- Now that the objective of hitting Iran where it hurts most has been achieved by the persistently voluble Israel, urging the US to go on the offensive, the global leadership, especially the neighbouring countries directly affected by the conflict, should make every effort to end the mayhem. The whole world is anxiously awaiting the counterproductive consequences of the latest conflict, which could spiral out of control, engulfing several others along the way. The last few years have already witnessed unfathomable and irresponsible conflicts serving little purpose but pandering to the whims and fancies of increasingly petulant leaders. The latest conflict should not further exacerbate the already debilitated established world order and peaceful coexistence.
PC: ABC News
- As an immediate step to usher in a thaw and initiate peace dialogues, the neighbouring countries in West Asia/Middle East should start lobbying to end the Iran war. Why? Their economies depend on them being oases of safety. As reported, Iran continues hitting targets across America’s West Asian allies. A Saudi refinery was burning, and explosions were heard across Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Doha, etc. While these strikes are insignificant compared with Iran’s own losses, with hundreds killed already, tallying bomb craters and bodies misses the larger point. Which is that the Gulf monarchies like the UAE, Bahrain, Kuwait, and Saudi Arabia have far more to lose in this war than Iran. Minus Iran, West Asia is a roughly $4tn GDP territory and can dent the economy considerably.
PC: The New York Times
- Things were different during 1990’s Gulf War. West Asia practically lived off oil and gas then. The world needed both, so when the war ended, things went back to the old normal. But West Asiatoday is a different kind of economic powerhouse. Almost 77% of the UAE’s economy is based on non-oil sectors. It’s 73% for Oman, 66% for Qatar, and even Saudi Arabia is at 57%. In last year’s Global Financial Centres Index, Dubai was 12th, ahead of Washington DC, Dublin, Geneva and Paris. To get here, all these countries have pursued growth in areas like finance, real estate, and tourism, while projecting an image of safety and stability. But the fact that Iran is flying drones and missiles at them, never mind that most or all of these are intercepted, is enough to spook investors.
PC: News18
- Not only investors, but also the tourists and immigrant workers. That’s why Gulf royals need to actively bat for cessation of hostilities. Omani officials say the US-Iran talks were progressing well, and Iran had agreed to many demands, so war was unnecessary in the first place. After Khamenei’s killing, a return to the table may be difficult, but it’s not impossible. India, which has its own long-term interest in the region for energy security, a 10mn strong workforce, and billions of dollars in remittances, should do its part, as it is trusted by both Gulf nations and Israel. Trump has said he can wrap up Op Epic Fury in four weeks. But West Asia cannot wait that long. The consequences will be too debilitating for the whole world. It must seek peace on a war footing.
