M Santhananaban
There is now news of a ceasefire in Lebanon, almost six weeks after the Israelis had subjected the Lebanese people to every kind of humiliation and violence.
A truce or a ceasefire seems meaningless as there appears to be no restraint or compunction on the part of the two aggressors – the US and Israel.
Both Iran and the US have claimed the Strait of Hormuz is now open following the ceasefire, though the picture remains unclear. Those announcements offer some respite from a precarious and dangerous war situation.
But US President Donald Trump says the US blockade of Iranians ports “will remain in full force” while Israel maintains its forces are remaining in Lebanon “in a thickened security zone”.
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This is a very troubling situation as the negative impact of this war of aggression is increasingly being felt globally. International law has been flouted and diplomatic pressure and other channels have to be explored to bring an end to this aggression. The international community must act in unity against the aggressors.
Trump has been wallowing in his wacky wordplay about securing a deal. He has blown so much hot air at the behest of Israel that he lacks credibility. Whether there will be any positive change in Iran’s difficult situation remains to be seen.
The situation will probably get much worse before it improves. Trump and Netanyahu have to be removed from office for real change to happen. But can that happen?
We can only hope and pray for the best.
Dato’ M Santhananaban is a former Malaysian ambassador with 45 years of public sector experience.
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