Sir - If the ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas is approved and successfully implemented, it could halt the fighting which has left almost all of Gaza in ruins and displaced most of the enclave’s 2.3 million people (“At last”, Jan 17). The exchange of hostages lies at the heart of the deal. It is hoped that the agreement will also enable a sustained supply of humanitarian aid to Gaza.

(ii) The much-awaited landmark ceasefire deal sealed between Israel and Palestinian militant group Hamas on 15th Jan, will bring an end to the 15 months long conflict in which more than 46,700 people were killed in Gaza most of civilians, in this conflict, further about 2.3 million population have been displaced, leading to widespread destruction, severe shortages of food, fuel, medicine and shelter and as there was a struggle to get the aid to those who were in distress for aid.

At the heart of this ceasefire deal, which is expected to halt the fight in the palestinian territory with the exchange of Prisoners from both sides first as children, women and men over 50 years of age and in return Israel will release about 2,000 Palestinian prisoners including 250 who are serving life sentences in israel jails.

It is hoped that the proposed truce brokered by United States, Egypt and Qatar after months of negocios will pave for a permanent ceasefire which will scale up of sustained supply of much needed humanitarian aid to the affected Palestine people of Gaza of food, tents, drinking water and medicines beside reunite the hostages with their families which was earlier sent to them in a restricted manner under Israel watch.

It is hoped that hostages will be released and reunited with their families and people from both sides will return to a path of dialogue and diplomacy and stop bloodshed also this truce offers a chance to rebuild lives amidst ruins.

Ramesh G jethwani is a Veteran writer, Voracious reader, Historian and commentator who has been writing in 21 newspapers in India and GCC countries for several decades on various subjects of importance.
His website.www: rameshjethwani.com.

Sir, Fifty years after the last Arab Israel war (1973), again on 7th October 2023, Hamas the prime Palestine militant group launched a surprise, daring and deadly target attack with barrages of rockets and its fighters into Israel, leaving devastating trail of death and destruction.

This latest Arab-Israeli conflict, characterized by decades of violence,territorial disputes and political tensions, continues to pose a significant threat to regional stability and global peace, which is bound to impact global economy badly, the surprise 1973 Arab-Israeli war, called Yom Kippur war (Ramadan war, Oct,06 - 25 1973) which had reset the equation in the Middle east forever when after oil embargo, the Crude oil prices had skyrocketed nearly 300% from US $3 per barrel to nearly US $12 per barrel globally, this sudden increase in oil import bill of most nations led to world economies into shatters.

There is a bigger threat to the global economy due to the drone attacks by Iranian-backed Yemen's Houthi militants on the shipping vessels crossing Red sea-suez canals route, which has already badly disrupted global maritime trade, it has prompting the re-routing of the hundreds of large cargo-ships via southern tip of Africa to escape drone and missile attack by Houtis in the Red sea area, a much longer route adding another 10-14 days of voyage, adding extra cost and delays potentially affecting global trade and contributing to inflation.

Hence the Israel-Hamas conflict desperately calls for world powers to bring truce at the earliest, efforts to find diplomat solutions the conflict must be continued at ward efforts to end this war, if the oil prices increases and ships take longer routes it will badly affect most global economies and its ramification will be seen in days to come in all sectors of economy, today crude oil- prices are hovering around 85 dollars today.

Ramesh G jethwani is a Veteran writer, Voracious reader, Historian and commentator who has been writing in 21 newspapers in India and GCC countries for several decades on various subjects of importance.
His website.www: rameshjethwani.com.

Daesh has been wiped out of Syria and now the country must rise and build itself (KT, March 9).

The Syrian conflict has gone on for far too long. It started in 2011, and has taken more than eight years to come to an end. Different powers have finally realised the futility of this war. This conflict is one of the worst humanitarian catastrophes of the recent times. The horrifying massacre of hundreds of thousands of Syrians in the town of Houla, Aleppo, and at other places, and the atrocities on innocent Syrian civilians have been condemned by the world at large. There were no distinctions made in this war and civilians mostly bore the brunt of the intensive fighting. Millions have been displaced and hundreds and thousands killed.

The best course for President Bashar Al Assad will be to win back the hearts of his people who have serious grievances against his regime, Political and social reforms should be given a priority and also economic reforms. The youngsters who had joined Daesh should be counseled and rehabilitated.

This is the only way forward to bring peace. Gulf countries have a special role to play in Syria. The countries have enjoyed good relations with Syria for ages, the leadership of Gulf countries should now come forward and help rebuild Syria.

The turmoil in the Arab world seen is to be fast spreading after the toppling of Egyptian president Hosni Mubarak. in the last few days, Yemen and Bahrain have witnessed large scale demonstrations calling for a change of guard. Earlier, such protests were unthinkable considering the tight security in these kingdoms and dictatorships. to an end the chaos in his country.

The turmoil in the Arab world is also sure to affect the Indian economy. There are as many as five millions Indians working in the Gulf countries who send remittances to their home country every month. India also depends on huge imports of oil from the Gulf countries which would make the impact all the more worse.

This refers to the article ‘Bahrain Police storm protests’ dated (18 Feb 2011, DH). Tunisian inspired turmoil which led to resignation of Egyptian president Mubarak, has spread to the whole of Arab World. It seems that Tunisian wave appears to be unstoppable.

In last few days of massive demonstration in Yemen and in ‘Sheikhdoms’ of Bahrain, the smallest Arab Country, it clearly shows that the Tunisian wave has crossed waters of Suez canal and reached Gulf as these protest were completely unthinkable and unheard due to tight internal security in these ‘Sheikhdoms/Kingdoms’.

Though Yemen being a poor country tightly ruled by President Saleh for more than 30 years it really needs urgent political and economic reforms. Though radical change may not be possible immediately and what President of Yemen can do is to announce a fair general election at earliest to bring an end to the chaos prevailing today. As any further, this uprising is bad for global economy in general as Yemenis in very large number are settled in Saudi Arabia, the largest oil producing country, and hold key positions in large Saudi Companies which are owned by Yemeni people.

Also this may affect Indian economy badly as five million Indians work in the Gulf and India has large imports of oil from these Gulf countries.

Sir, Apropos “Saudi-Iran spat may fuel proxy wars” (DH, Dec 06). The rising tensions between Saudi Arabia and Iran over execution of prominent Shia cleric Sheikh Nimr Al- Nimr has further intensified sectarian Polarization in this volatile region in West Asia. The consequences of Animal’s execution has snowballed into a major diplomatic crisis.

In retaliation to the shutdown of Riyadh's diplomatic mission in Tehran, Saudi, UAE, Bahrain and Si 1 den have cut all ties with Iran Unchecked chaos in this region is hound to disrupt oil flow causing skyrocketing of prices to an unprecedented high.

Within days of upheavals in Tunisia leading to the fall of president Zine El Abidine Ali's Government, it has began to cast its shadow over Arab world, especially Egypt, which has spread beyond North Africa to Yemen, Jordan.

The massive anti government demonstrations against backdrop of widespread resentment among people due to 30 years of autocratic rule of Mubarak clearly say there is serious grievances in Egyptian society. There is an urgent need for soul-searching for these governments who should carry out political and economic reforms.

The Tunisian upheaval has spread across the border to Egypt, Yemen and Jordan. Egypt is particularly significant as it is the largest Arab country with a large population below 25 years. The massive anti government demonstrations underscore the serious grievance in Egypt against the Hosni Mubarak government, which has not created economic opportunities. There is high unemployment, high inflation and corruption.

The 2008 food riots by the poorer segments of Egypt was somehow controlled but this time it is the urban educated middle class that has taken to the streets. Instead of repression the government should think about political and economic reforms.

This refers to the thoughtful column by Khalaf Ahmad Al-Habtoor: “Tears alone cannot wash away Syria’s wounds” (Dec. 18). Aleppo is an ancient metropolis, one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world, and the commercial capital of Syria, where people of all faiths lived together for centuries. It was also the Ottoman Empire’s third largest city after Constantinople and Cairo.

The battle for Aleppo is the worst humanitarian disaster since World War II, unfolding before the international community. This civil war has been ongoing for over 2,000 days, almost the duration of World War II. Civilians have been heavily targeted, leading to a catastrophic situation resulting in the loss of thousands of innocent lives. There cannot be any justification for this.

It is most unfortunate that the US, European countries and international organizations, such as the UN, have taken no action, despite heart-rending photos of death and destruction in the aftermath of devastating airstrikes on civilians. This reminds us of the hardships and tragedy the Syrian people have faced for the last five years.

Now that Aleppo is under government control, no tears are being shed for survivors, who are in an extremely distressing situation. With no homes, food or medicines, how will they survive? It is time for the world to unite and help end this humanitarian crisis. The UN should monitor the Aleppo evacuation as tens of thousands of besieged inhabitants are in urgent need of medical aid, shelter and food. Until a permanent solution to this tragedy is found, the Gulf states and India should join in support of the Syrian people.

Dear Sir, The battle for Aleppo, one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world, is the worst humanitarian disaster after World War II. The civil war in that country has been going on for over 2,000 days, almost the same period as the World War II lasted. Civilian targets have been heavily bombarded leading to a catastrophic situation and the loss of thousands of innocent lives. Thousands of Syrians have migrated to Europe and many have died while trying to cross the Mediterranean to reach safer lands.

It is most unfortunate that the world powers, particularly the US, the European countries and the UN have taken no action even after heartbreaking images of death and destruction following devastating air strikes have been shown on international television channels. Now that Aleppo has fallen into the Syrian government hands, the survivors are in an extremely distressing situation where their very existence is threatened. It is time the world should unite and help in ending this humanitarian crisis.

GCC countries should join hands and make more efforts to put an end to the Syrian crisis with the help of the UN. India, which has cordial relations with Russia and Iran, two major players in Syria, can also take steps to bring an end to the human suffering in Syria.

With reference to news item titled, ‘Syrian President vows Reforms’ (KT/June 22), Syria is going through dangerous turmoil. Against the backdrop of wider street pro-democracy protests, President Basher Al-Assad in his televised speech on Monday promised reforms and change of constitution but only after the chaos and protests end and civil order is established. But it seems this has proved to be counter productive as the opposition have hardened its stance and is demanding an end of the Bathist Rule and a regime change.

Tunisian and Egyptian regime change hardly saw any major blood bath but it should be remembered that Syria is ruled by minority Alawai clan from which Assad comes and the majority of people are unhappy with the Bathist party rule.

The best course will be for Assad to win back those people who have serious grievances against his regime and speed up not only political and social reforms and but also economical reforms. This is the only way forward to bring peace.

The uprising against Syrian President Assad’s government, one of the most violent of the ‘Arab spring’ which started a year ago has entered a new phase of sustained violence in recent weeks . The United Nations has noted that more than 5,000 people had been killed in the protests and crackdown till December 2011.

Even the Arab League has more or less withdrawn from mediating the Syrian crisis. It should be noted Syria is not Libya and any military intervention will lead to a major blood bath as Syrian Army is under full control of President Bashar Al Assad.

There are no sign of any mass defection like regulars from Libyan Army and even principle parties at UN have differences among themselves as how to end this impasse. Russia and China are reluctant to support any direct action.

India has excellent and brotherly relations not only with GCC countries but with the entire Arab world from Gulf to Maghreb. It can play a role to end the bloodshed.

The horrifying massacre of 108 people in the central Syrian town of Houla and the ongoing atrocities by President Assad›s security forces have been widely condemned by the world at large. The UN monitors have said that some of the victims in Houla, which included 49 children and 34 women, might have been killed by heavy artillery fire and that most of them had been summarily executed by forces loyal to Assad.

It seems that Assad used Kofi Annan›s «peace plan» to buy time and to continue his repression of innocent civilians.

It is high time that the Syrian president accepted Annan›s plan and seized the opportunity. The onus is on him to respect the Annan plan and order his troops to hold their fire so that a solution can be found, otherwise the scenario could well turn bloodier with an increase in human rights abuses and a risk of a full-scale civil war, which could be deadly, not only for Syria but also for its neighbor — Lebanon, where Syria has great influence.

SIR, ~ The horrifying massacre of 108 people in the central Syrian town of Houla and the continuing atrocities by President Assad’s security forces have been widely condemned by the world at large.

UN monitors have pointed out that some of the victims, including 49 children and 34 women, might have been killed by heavy artillery. Indeed, most of them were summarily executed by forces loyal to Assad.

More than 13,000 people have been killed in Syria since March last year when Assad cracked down on dissent. It is quite evident that he used Kofi Annan’s peace plan to buy time and step up his repression on innocent civilians. Along with Saudi Arabia and GCC countries, India should take the initiative to end the stalemate in Syria.

The world must speak in one voice on Syria.

The Indian External Affairs Minister S. M. Krishna has been taking keen interest in the Middle East affairs and has developed good relations with Arab countries. He should, therefore, take an initiative along with Saudi Arabia, the GCC countries and others to help in ending this stalemate and to put an end to the inhuman atrocities that innocent civilians in Syria are being subjected to.

Apropos Osama Sharif’s article, “Assad, it’s too little, too late” (June 22), I think the Syrian president can still turn things around for the better in his country.

In his third televised speech since pro-democracy protests started in Syria in March, Assad promised reforms and change of constitution but only after chaos and protests end and civil order is restored. But the opposition has hardened their stand. What they want is an end to the Bathist rule and regime change, not political reforms.

Still Assad can win back those who have serious grievances against his regime by speeding up not only political and social reforms but economic reforms too.

Dear Sir,-Extremist ideologies pose the major threat facing the world now. Militant groups like the Islamic State (IS) want the world to remain in a permanent state of unrest and chaos so that they have the ideal conditions to flourish. It is alarming that these groups are spreading their tentacles globally.

First, it was thought that IS was confined to the Middle East but it was a wrong assumption. The group or its affiliates are active in Europe, Africa, America and Asia now.

The New Year began with militants striking terror in places like Istanbul, Jakarta and Jalalabad. Attacks in these came in the wake of multiple terror strikes in Paris in November, which killed 130 people. These attacks underline the fact that the IS is spreading its wings beyond the borders of Iraq and Syria, spreading chaos and bloodshed far and wide.

The international community has to join hands to end the growing extremist menace. Full-fledged military operations must be carried out against not only the IS but also against similar terror outfits.

IS’s main strength lies in its access to large financial resources from the sale of oil derived from fields it has captured in Iraq and Syria and from ransom for freeing people kidnapped by it. Groups like these can only be defeated if all countries launch a joint campaign against them.

SIR, The beheading of the American journalist James Foley by the Islamic State (ISIS) once again exposes their barbaric mindset. He was an intrepid journalist who sacrificed his life while trying to expose the sufferings of the Syrians to the world.

The tragedy illustrates the brutality of ISIS, which will continue to be a threat to peace given its enormous financial resources, valued at approximately $2 billion which it has secured through its control of oil fields in eastern Syria, looting of banks, the sale of precious antiquities, extortion, and kidnapping.

ISIS has inducted activists from the Arab world, Chechnya, China, Australia and Europe. This terrorist group is different from Al Qaida and the Taliban. The objective of its insurgency is to expand the territory that it controls in Iraq and Syria. ISIS represents a challenge to the world.

Syria is an important Arab country and continuous civil strife internally has taken a big toll of human life, which should be of a great concern not only to the Arab world but also to international community. The uprising against Assad government has entered a new phase of sustained violence in recent weeks. The UN has said that as of December 2011, more than 5,000 people have been killed in the protests and crackdown. Syrian government says more than 2,000 security forces have also been killed by militants.

India can take an initiative with the help of UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar, and the UN in helping Syria rebuild its economy.

The Arab League has more or less withdrawn from mediating the Syrian crisis. Syria is not Libya and any military intervention will lead to a bloodbath, as the Syrian Army remains loyal to President Bashar Assad. There are no signs of mass defections as in Libya. The Security Council is divided over how to break this impasse, with Russia and China opposed to any type of direct action.

Herein lies a role for India. India has excellent relations not only with GCC states but with all Arab countries. At the same time New Delhi has no special commitment to Damascus. India has no economic stakes in Syria. Whether it is oil supplies, employment for its nationals or investments, Indian interests lies with GCC countries.

But this does not mean India can afford to remain indifferent to what is happening in Syria. So India should take a bold diplomatic initiative with the help of Saudi Arabia, UAE, Qatar and the Arab League to help end the civil strife in Syria. And once peace returns to Syria these rich GCC economies can help Syria in rebuilding its economy.

Sir, death of Libyan leader Muammar gaddafi (gaddafi Era ends oct 21) is a milstone in the Libyan peopel: battle to free themselves from the dictatorial and violent regime that was imposed on them for more than 40 years.

Gaddafi had been on the run for weeks after being chased out of Tripoli By Nato bombers and rebel tropps One can hope that a united Libya will arise in the aftermath of the Gaddafi era.

Referring to Parisa Hafezi’s column “Iran after Rafsanjani” (Jan. 11), the death of Iran’s reformist former President Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani is sad. He was the most powerful cleric in Iran.

His death is a big blow to reformists in the country, as he was considered a moderate. His death comes at a crucial time, following the landmark Iran nuclear deal and before Donald Trump becomes US president. A volatile world order may be on the horizon.

Rafsanjani was one of the voices of political realism and moderation in Iran, who played a very important role in the election of reformist President Mohammed Khatami. As oil prices have plummeted, so have the oil revenues of all Gulf countries and Iran, on which their economies are based.

It is time for Iran to reduce its military expenditure and its policy of confrontation. This will help Arab countries, especially those in the Gulf, do the same and spend money on their citizens’ welfare, improving basic infrastructure, health care and education.

It is time for Iran to work toward peace in the Middle East. Only regional players, not outsiders, should work together in this regard.

Sir,Apropos "Saudi fears Challenge" (DH,June,12),In a coordinated move, serving of Diplomatic ties by Saudi Arabia, Egypt,U.A.E,Bahrain, Yemen and Maldives with the gas rich nation,Qatar will have far reaching consequences not only in G.C.C countries but all of west Asia.

The Embargo will push Qatar towards Iran and Turkey, the later has already assured deployment of its troops in Qatari soil.

It is hoped the mediation efforts by Emir of Kuwait will restore the brotherly ties.