America's withdrawal from UNHCR

The United States' withdrawal from the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHCR) shouldn't surprise anyone. The move came after its departure from The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) last year. Such a decision fits a familiar pattern of US President Donald Trump's continued isolation of his country from the global stage. Previously, he also withdrew the US from the Paris Climate Agreement, then the Iran Deal, and lastly, seemingly parted ways with his allies in the G-7.

To Trump, the only ally that matters is Israel. It is for Israel that he left UNESCO and the UNHCR. His ambassador to the UN cites the harsh criticism Israel has received from these two global bodies as the reason for US withdrawal. In fact, ignoring widespread calls from the world, Trump shifted the US embassy in Israel from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem, effectively declaring the two-state solution dead.

Md Zillur Rahaman, By e-mail