The Commonwealth, the irrelevant

by Hafiz Noor Shams

Yet again, an international organization that does very little beats its chest, declaring its self-proclaimed importance to the world. Its members praise the organization for one thing or another. This is the Commonwealth of Nations and it is having its Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Perth.

The truth is that like many other international organizations out there, the Commonwealth is increasingly irrelevant.

Really, what exactly does the Commonwealth do, apart from hosting the Commonwealth Games every four years? And oh, yes, CHOGM too?

The last time it played any significant role was its campaign against apartheid in South Africa. That was almost two decades ago. All other issues after that demonstrated the inefficacy of the organization. It holds no sway on Pakistan. Australia and New Zealand alone can exert pressure on the problem Fiji and other small Pacific island-state. Corruption? Lip service. Climate change? It did not matter at Copenhagen. Development? The days of the Colombo Plan is long gone. If it has not yet, then it is definitely close to its expiry date. Individual rights? Human rights? Please do not make me laugh.

So, what will be the biggest topic discussed in the latest CHOGM meeting in Perth, Australia?

Numero uno: the line of succession of the British monarchy. Yes. Of all issues bedeviling the world right now, the Commonwealth’s main concern is the line of succession of the British monarchy.

Oh, it will also discuss how to celebrate the Queen’s diamond jubilee. God save the Queen.

Of course, that is an issue perfect for the Commonwealth realm. It is an issue of great importance to an irrelevant organization. How more irrelevant can one get?

Manmohan Singh, the Prime Minister of the biggest democracy in the world, realizes this. He is skipping the CHOGM meeting in Perth, which opens today.

Even the British Prime Minister David Cameron is giving the opening a miss, knowing exactly what his priority is at the moment: Europe. This is telling.