World at War

The war between Russia and Ukraine and the desire for peace have stalled as the fighting continues. The BBC reports that both countries are bombarding each other with drones carrying explosive devices. Both sides seem to be moving farther from peace than closer.

In the Middle East, Israeli Cabinet members have approved a plan to capture the Gaza Strip and remain there for an unspecified amount of time. In other words, Israel is determined to occupy the region, trying to destroy Hamas and return the hostages they kidnapped on October 7, 2023. There is a certainty that Hamas will fight back, and the conflict in the region is far from over.

Israel, utilizing drones, killed one of the top officials of Hamas in Lebanon yesterday and the day before a top official of Hezbollah, also in Lebanon. Behind the terrorist organizations in the region is Iran, using Hamas and Hezbollah as its proxies. It remains to be seen how much more funding Iran will send to these terrorist organizations after Trump imposed sanctions against them. Whether it is saber rattling or propaganda, Iran claims it will not change its ways. In a press release from Iran’s foreign ministry office, they claim, “The continuation of these illegal behaviors will not change Iran’s logical, legitimate and international law-based positions.”

Miles away in southern Asia, on the border between India and Pakistan, a new conflict is brewing. It is important to note that these two countries have always had a tense relationship, partly due to their history and partly due to differences in religious beliefs. India is predominantly Hindu, while Pakistan is a Muslim nation. Moreover, if the skirmish escalates, the potential for significant destruction is elevated because each country has nuclear power. So, the stakes are much higher than in countries that do not have those capabilities.

The conflict started in a region called Kashmir on the border between the two countries. In years past, Kashmir has been the place of many skirmishes since 1947, when India and Pakistan won their independence from Britain.  The recent violence stems from the murder of 26 people, mostly Indian tourists, in April. India blamed Pakistan for the gunman’s attack, an accusation Pakistan denies. 

Yesterday, India launched “Operation Sindoor” in both Kashmir and Pakistan. The operation’s name comes from the mark of a married Hindu woman and references that the terrorist attack was against people singled out for their religious beliefs. 

India claimed the attacks did include some civilian areas, but maintains it was only targeting terrorists’ infrastructure hiding behind civilian structures. Pakistan disagrees and, in retaliation, apparently shot down five Indian Air Force jets. 

We are not at the level of a World War, but there is no doubt the world is at war. Like a contagion, violence and war spread rapidly if left unattended and allowed to grow.

The United States’ foreign policy, through diplomacy, should concentrate on helping to stop these worldwide skirmishes before they begin to spread to other nations. The world is at a precarious juncture, and the goal should be to keep other countries, especially the United States, from being drawn into these conflicts.

Pray that these numerous wars come to an end as quickly as possible.