We, the world citizens are in a state of despair, fear and
anxiety with more countries drifting towards wars and the castle of dreams of a
peaceful world comes crashing down.
The so-called ‘jasmine revolution’ the seeds of which was
sown across African nations, right from Tunisia, Libya, Egypt and Yemen are getting
embroiled in civil wars against the dictators in whose hands the rein of power
lay for a long time were challenged by the citizens of the latter countries -
though much blood did spill along the streets of respective nations didn’t cow
down, displayed their grit and determination and finally ensured ouster of
those ruthless dictators.
Unfortunately, the euphoria which spread far and wide across
those nations died down after a short spell. To their despair and
disillusionment the democratic rule which they aspired for didn’t last long
since the ones who succeeded the ousted leaders had no compunction to turn
authoritarian within a short span and resultantly the citizens had to come out
of their homes to the streets in thousands and gather under one umbrella,
raising slogans against the former ones but the shining star of democracy
remained beyond their reach.
Take for example, the situation prevailing in Egypt. After
Hosni Mubarak was ousted from power who ruled with an iron fist for more than
three decades and the Egyptian Brotherhood was elevated to the throne which had
joined hands with the civilians who had fought against Mubarak. Mohd. Morsi of
Egyptian Brotherhood stepped into the shoes of the former who promised early
elections. But the wily leader of Egyptian Brotherhood who became the President
but the dream of early elections didn’t materialize to the disappointment of
civilians. The angry citizens once again appeared on the streets protested and
demanded the resignation of Mr.Morsi, who declined to concede their demand. After
repeated protests by the citizens the army took the plunge to oust Morsi and
successfully threw out Mr.Morsi from power and was kept under detention. The
army leader – Gen Abdel Fattah el-Sisi took over the reins of power promising
to hold elections within a short period. After installing an interim govt he
appointed himself as the Defence minister who promised early elections in
Egypt. Whether General Abdel Fattah el-Sisi would keep his promise to the
citizens is a million dollar question.
In Libya, a civil war is going on among various ethnic
groups claiming the lives of hundreds of thousands of people including
foreigners. A democratic government in Libya has turned out to be a pipe-
dream.
Imbibing inspiration from a few African nations, Syrians too
jumped to the fray and demanded the abdication of power by Dr.Bashar-Al-Asad in
2011 and an adamant, stubborn and stupid Azad has refused to budge and at
present Syria has evolved into a burning cauldron. Syrians drawing inspiration
from the sweet smell of ‘Jasmine Revolution’ has fallen into the hands of a
dictator who is very much there and now terror outfits like Al-Queida,
Al-Nusra, ISIS(Islamic State of Iraq and Syira) have turned Syria into river of
blood.
These are the mind-boggling, blood-chilling stories of
certain African nations.
Now that United States has once again ventured to intervene
in Iraq and has already begun bombarding the terror infested areas. US
President Barack Obama has made it clear that US is poised to continue its
mission in Iraq until the last terrorist is wiped out.
It was a conclusion foretold that US which was watching the
phenomenal growth and influence of the ISIS (Islamic State of Iraq and Syira)
under the leadership of Abubaker-Al-Baghdadi, a hard-core terrorist whose
irresistible charm attracted a number militants to his fold and went on a killing spree of Yazidis, Iraqi
and Kurdish citizens unnerved United States which could in future pose a threat
to US in future like the Al-Queida under Osama Bin Laden which created ripples
the world over and in the history of US it was the first terrorist attack and
they got panicky and angry. The Al-Queida elements struck terror in the minds
of US citizens by reducing the World Trade Centre to a pile of rubble. A
cautious US apprehended trouble from the part of ISIS since similar threats
could affect US in future under the control of Al-Baghdadi who proclaimed
himself the Caliph of Islamic State (ISIS).
United States, as a pre-emptive strike have unleashed its
attack by bombarding IS controlled areas not only to rescue the Iraqi citizens
but for its own sake. That was the reason behind Barack Obama’s determination
that US would not withdraw from Iraq until the IS Islamic State is exterminated
once and for all.
Iraq’s President Nouri-Al-Maliki has been removed from his
post behind which is the hands of US and Iran and has chosen Hyderali Abadi,
one of the Shia leaders replacing Nouri Al Maliki. Nouri Al Maliki has so far
declined to step down but ultimately he will have to oblige the dictates of US
authorities.
All said and done the situation in Iraq too is in a state of
volatility.
In comes Ukraine a part of the former Soviet Union. Now that
Soviet empire is a thing of past with Ukraine becoming a separate nation which
too is mired in a crisis. The Pro-Russian citizens forming a big chunk of
Ukraine which too has turned out to be a pain in the neck of Ukraine
authorities. Crimea, formerly a part of Ukraine where Pro-Russians constituted
a majority wanted to merge with Russia defying the Ukraine authorities held a
referendum and to the delight of Russia, the Pro-Russian citizens secured a
majority and became a part of Russia to the consternation of the then govt of
Ukraine and the western nations. But Russian President Vladimir Putin stood
firm and the threats of Western nations, US, Germany, France, Britain et al
slapping sanctions didn’t have any effect.
After the successful annexation of Crimea the Pro-Russian
citizens of Ukraine forming a major part of the latter especially those in the
North and Eastern regions wanted to be an integral part of Russia.
In the meanwhile the former government of Ukraine which was
formed on a temporary basis resigned and a new dispensation under the
leadership of a strong man, the chocolate baron Petro Porshenko was sworn in
who took a pledge not to allow another part of Ukraine going to be a part of
Russia.
But the Pro-Russians of the North-Eastern parts of Ukraine
vowed to merge with Russia.
Petro Porshenko who ordered his army to go on the offensive
and launch ruthless attacks against the Pro-Russians owing allegiance to Russia
especially the rebels of Donetsk and US and European nations offered massive
support to the new leader. Those nations unanimously declared sanctions (in the
words of former US State Secretary Hilary Clinton ‘crippling sanctions’) and had
already been removed Russia from the G8 group of nations.
Of late, after discussions with the US and European nations
Vladimir Putin has given assurance to them that his forces won’t enter Ukraine but
on the condition that the Pro-Russians on the other side of the border are
allowed to live peacefully. Anyhow the situation reminds one of a ‘Timber
Box’.
Almost one month has gone since the Israeli-Palestine
conflict erupted. Israel without any compunction has already killed more than
2000 citizens of the Gaza strip under Hamas except for the intermittent
ceasefires the situation remains volatile. Decades old rivalry – to be exact
six decades continue to fester and still there is no sign of a permanent solution
in sight. With both refusing to recognize each other intense clashes and wars
are still on the cards.
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