M Santhananaban
Operation Epic Fury – the war launched by the US-Israel alliance against Iran – is making headlines. But it is not making headway.
Joe Kent, a prominent supporter of US President Donald Trump, who headed the National Counterterrorism Centre, has resigned, saying he could not support the war. He clarified that Iran posed no imminent threat to US national security.
The operation is turning into an epic failure. It is driving people away from Trump’s already narrowing support base.
On the battlefield, both the US and Israel look beleaguered.
Damage beyond the battlefield
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The air bombardment against Iran has been destructive and disproportionate, causing serious security concerns and extensive damage – especially in the Gulf Cooperation Council region.
Beyond that, pressure on oil and gas supplies has brought wider consequences: rising inflation, disrupted transport and logistics, and economic chaos.
An irresponsible and incompetent US president bears sole responsibility for a global disaster that risks spiralling out of control.
Restraint – for now
It is remarkable that almost all countries, especially the major powers, have so far shown restraint and held back from widening the conflict.
But the belligerents’ recklessness must be addressed promptly through appropriate US institutional processes.
One can only hope that the end of Ramadan will provide the inflection point needed for a diplomatic exit from this unnecessary war.
Dato’ M Santhananaban is a former Malaysian ambassador with 45 years of public sector experience.
AGENDA RAKYAT - Lima perkara utama
- Tegakkan maruah serta kualiti kehidupan rakyat
- Galakkan pembangunan saksama, lestari serta tangani krisis alam sekitar
- Raikan kerencaman dan keterangkuman
- Selamatkan demokrasi dan angkatkan keluhuran undang-undang
- Lawan rasuah dan kronisme
