World on edge: Inside the explosive global political crises and unrest worldwide

12 June,2024 11:20 AM IST |  Mumbai  |  Shamola Khanna

At this point it would not be out of place to mention the rising protests in the university campuses against the Israel-Hamas conflict

Vladmir Putin


Key Highlights

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Post World War II, in the year 1945, the United Nations Organisation (UNO) was founded so that there could be peace around the world, especially after the massive destruction and killings were tallied. Veteran political leaders of the developed world felt that there was need for a diplomatic body that could curb the violent upsurge of individual egos wanting to subjugate "irreverent" people everywhere.

Between the erstwhile USSR and the USA the cold war and severe race for superiority carried on for many years thereafter. USA had fingers in every turmoil across the world with "Big brother" intervening everywhere. The presence was justified as a race to protect the world from the expansion of Communism.

Right from Vietnam where they had to finally withdraw after 25 years of getting their noses rubbed in, to the Bangladesh war; from Russia - Afghanistan conflict to the Iran- Iraq war to all the smaller skirmishes; tacit support to the Israel-Palestine-Hamas conflict even as we are speaking. The US helped to break up the Koreas. Although the US helped to rebuild Japan after having destroyed it financially and otherwise, there was an underlying business deal there.

Is it a payback for the audacity of the Japanese people (and all others of their ilk) for having actually bombarded Pearl Harbour? That was the first and last time that the US saw war on its own soil and apparently it has not forgotten!

The Rise and Rise of Vladimir Putin
Vladimir Putin (71) has had a steady rise in Russian politics. Remember he is a boxer with a background in Intelligence and a vaulting ambition. He was born In St Petersburg and I'm quite sure he must have been awestruck by the majesty of Czar Peter's vision of a proud and dominating Russia - the power and the pelf would have impressed him in spite of his communist upbringing.

Putin worked as a KGB foreign intelligence officer for 16 years, rising to the rank of lieutenant colonel before resigning in 1991 to begin a political career in Saint Petersburg. In 1996, he moved to Moscow to join the administration of President Boris Yeltsin.

The rise and rise of Putin begins in this period and his ambition to bring back the glory of the "Russia" becomes evident. He has invaded Chechnya, Crimea and is battling Ukraine for the last two years. Meanwhile his head of the Orthodox Russian church, Kirill and his crony and spokesman, Medvedev keep spouting how Russia is the poor victim.

Ostensibly, Russia under Putin, is fighting to upset NATO and the USA and its hegemony in world affairs. Meanwhile the US has its own share of problems with the recalcitrant ex-president refusing to exit politics graciously. Meanwhile all those voices that opposed Putin's expansionist ambitions have been silenced - the death of Navalny is a case in point.

At this point it would not be out of place to mention the rising protests in the university campuses against the Israel-Hamas conflict.

India on the International stage
Closer home the turbulence is of a different kind ---- Narendra Modi is not out to help himself. He is one person who is actually thinking of the nation. I admired his stand when the US threatened India with sanctions if India bought petrol from Russia. Our foreign minister spoke wisely and with restraint stating clearly that Russia had stood by India and the deal for fuel was not going to end when a) it is cheaper and b) just because someone threatens India.

Yet he made it clear that India was not going to be involved in the war.

The whole world is now looking at India with great respect. In fact India has been asked to mediate and bring peace to this tortured land.

In the same breath one has to point out that India's development is not looked at with egalitarian eyes.

Khalistan and Islamic invasions
Canada is supporting the Khalistani movement and is getting at eyeball level diplomatic face-offs. Anti India movements are roiling. Indian students (mainly Sikh) in Canada are targets of racist violence. Indian students are also being attacked in Australia and the US. The UK is now run by elected Islamic local bodies - very soon mini skirts and minimal dressing will disappear from the scenic English countryside!

Turbulence in India and the Indian elections are getting noticed world wide. Notwithstanding the nefarious politicians who are out to serve their own particular interests---- the most visible one being West Bengal and Assam being overrun by illegal Bangladeshi and Myanmar's Muslim migrants who are being granted all the facilities and privileges reserved for legitimate citizens of India. What's the plan?

Proponents of Democracy in India say that it is being done to death by our present government. We are aware that there are social media and other stories doing the rounds which are backed by vested interests .

What is the billionaire George Soros' interest in destabilising India?

My question to all The political leaders, where are those stalwarts who thought of the country and not for themselves?

When asked to reveal their assets why does every politician own zillions in assets and multiple properties acquired through whatever means?

When will our politicians stop buying votes? Why lure the simpletons with false promises which everyone knows will never be kept?

And then they question the PM and make remarks like ‘Chowkidar chor hai?'

I quote from a poem, by Sir Walter Scott, learnt in my childhood:
Breathes there the man with soul so dead,
who never to himself hath said,
This is my own, my native land

Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are the individual's and don't represent those of Mid-Day India.

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