Bono has presented his own method of tackling the extremism and violence holding countries in the Middle East hostage: send in some of the West’s most popular comedians.
The U2 singer and activist has already gathered a list of those he believes should be dispatched to some of the most turbulent and dangerous parts of the world: Amy Schumer, Chris Rock and Sacha Baron Cohen.
Bono was appearing in front of a US Appropriations Subcommittee hearing in Capitol Hill on Tuesday when he urged Congress to act quickly to counter the global refugee crisis and terrorism, claiming fighting violence with more violence is to “speak their language”.
“Don’t laugh," he said. "I think comedy should be deployed. It’s like, you speak violence, you speak their language. But if you laugh at them when they're goose-stepping down the street, then it takes away their power.
“So I am suggesting that the Senate send in Amy Schumer and Chris Rock and Sacha Baron Cohen, thank you.”
Bono had apparently neglected to tell Schumer of his proposals ahead of his address.
On a more serious note, Bono highlighted the flood of people fleeing their homes in the Middle East, Asia and Africa and called for a major, structured aid plan to be implemented in the areas of the Middle East most in need.
“When aid is structured properly, with a focus on fighting poverty and improving governance, it could just be the best bulwark we have against the extremism of our age,” he added.
Bono, who recently returned from refugee camps in Africa and the Middle East, also impressed upon the committee the “existential threat” facing Europe that has not been seen since the Second World War. “This is unthinkable stuff,” he said. “And you should be very nervous in America about it.”
Bono had already outlined his three-point plan for tackling the crisis in an editorial for The New York Times, which involved boosting the humanitarian support offered to refugees, offering host refugees training and job opportunities and providing development assistance to the countries hit hardest by the crisis.
Additional reporting by agencies
