If Algeria introduced a resolution declaring that the earth was flat and that Israel had flattened it, it would pass by a vote of 164 to 13 with 26 abstentions.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- UN votes often reflect bias against Israel rather than facts, as shown by a hypothetical resolution on a flat earth.
- In plain terms
- The UN passes unfair resolutions against Israel easily.
- What can you take from it?
- Bias affects international votes.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- How much bias exists in voting?
- What shapes international consensus?
Another view
Hypotheticals may not capture real geopolitical complexities.
More from Abba Eban
The Arabs never miss an opportunity to miss an opportunity.
Permalink to quote #2 A consensus means that everyone agrees to say collectively what no one believes individually.
Permalink to quote #4 History teaches us that men and nations behave wisely once they have exhausted all other alternatives.
Permalink to quote #1
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