As we witness the spectacle and hoopla surrounding the filing of certificates of candidacy by politicians vying for various positions in next year’s national elections, it may appear that nothing extraordinary is unfolding in our country, and to greater extent the Asian region and the world.
It is worth noting that despite the daily challenges we face as citizens of this struggling nation, we can take solace in the fact that our circumstances are still more fortunate than those of people living in war-torn areas.
Take Ukraine, for example.
Since February 2022, the country has been under siege by Russia, and its people are valiantly resisting efforts to annex their territory and subjugate their nation.
Tragically, tens of thousands have already lost their lives in this ongoing conflict, and the humanitarian toll continues to rise.
In the Middle East, emotions are running high as communities mark the first anniversary of the October 7, 2023, attack by the Palestinian group Hamas on Israel.
That day witnessed a coordinated assault that resulted in the deaths of at least 1,205 individuals, primarily civilians, many of whom were attending the Nova dance festival.
Additionally, hundreds more were taken captive by the Hamas militants.
In retaliation, Israel's military response has so far claimed the lives of at least 41,870 people in the Gaza Strip, the majority of whom are civilians.
This conflict is escalating dangerously, with the specter of a broader regional war looming on the horizon.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has declared that the country faces threats on seven fronts, identifying Iran and its proxies—such as Hezbollah and Hamas—as primary adversaries.
In recent weeks, Israel has intensified its attacks on Beirut, particularly in southern areas believed to harbor enemy combatants. The situation remains precarious, with the potential for further escalation and wider implications for regional stability.
As we navigate these tumultuous times, it is crucial to remain aware of the broader context—where countless lives are being profoundly affected by conflict and uncertainty.
Iran, meanwhile previously launched what it termed as a retaliatory attack against Israel following the killing of former Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah.
The supreme leader of the Iran-backed group Hezbollah was killed in an airstrike in Beirut, Lebanon last September 28.
Indeed, judging by the never -ending conflicts among warring nations in many parts of the world, we can declare that we are living in a dangerous and uncertain times.
One wrong decision and a miscalculated move among one of the world’s most powerful leaders, and we could automatically find ourselves on the brink of extinction as a human race.
Certainly, with the availability of various weapons of mass destructions with some in the hands of some rogue leaders, who needs another giant asteroid to kill our species?
By the way, our local politicians and their supporters who were apparently oblivious with what was happening in many parts of the world could at least still rejoice, because their main focus is nothing but to win in the coming polls.
Ignorance, indeed is a bliss!
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