In the aftermath of the global pandemic, there are growing signs that the world is inching closer to a situation reminiscent of a World War, with Asia emerging as the focal point of these escalating tensions.
A Look At All The Global ConflictsÂ
Russia-Ukraine: A Proxy War with Global Consequences
The first conflict to emerge that moved us closer to a World War. The reasons for conflict are numerous. There are different versions as to why they doing it. But one certain thing is US funding and being at the forefront of decision-making in Ukraine. This is a Proxy war between the US and Russia.
The West was saying it would not provide long-range missiles as Ukraine may target Russia. But the West did provide long-range missiles with the condition Ukraine would not target Russia’s mainland. But Ukraine did target the Russian mainland.
And now all possible red lines have been crossed as Ukraine has attacked Russia and captured a significant portion of the Kursk region in the Russian mainland. This has significantly escalated the tensions in the region as Russia will have to respond. The same US that said we don’t want any war with Russia has not said anything against the adventures of Ukraine.
As a result, Russia may consider targeting the logistics in NATO countries. This could bring NATO and Russia into a direct conflict bringing us closer to World War.
Israel Gaza And Iran On The Brink Of World War
After Oct 7 and Israel’s response in Gaza. The battlefield has slowly started shifting from Gaza to Hezbollah in Lebanon. After the Hamas chief Ismail’s assassination in Tehran, Iran has vowed retaliation. Looking at the scenario the West already formed a coalition saying if Iran attacks the West will respond.
This shows that on the one hand west claims that it wants Peace in the Middle East but on the other, it forms a coalition to attack Iran as soon as Iran attacks. The hypocrisy of the West is such that Israel can target Iran but Iran should not respond and show restraint, but if it responds the West will retaliate.
It is a well-known fact in the world that the West is looking to conduct a regime change in Iran. But has been largely unsuccessful and now it may be looking to start a war with Iran.
Here the West mains constitute of US as all European countries will follow the lead of the US. So again the hand of the US is glaringly visible.
And again this could bring the US and Iran to a direct conflict.
Indian NeighborhoodÂ
Pakistan
Pakistan the ever-friendly neighbor of Pakistan is on the verge of breaking apart. With the Taliban in control of Afghanistan, their focus now is on Pakistan. The already existing groups like TTP and BLA forming an alliance and Taliban Afg support, have picked up the pace.
Even though Pak is an ally of the US, Pakistan is also an ally of China. And the new weapons possibly deliberately left behind by the US. It is clear that the US is pushing for a local conflict and like the typical US it supports both sides.
Also Read: Pakistan: Sectarian Violence in Kurram: A Cycle of Bloodshed
China
China’s expansionist ambitions see India’s rise as a threat to its regional hegemony. The Galwan clash and China’s history of deceit in foreign policy highlight the ongoing tensions. Chinese-made equipment found among terrorists in Jammu further complicates the situation. Although a direct conflict between India and China seems unlikely, China’s economic instability could make the future unpredictable.
Also Read: China: Economic Crisis Worsens
Bangladesh-Myanmar
After the coup in Bangladesh, the tensions in the region will only escalate. With Myanmar already in turmoil, the chaos may spread to the parts of Bangladesh. And with the recent prison breaks that held anti-India terrorists in Bangladesh, one must wonder why a student protest targeted prisons that held criminals. It is also possible that forces behind the Coup want to spread chaos in the region by releasing terrorists specifically targeting India.
Also read: How The CIA Successfully Did A Coup In BangladeshÂ
When it comes to Myanmar the junta has been traditionally an ally of the Chinese. Surprisingly after the coup by the Junta, the US showed support for the rebel groups. There are reports that rebel groups are using 3d printed guns, how can a rebel group have the technology of such complexity, it raises questions is a larger power backing them? like US?
When it comes to the Minipur crisis it is largely due to Kukis from Myanmar which likely receives support from both the US and China. As the former PM of Bangladesh said in her interview the US wants to make a Christian state from parts of Bangladesh and Myanmar and likely India too.
Again the possible involvement of the US raises alarms.
South China Sea Pushing Us Closer To World War
Taiwan
China claims that Taiwan is part of China but Taiwan says it’s a separate nation. Taiwan although not recognized as a separate nation by the US. The US supports Taiwan’s self-governance, it not only supports it diplomatically it has armed the island as a defensive fortress against the possible military invasion of China. The US even has its special forces stationed in one of the Islands of Taiwan.
The Involvement of the US is glaringly obvious to all.
Philippines
The Philippines has recently faced the aggression of China encroaching upon its islands hundreds of km from China’s shores. China has an absurd claim of 9 9-dash line calming all of the South China Sea as a part of China including the EEZ of nations in the South China Sea.
But recently there has been a rise in the aggressiveness of China even going as far as cutting off a finger of a Philippines navy personnel. The Incident has even been called the Galwan of the Sea, after the Galwan clash between India and China.
The Philippines has also not backed down under the pressure of China. The source of the Philippines’ confidence is that it has a defense pact with the US, the president has also said that the Philippines would invoke the Treaty if even one soldier is killed by China’s aggressive actions.
Again the involvement of the US is obvious. One could even say the Philippines is only not backing down under China’s pressure because of the assurance the US is providing.
Asian Century? Or World War
During the start of this 21st century, it was largely dubbed The Asian century after the rise of China and India. But these conflicts are largely concentrated in Asia and US involvement in all of them raises questions is the US suppressing the flames or fanning the fame?
China has its fill with 1 chain of defense created by the US. The Chain involves Taiwan, Japan, and the Philippines all of which the US supports and has defense agreements.
Now India is also surrounded by Pakistan in the West, Sri Lanka & Maldives in the South, and Bangladesh & Kukis of Myanmar in the East.
India to get its Chain.
And India is now surrounded with Islamist countries all around potentially increasing the Infiltration of radicals into the country. This is a nightmare situation for India as it has now spent time focusing on Internal security rather than the growth potential that could elevate it to great power in the world.
Whether by design or coincidences Asia is heading for turmoil, if not handled properly India may lose its chance to be the manufacturing hub.
But the one party that is sure to benefit from the delay in the Asian Century is none other than the US.
Is World War Possible?
With the increasing number of conflicts and the desensitization of the global population to war puts us in a dangerous situation as we may unknowingly spark a fame that cannot be extinguished. And with the current ongoings in two conflicts that could put the US in the front Russia and Israel both are showing signs that there are no signs of stopping the War. This could bring us to a World War.
Some say World War has already started the moment Russia and Ukraine started.
We may have already lit a spark a fame that cannot be extinguished