Dirty business

In a week's time a trade delegation from Scottish Development International will visit Israel to drum up business on behalf, presumably, of the Scottish business community. That it goes with the blessing of the Scottish Government raises serious questions with regard to the direction such trade links are taking Scotland and the Scottish people.

Within the corridors of power at Holyrood, there has been no reported debate on any link between Scotland and the state of Israel, which many view as a pariah state. However, debate has taken place in other forums within Scotland, principally at the Scottish Trades Union Congress, where, in April last year, following years of discussion and delay, a policy of boycott, divestment and sanctions (BDS) against Israel was adopted.

As the ramification of events in Gaza became clear, this decision was echoed worldwide.

At the very least, as Scotland seeks to find a place on the world stage, the views of its people must count, but with the state of Israel viewed as lucrative market, particularly in relation to shared expertise, the lure of gains from technology seem to dominate.

Was no thought given to dealing with what amounts to a racist state with a chasm between the treatment of its Jewish and Palestinian Arab citizens? Was no thought given to the wisdom of establishing relations with a state which, for more than 40 years, has brutality subjugated another people; where Archbishop Desmond Tutu has openly stated that the conditions he witnessed were far worse than anything ever encountered under the worst aspects of apartheid?

The only reason Israel can be described as "embattled" with a need to develop certain areas of technology is its failure to recognise the human and national rights of the Palestinian people, leading to a situation where military and security developments have become a necessity, all at the expense of the Palestinians under occupation.

The one question Alex Salmond and the Scottish Government must answer is: "Just what identity do they seek for Scotland and its people?" The omens are not good.

HUGH HUMPHRIES

Scottish Friends of Palestine

Tinto Road

Glasgow