Why do we have to live by the sword?

The Israeli aggression against Palestine has once again brought to focus the primitive traits that lie beneath the polished and civilized human psyche. The East-Asian politics have often been discussed and dissected, with minimal success in tackling the dominant issues. I am intrigued by the failure of the human community to retain a any control over the warring factions.

 As a matter of fact, I am astonished at the total failure of the oil rich, influential Arab countries in guarding their self-interests and influencing the global power balance. The Arabs have had a proud and distinguished history, both in terms of military and civilization. The highly successful Khilafat movement initiated by Mahatma Gandhi, that laid the foundations of purna swaraj, was inspired by the refined, highly sophisticated and innovative democratic system of governance pursued by the Khalifs in the Arab world. How did such a society submit itself to a system which falls far short of any kind of meaningful democracy? Why do the countries that hold the key to the globe’s oil fields fail to ensure some semblance of peace and normalcy on their own neighbourhood?

 We Indians are also dealing with numerous challenges, both internal and external, that threaten to undermine the progress and stability that we have always sought to maintain. But, for all the problems that we have had, I feel it is the strong, inclusive and vibrant democracy we guard so religiously that ultimately help us come out on the top.

 As for the current turmoil, as much as I feel that the international community has failed to safeguard the basic human rights of a much harassed and defence less community in Palestine, I am sure Israel will keep causing such havoc time and again. Today’s Arab world does not have the will power and the inherent strength needed to stand up for itself. One can just hope that the massacre of the innocent people would come to an end soon. The pictures of little children robbed of their innocence and life is too much to bear for any sane person.....