ANJUM ibrahim

Third World War?

“There is much speculation in the international media about the possibility of a third world war these days.”

“Right, with Russia poised to retaliate in the event that the US, the UK and France attack Syria and destroy the chemical weapons that were reportedly used against civilians killing children and…”

“Yes, the French President says he has proof that chemical weapons were used as urine and blood samples of those affected proves it, and said he would decide in ‘due course’ whether France would respond with air strikes. Theresa May has got approval for a robust response from her cabinet and President Trump is being President Trump namely tweeting threats and saying all options are on the table.”

“You know Trump threatened China with tariffs, and when China did nothing he then slapped tariffs on 50 billion dollar Chinese imports, China retaliated but recently President Xi Jinping is giving him a face saving alternative by saying that he would open China’s economy further, protect intellectual property of foreign firms and termed as obsolete a cold war mentality.”

“You reckon this statement was a face saver for Trump?”

“Absolutely, something that Trump does not understand in his relations with others – be they Democrats or the Clintons or other countries or…”

“Face saving is not a concept understood by the West. And Putin thinks like the West so he has promised retaliation against the US if the US attacks Syria so one wonders what Trump will do now.”

“I don’t think history or the American public will forgive him for starting a third world war. Besides I would like to ask Trump and May why they do nothing as the Ronhingya Muslims are being killed…”

“There is a difference between Syria and the Rohnigyas. – the former are being killed by their government for challenging Asad’s rule while the latter belong to the minority religious group.”

“I think your explanation is despicable and…”

“Maybe so but you know very well that all minorities in the US are deeply concerned about Trump’s narrative - be it a minority in terms of colour, religion, gender…”

“But why May?”

“May is to Trump what Blair was to Bush: a poodle. And while Blair’s poodleship was established when Britain was in the European Union, May is tackling Brexit and needs the US more and…”

“Anyway our goat, the guy who goes main, main, main (me, me, me) Khawaja Asif says we are neutral with respect to Syria.”

“The only thing our current administration is not neutral about is bad mouthing all opposition leaders, the judiciary and the army obliquely and when there is a tit for tat they express outrage as they claim they do not engage in the politics of abuse. This approach won’t win them any votes.”

“That is why they need the iqamas – the resident permits of Arab countries, and one should understand their genuine concerns…’

“Don’t be facetious.”