Israel continues to attack Gaza, even though most parts of Gaza and nearby regions have been devastated by bombing over the last several months. Still, many people seem to think that Israel is a victim of the onslaught and attack by Hamas, as Hamas invaded Israel, killed hundreds of Israeli citizens, and captured a number of them as hostages. Some of the hostages have died, and some are still being held without release by Hamas.
In this case, Israel did not start the war but only reacted to the violence unleashed on it by Hamas, who are widely viewed as Islamic terrorists, though Hamas claims that they are liberators. Israel is deemed to be a defender.
Russia’s aggression over Ukraine viewed differently:
However, when Russia continues to attack Ukraine, even after a substantial part of Ukraine has been devastated, several infrastructure projects destroyed, thousands of Ukrainian citizens killed, and millions of people displaced as refugees to other countries, the world views this aggression differently from the way it views Israel’s attacks on Hamas.
Russia thinks “might is right”
In the case of the Ukraine–Russia war, Russia is clearly the aggressor, as it started the conflict. Russia attacked Ukraine, justifying its actions by claiming it needed to prevent Ukraine from joining NATO. However, the ground reality is that NATO had never decided to admit Ukraine; Ukraine had only requested membership. Many other countries bordering Russia are already members of NATO, and Russia had not objected to their membership. Obviously, Russia sought an excuse to attack Ukraine and occupy at least some regions of the country. Russia’s so-called apprehension about Ukraine joining NATO was merely a pretext.
Ukraine has been able to survive Russia’s brutal attacks so far only due to the support extended by the European Union, the UK, and the USA. However, with Trump poised to take over as President of the USA, the scenario has completely changed, with Trump openly supporting Russia and even going so far as to state that Crimea should remain with Russia. In short, Trump wants Ukraine to virtually surrender to Russian aggression and wants Russia to enjoy the fruits of its aggression.
One gets the impression that President Trump also seems to think that “might is right”, just like Russia.
China too thinks “might is right”:
China’s aggression in Tibet, which it has been occupying for several decades with a tight grip, is yet another example proving that “might is right” in the world. China aggressively entered Tibet, massacred thousands of protesting Tibetans, and is now sitting firmly in control of this helpless country.
When China entered Tibet, there was no worthwhile protest from other countries, including India, and Tibet was left to suffer at China’s mercy. While some criticisms have been levelled against Chinese aggression in Tibet, China has treated such world opinion with contempt, just as Russia is doing now.
World Civilisation – A Far Cry:
The above scenario clearly highlights that, in the world today, countries and terrorist groups with muscle power and strong military capabilities can call the shots. The present condition further shows that such aggressors do not care about world opinion, and whatever criticisms and observations are made by the United Nations are impotent and of no consequence.
From time immemorial, violence and wars have been happening in the world, and obviously, the mental make-up of humans has not changed at all. It appears that it is an established rule in the world that “might is right” and that the weak must necessarily suffer and submit against those who believe they can attack the weak and get away with it.
In such circumstances, any claim that world civilisation has improved or progressed is a view in a vacuum and a hollow claim.
Technology and scientific development have not touched the mindset of humans sufficiently to make them more civilised. While a few peace-lovers, deep thinkers, and saints have been preaching peace and harmony, they are only a cry in the wilderness.
