UN must play proactive role in West Asia crisis
With reference to ‘US pushes West Asia deeper into chaos’; the American attacks on Iran’s key nuclear sites are in gross violation of international law, the UN Charter and UNSC resolutions. The Israel-Iran conflict has the potential to worsen the already fragile situation in West Asia; that would have far-reaching implications for regional and global security. It is time for discretion and dialogue. Under the aegis of the UNSC, the global leadership should display strong political will and adopt a proactive approach to resolve the current crisis. This will restore the UN’s credibility, uphold the sanctity of international law and ensure peace in the region.
DS Kang, Hoshiarpur
World war seems imminent
Refer to ‘US joins war, bombs 3 Iran N- sites’; US President Donald Trump has vowed to kill Iranian head Ayatollah Khamenei. On the other hand, Russian President Vladimir Putin has warned Israel that in case the Iranian leader is harmed, it will throw its hat in the ring to support Iran. The conflict will impact oil supplies from key producers like Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Kuwait and the UAE and affect the global economy adversely. In case, the US continues with its air strikes on Iran, a third world war seems imminent.
MD Sharma, Shimla
Trump faces questions at home
US Democrat Senator Chuck Schumer is justified in asserting that American interference in the Iran-Israel war had increased the prospect of a devastating and long war. He has demanded clear answers from President Trump on his unilateral decision to strike Iran, without taking members of the Congress into confidence, as the cost would have to be borne by US taxpayers. Schumer called for enforcement of the War Powers Act, a Congressional resolution designed to limit the President’s ability to initiate or escalate ‘military actions’ in foreign countries. Trump’s action is set to deepen the divide even among his staunch supporters within the Republican Party.
Vijaya Sharma, by mail
Indian economy in bad shape
Refer to ‘Inflation falls, but so does buying power’; while the government is counting low inflation as one of its achievements, it does not seem to be concerned about the reduced ability of the common man to purchase goods and services. The middle class is nearly being squeezed out of existence, juggling between paying EMIs and trying to maintain their standard of living. The lack of growth in sales of FMCG companies is an alarming indicator of the economic distress. When taken in conjunction with falling savings rate and increase in gold loans, it is clear that the economy is in a terrible shape.
Anthony Henriques, Mumbai
Low inflation’s cascading effect
Apropos of ‘Inflation falls, but so does buying power’; low purchasing power has led to a fall in inflation. The grossly unequal distribution of income among Indians has landed us in this economic mess. Middle-class people have started buying only necessities to survive. This trend will also affect the manufacturing industry as low demand will lead to low production, which will further shrink job opportunities. Less inflation and low buying power may have a cascading effect on the Indian economy.
Wg Cdr JS Minhas (retd), Mohali
Transparency at stake
Refer to ‘Election footage’; what is the hurry to erase election footage, as directed by the Election Commission of India (ECI)? Transparency is one of the most important features of a democratic government. These days, constitutional institutions have become subservient to the ruling party. It is necessary that transparency and impartiality are maintained by the ECI. The decision to erase poll footage after 45 days has led to doubts about the ECI’s intent. Concerns about misuse of footage are valid, but the immediate solution is not to erase it. Access to poll-related footage should be regulated. There should be strict data protection, and punitive action must be taken against those who misuse footage.
Sadhna Saini, by mail
Letters to the Editor