Snakes in the Closet, Skeletons in the Cupboard

Two metaphors come to mind that capture the essence of the ongoing situation in our neighbourhood. The first is skeletons in the cupboard—remnants of what once was. These are visible, documented traces of a dark past that persistently link to the present. Hidden away, they represent secrets not meant to be revealed—unsolved crimes, suppressed truths, and buried guilt. Their presence haunts even when unacknowledged.

The second metaphor is even more sinister: snakes in the closet. Unlike skeletons, snakes are alive—deadly, cunning, and calculating. They are fed in silence, let loose in stealth, bite without warning, and then slither back—only to be nurtured again. They inspire fear and loathing for good reason. Associated with treachery and terror, they inflict harm indiscriminately—man, woman, or child—and leave behind a trail of trauma.

To have skeletons in one’s cupboard is shameful. But to harbour snakes in the closet is evil exemplified.

Some States have, as a matter of policy, released these snakes—deploying them as proxies to terrorise and settle scores. Their appeal lies in plausible deniability and cost-effectiveness. A single strike creates widespread panic. If caught, connections can be disowned. Yet, these creatures are not loyal. Snakes, after all, do not differentiate between friend and foe—and often bite the hand that feeds them.

As for the skeletons—no secret stays buried forever. They rattle. They spill out. Investigations, intelligence leaks, and shifting geopolitics often shine a light on what was meant to be hidden: terror plots, protected perpetrators, and a legacy of state complicity.

So what should the world do with these snakes and skeletons? There are no easy answers. But a collective, consistent exposure of the skeletons is imperative. The world must remember: these threats are not confined by borders. What begins as someone else’s problem can quickly become our own.

Until these serpents turn on their masters—as they inevitably do—it remains the duty of responsible nations to rattle the cupboard doors. To remind all that harbouring secrets and serpents leads only to destruction.