Ebrahim Rasool, South Africa’s ambassador to the U.S., stirred up a storm when he critiqued American politics, leading to tensions with the U.S. government. His speech compared U.S. foreign policy to a telescope, suggesting that countries should align their actions with their values. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio called Rasool ‘persona non grata,’ accusing him of racebaiting after he mentioned changing demographics in America. This sparked a heated debate about the connection between race and politics, showing how deeply personal and national identities can affect international relations. Rasool’s words highlighted the need for calm and thoughtful engagement, urging South Africa to navigate these diplomatic challenges wisely.