Light of Peace

The turn of 21^st century was a bad omen for the inhabitants of this planet. People had hardly recovered from the shocks of two world wars and then the spine-chilling era of cold war, when the world was plunged into another quagmire-the war against terror..

At this point of time most of the world population is living under the thick shadow of fear. The Americans have a fear that the terrorist groups are planning another deadly attack on their cities which may come down upon them any time. The whole world has become unsafe for the American citizens who get travel instructions from their diplomatic missions very frequently. The European nations have been made to believe that they are not the ‘spared ones’ and are doomed to destruction along with the USA. The Israelis are afraid of a rocket or suicide bomb attack that may take away their life any moment. The Palestinians living in Gaza and elsewhere have a fear that if they do not die of starvation due to blockage, the Israeli jets will appear any time to smash them. The people of south Asia are afraid that a suicide bomber may appear from nowhere and kill them, in the markets, offices, schools/colleges or even in mosques / worship places.

Why are we so fearful? What are we up to? Are the security measures taken not enough? I think that is not the case. The American forces along with NATO troops are fighting the Taliban in Afghanistan for the last eight years. Despite having state-of-the art weaponry and total support of the world community, the American generals and admirals are now admitting their failure. American troops have pulled out of Iraq and a surge in the terrorist attacks has been noticed there since then. What will happen in Afghanistan once the American and NATO forces pull out from there, is any body’s guess. Indian are keeping half of their Army in Kashmir to subdue the local population and still they are afraid of more Mumbai-style attacks. Pakistan Army is heavily committed in fighting the terrorists all along Pak-Afghan border. Despite many laurels and achievements to their credit, the end to this war is not yet in sight.

The common sense demands that if one prescription has not been successful to cure the ills, better change the prescription. It is rubbish to keep beating about the bush while the outcome is total dismay. Even the military strategists advocate never reinforcing the failed plan, rather embarking up on a new one. One can only hope that the wisdom prevails and overall policy is modified by those who matter, so that the shadow of fear disappears and peace returns to this war-torn planet.