Operation Rising Lion
Israel’s strikes on some of Iran’s facilities mark a dangerous escalation in an already volatile West Asian theatre. While Israel cites preemptive security concerns, such unilateral actions risk provoking severe retaliation from Tehran, which could engulf the region in wider conflict. Iran’s possible military or proxy-based response may destabilise not just Israel but also the Gulf states, threatening vital global energy supplies. This tit-for-tat brinkmanship undermines ongoing diplomatic efforts, especially the already fragile Iran nuclear deal framework. Moreover, it raises the spectre of a nuclear arms race in the region, as other nations may seek similar deterrents.
India, with its strategic ties to both Israel and Iran, and its dependence on Gulf energy routes, has cause for concern. The international community, particularly the UN and regional powers, must act swiftly to de-escalate tensions and revive meaningful dialogue before the situation spirals beyond control.
Gopalaswamy J.,
Chennai
U.S. ties, the reality
A report that the Pakistani Army Chief General has been invited to an event in Washington DC on the occasion of U.S. Army Day (June 14) makes one wonder what the true state of India-U.S. ties is like. June). There is also another report of General Michael Kurilla having praised Pakistan for its “counter-terror efforts” and helping the U.S. achieve its objectives in the region (“U.S. CENTCOM chief Gen. Michael Kurilla terms Pakistan a ‘phenomenal partner’ in counter-terrorism”, June 11). This runs counter to India’s repeated line that Pakistan is the penetrator of terrorism. Such reports only strengthen doubts about America being a ‘reliable partner’.
Yash Pal Ralhan,
Jalandhar, Punjab
Air safety
In an interview to a YouTube channel, Captain Mohan Ranganathan, an aviation safety expert, has said that Ahmedabad airport is known to have a high risk factor of bird hits and that most airports in India function in violation of ICAO and DGCA rules for political reasons. He has also pointed out that there are slaughterhouses and garbage dumps just outside the airport wall. Such facilities are prohibited within a 13 kilometre radius. The expert also said that he had written about the situation at Ahmedabad airport several years ago. He raised another pertinent issue. After the crash at Mangaluru in 2010, he had submitted a report that highlighted the need to extend the runway for safer operations. Unfortunately, the government failed to respond citing the costs involved. The result is that nothing has changed.
The government may have set up an inquiry committee to probe the crash at Ahmedabad, but more often than not, all these inquiries end with the authorities signing up on the dotted line and not caring about the real conditions. Therefore, if the inquiry is to be impartial, it should include committed experts. The government must implement safety recommendations.
N.G.R. Prasad,
Chennai
The snippet, “Mrs. Gandhi’s election set aside”(‘From the Archives’ – Fifty Years Ago, June 13, 1975) was, indubitably, a historic day in Indian democracy. This was an event that resulted in many political developments. But, unfortunately, years later we have yet to introduce necessary electoral reforms, to make it easy for honest and ordinary citizens to enter our law-making bodies. This is a failure that takes some of the shine off our democracy. Rich individuals find it easy to don the role of law-makers. Law-breakers becoming law makers is a malady, while law abiders continue to suffer in silence. We need to make essential changes to our electoral laws to pave the way for good governance and inclusive economic growth.
M.V. Nagavender Rao,
Hyderabad
Published – June 14, 2025 12:24 am IST