The Economic System of Islam — Page 113
113 security, these smaller countries merited additional territory more than Russia did. The fact is that Russia remained un-aggressive only as long as it lacked the power. Once it gained the power, Russia did not hesitate to devour the smaller states on grounds that it needed to strengthen its borders. If this were a valid reason, it could also be used by America to justify retaining control over the Japanese Islands. The reality is that those with power can always present excuses to justify their actions. As they say, ‘might is right. ’ Given this record of Russian approach in international politics, how can we hope that Russia would take a more egalitarian and just approach in the economic sphere? For those who think that political decisions are different [from economic decisions] the question can be posed differently: if Russia really loves equity why does it seek to occupy Iran’s oil fields. Is this fair to Iran, considering that the country itself needs oil to support its poor and hungry people? If the interests and welfare of the weak have any value in Russia’s eyes, as the Communists claim, then, Russia should have, for example, lent money to Iran free of interest so that Iran could develop its oil resources. It should be obvious, then, that the objective of Russia is to deprive Iran of the benefit of its oil fields to promote its own interests. Some people argue that the British too have taken possession of Iran’s oil fields. This is not a good argument, because the wrong done by one does not justify the same for someone else. If Britain is to be condemned for its actions, one should also condemn Russia. Russian actions demonstrate that its policies are in reality no differ- ent from the policies followed by other imperial powers. If Russia subscribes to the principle of equality, it should hand over oilfields