All’s Well that Ends Well

If age old archrivals like France and Germany could come together, should not India and Pakistan escape from the Thucydides trap, asks Vivek Pattanayak.

- Vivek Pattanayak.

WHEN on the evening of 10 May one heard the announcement of cease-fire after the armed conflict of four days, undoubtedly there was a sense of relief among most of the people.

It really did not matter who played what role in bringing ceasefire. What was of paramount importance was that lives were saved for the present no matter whether they are military or civilian. Every person has a mother, father, wife or husband, son, or daughter, a grandfather, or a grandmother.

At the end of an armed conflict, call it war or hostilities, no matter how long it lasted and what was the outcome, the quest for peace is not only legitimate and more importantly it is ethical.

Six-day war of Israel against Arab countries in 1967 changed the complexion of the Middle East with Golan Heights of Syria, West Bank of Jordan, whole Jerusalem, and Suez Canal including Sinai of Egypt coming the under control of Israel. Yom Kippur war lasting for three weeks of 1973 restored Suez Canal to Egypt. Sadat's successful effort to have a lasting peace between Egypt and Israel sadly ended in his assassination led by the Muslim Brotherhood. Effort made by Rabin to bring peace between Israel and Palestinians led by Arafat known as the Oslo Accord tragically ended with assassination of Rabin by a Jewish Rabi. Till now the peace has eluded the region in spite of the Abraham accord. TV footage shows what destruction has been done on Gaza and misery of children, women, old and sick. Issue of Palestine continues to be unresolved.