CONFLICT AS A TOOL OF POLITICAL SURVIVAL?

Every war leaves behind uncomfortable questions.

- SHASHI SHEKHAR

The war against Iran is no exception. Whenever stories of victory and nationalism are discussed, a question will arise: what was the logic behind the war?In 1982, Margaret Thatcher was the Prime Minister of Britain. She was on a mission to privatise government corporations, restrain labour unions, slash government spending, and move toward a free-market economy leading to a spike in temporary unemployment and social unrest. Result: Thatcher's approval ratings crashed. She was about to lose the coming elections.

Luckily, Argentinian military Junta’s general and national leader Leopoldo Galtieri attacked the British-controlled Falkland Islands and gave her a lifeline. Britain declared war and emerged victorious, though it resulted in the loss of 900 lives. Thatcher's fortunes changed overnight. She emerged as ‘Iron Lady’. In the next elections she entered the House of Commons with a massive majority of 397 seats compared to 339 in previous elections.

Even today, Thatcher is considered an “Iron Lady,” but no one talks about those 900 people sacrificed at the altar of political ambition.

Similarly, in December 1971, India fought a war with Pakistan. Indira Gandhi till then had the image of a "Dumb Doll”. The Pakistani military dictator Yahya Khan gave her a chance to finally shrug off that image.