This is with reference to the report “UK govt accepts call to publish Brexit plan, asks Parliament to respect timetable” (Dec. 7). I think Britons should give Brexit a second thought. Such crucial decisions should not be made based on the result of a referendum. The masses are usually unaware of the complex nature of political issues. The growing populism in Europe is very dangerous. It is threatening the very existence of the European Union. Instead of coming up with a viable solution to economic problems, the populist leaders are promoting isolationism in an era of global cooperation. In today’s world, interests of all nations are interconnected. It is impossible for a country to live in isolation. Truth be told, the overall concept of globalization is under threat. It is like pushing the world into the Dark Ages.
It is the responsibility of the western intelligentsia and the mainstream media to help people understand the pitfalls of isolationism and the dangers of populism.
— Tahir Shafiq, Riyadh
Growing populism
