Time to think!

The conscience of mankind is dying. I see wars in many parts of the world. These wars could have been avoided by leaders exercising some restraint. There is a new, dangerous machismo among many leaders. The war in Ukraine has been going on for over three years. Over a thousand soldiers, plus civilians, are dying every day in this bloody war. The Western countries are zealously supporting Ukraine against Russia, even though Russia seems to have the upper hand in the battles. President Trump had promised to negotiate to end this battle, during his election campaign. It has not happened. Now, President Putin has offered to mediate in the Israel-Iran imbroglio. Yet, he has not been able to secure peace in his own backyard, the battle with Ukraine.

Israel continues to bomb the Gaza strip, in the hope of decimating Hamas. Again, this has not happened, even after a year of bitter fighting. In Gaza, the refugees, women and children get killed waiting for some bread or water. What have we come to, in this world, that we even bomb refugees waiting for some food? The new Israel-Iran war is bitter and very perilous. Prime Minister Netanyahu seeks regime change and President Trump demands unconditional surrender. Iran is a sovereign country. It will fight, as a matter of self-respect.

India and Pakistan have sensibly holstered their guns. However, there is an open fight to garner credit for delivering a ceasefire. India claims that the ceasefire was the result of a peace request from Pakistan. President Trump claims that he counselled the leaders of India and Pakistan to secure the ceasefire. The Pakistan military chief has urged that President Trump should be recognized with the Noble Prize for Peace for his efforts.

There is another ethnic battle raging in Sudan in Africa. Nobody is paying attention to the famine and poverty there. Africa is not on the radar of most countries. Hence, the people there are left to suffer the violence. Very sad.

The problem with all wars is that innocent, ordinary people die or pay the price. Soldiers die. They too are human beings, with mothers, wives and children. All wars are horrendous; all wars are suffering. So, it is the duty of every leader to contain wars, not fuel them.

Rajendra Aneja

Mumbai