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| A residential building in Be'er Sheva, Israel, damaged in Iranian attack on June 20. REUTERS/Amir Cohen |
None of the updates are positive. On the contrary, most of them are disturbing.
There’s so much at stake that these tit-for-tat strikes by Israel and Iran, which are becoming more horrific by the day, simply cannot be allowed to spiral out of control, if they haven’t already.
This Israel-Iran war is the third major conflict underway. There is already Russia-Ukraine war and the Israel-Hamas/Hezbollah hostilities.
Regime change?
Judging by the latest developments, I get a feeling that a regime change in Iran could be on the horizon.
How and when that might happen, a very crucial element, remains uncertain and speculative.
Or, that might not happen, in lieu of something else that might satisfy Israel who are keen on it.
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| The building of Iran’s State TV broadcaster which was targetted by Israel on June 19. Majid Asgaripour/WANA (West Asia News Agency) via REUTERS |
While there’s a lot of public posturing from all sides, quiet backroom negotiations are also happening behind the scenes, aimed at reining in both Israel and Iran.
In any conflict, one of the core objectives of diplomacy is to find a face-saving exit route for all parties involved. But, that's the toughest part.
It may be somewhat easier for Israel to pull back, but what would Iran tell its people if it does the same?
Iran had said it would consider talks only if Israel stops firing at its territory. Perhaps Israel could declare it has achieved its objectives (it has, more or less, is it not?) and pause, if not completely cease, its attacks.
If an exit path is found, all sides can claim victory, and the war could come to an end. The world would then be able to breathe a collective sigh of relief.
'Israel wants to end the war'
The Wall Street Journal has a story quoting Israeli and Arab sources, that Israel has conveyed a message to Iran, through intermediaries, that it is looking to end the war soon.
Could this be a sign that we are finally nearing the end of this conflict?
It would be wonderful if the war was to come to an end, but I am not holding my breathe but I am praying that it ends soon as war is so horrible and so many innocent people are killed.
ReplyDeleteLooks like the fighting has ended!
DeleteWest Asia? I love that. It's interesting what different parts of the world call different parts of the world.
ReplyDeleteI wish for peace for us all. Sadly, the people in charge don't seem to want peace. Deep sigh.
Here we don't say Middle East. That expression is for the people who live to the west of the region, like Europe and the Americas.
DeleteIndia is to the east of that region. So for us, it's West Asia.
Finally, the fighting seems to have ended. But Israel and Iran remain enemies. So, the whole thing could start all over again, at some point in the future.
Unless the two countries become allies. Once upon a time they were allies!
The cost of war is high to both the countries and their populations. Neither side would unilaterally announce cessation of war for obvious reasons.
ReplyDeleteAs the continued war can harm the economy of other countries in many ways, the major powers through backroom channels should try to bring about an agreement to end the war soonest without loss of face to either country.
War or conflicts don't help anyone.
DeleteSadly war is what we do best. Our efforts at peace always fail and war is constant. How long do you think it will be before it flares up again between India and Pakistan? There has probably never been a time in human history when humans are not killing each other. And it’s unlikely to change. The weaponry gets more and more destructive, too.
ReplyDeleteDavid, you put it very correctly. War is easy. Peace takes effort.
DeleteEven though a ceasefire between Israel and Iran is in place, the two countries remain enemies.
Regarding India and Pakistan also the core issues remain unresolved.
Be it the Middle East or India-Pakistan or wherever, unless there is a give-and-take, unless both (or all) concerned parties show willingness to take a few steps back, it is not possible to move forward.
The problem is no one is willing to step back.
So, nothing changes.
Hari OM
ReplyDeleteIt's all just so messy and ''smoke and mirrors'... YAM xx
Hi Yamini - I fully agree with you.
DeleteRegime change will not help. If this Ayatollah is removed another Ayatollah will take over.
ReplyDeleteYou are right. I think, first of all, both parties have to accept the existence of the other.
DeleteIf Iran gives up some of its religion and Israel some of its hubris, maybe a solution could be found.
ReplyDeleteHi Tomi - Yes, a lot status quo will have to be changed.
DeleteIt's disheartening how humans continue acting cruel and warlike. I try to focus on spreading little acts/words of kindness every day. Take care, my friend.
ReplyDelete