War & Peace

The net is full of articles, posts and discussions on whether the current Israel war was essential. Many ask if the meaning of peace is lost to the world of today. Others argue that in this age of terrorism, one cannot cope up solely with non-violence.

I agree that one cannot put an end to terrorism using simply non-violent means or by preaching non-violence and peace. Not everyone understands its true meaning, especially the ones who stubbornly walk the jehadi path. For tackling and putting such forces at bay, one needs to take stronger actions such as waging a war. The war is at the core, a war against terrorism. And in doing so, thousands of innocent lives will be lost. The forces we are fighting against are so cunning, ruthless and sharp that however much precautions we take, harmless people will be hurt. Through such sacrifices we will be able to end terrorism, so everyone hopes. The images of people losing their homes and loved ones evoke sympathies but at the end of the day nothing can be done about it, their lives were destined to be sacrificed.

Hmmm…ya what can we do, what can anyone do in such a scenario. Seems logical, ain’t it? Yet, when I try to imagine if it was India instead of Lebanon, maybe Mumbai instead of Beirut, where those air strikes are taking place right at this moment, and say, god forbid, even if any of my acquaintance gets killed, leave alone my close family, will I be of the same opinion? Will I be able to reel of the same philosophy, with a somewhat intelligent expression while debating at a dinner party? Will I still be able to distance myself and see it from a third-person’s perspective? Or will I end up cursing the attackers, however civilized and reasonable they sound? Will I be able to distinguish between the real terrorists and these terrorism- fighters? Then probably, both will seem the same to me, killers of my loved ones.

I have noticed that everytime I think of such issues, I just end up with lot of questions.