’s attacks plunged Libya into chaos. U.S. President Barack Obama and British Prime Minister David Cameron left Libya a failed state after the overthrow of Muammar Gaddafi, with civil war ongoing today. This is a result of Western colonial policies.Syria: Since 2011, Syria’s civil war has claimed millions of lives and displaced millions more. Bashar al-Assad’s regime, backed by Russia and Iran, oppressed its own people. However, U.S. and Western interventions worsened the situation. In 2024, Assad’s regime fell, but Syria’s future remains uncertain.Burma (Myanmar): Since 2017, the Rohingya Muslims have faced genocide. Myanmar’s military killed thousands of Rohingya and forced millions to flee to Bangladesh. Myanmar’s leader Aung San Suu Kyi’s silence disappointed the global community.Afghanistan: The 2001 U.S. invasion destroyed Afghanistan. Presidents George W. Bush and Barack Obama’s policies led to the deaths and impoverishment of millions of Afghans. The roots of this destruction lie in Western intervention.Japan: In 1945, U.S. atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki killed millions. President Harry Truman’s decision targeted innocent civilians, marking a dark chapter in human history.China: The oppression of Uyghur Muslims in China continues. The Chinese government has detained millions of Uyghurs in camps, attempting to erase their culture and religion. President Xi Jinping’s policies are a gross violation of human rights.Black People in the U.S.: Black people have faced oppression for centuries—from slavery in the 17th century to ongoing police brutality. The 2020 killing of George Floyd sparked global protests, but U.S. presidents like Donald Trump and Joe Biden have failed to take significant action to address this injustice.The Role of Tyrannical LeadersCertain leaders stand out in the history of oppression:Israeli Prime Ministers:

Benjamin Netanyahu has continued the occupation of Palestine, bombing Gaza and denying Palestinians their rights. His policies are enabled by U.S. and Western support.U.S. Presidents: George W. Bush initiated wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. Barack Obama intervened in Libya and Syria. Joe Biden has continued support for Israeli oppression in Palestine. These presidents are responsible for global injustices.British Prime Ministers: Tony Blair supported the U.S. in the Iraq War. David Cameron contributed to Libya’s destruction. Britain’s colonial history laid the foundation for oppression in regions like Palestine.The Cost of SilenceWhen we fail to speak out for Palestine, Iraq, or other oppressed regions, we become complicit with the oppressors. Animals act according to their nature, but we have the power to think and choose. If we do not use this power, we are worse than animals. For instance, when bombs fall on children in Palestine or when Rohingya face genocide in Burma, our silence makes us guilty. Humanity demands that we speak out against injustice, not remain silent.Returning to HumanityHope remains. The people of Palestine fight unarmed for their homeland. These individuals remind us that humanity lies in compassion and courage. We must overcome our fear and raise our voices against oppression, whether in Palestine, Syria, or elsewhere. The true test of humanity is to stand with the oppressed, no matter the cost.ConclusionThe difference between humans and animals lies in our choices. We must raise our voices for the oppressed in Palestine, Iraq, Libya, Syria, Burma, Afghanistan, Japan, China, and everywhere injustice persists. Leaders of Israel, the U.S., and Britain have sponsored oppression, but our silence makes us complicit. Humanity demands that we overcome our fear and fight against injustice, for it is our courage that truly makes us human. ‎Article by abdul hafeez eebatzahi