In West Asia

Between Us

- Pankaj Vohra

The Israeli invasion of Iran has raised serious concerns about the possibility of world war three breaking out, if superpowers also come out in the open to complicate matters. India, which enjoys cordial relations with both the countries, has taken an ambivalent position, and appears, to be for the time, watching the emerging scenario very closely.

There are multiple dimensions of the present face-off that need to be understood with clarity. US President, Donald Trump, has been making statements which have been widely reported by the Western media that Washington was in the process of making up its mind on whether to join the war, while making it clear that his country stood solidly with Tel Aviv.

The question which arises is that Israel would not have dared to attack Iran, if it did not enjoy the complete support of the United States. It is obvious that the US is an active participant in this conflict even though its leaders and media are trying to create an erroneous perception of it being not involved as yet.

Shortly before the attack by Israeli forces, the US had supplied sophisticated missiles to enhance its arm capabilities. Simultaneously, US forces positioned in bases in West Asia as well as US navy in and around the Indian Ocean and the Mediterranean have been in a state of full alert, thereby cautioning other countries regarding the consequences, if they try and jump into this conflict and side with Iran.