Ceasefire Signed, Questions Multiply

Ishtiaq Ahmed 

Situational: The announcement of cease fire to halt the current war on Iran instigated by Israel and USA is a move in the right direction but it raises more questions than answers:

If Iran shuts down its nuclear programme, apparently the intended mission of the aggressors, it will be seen as a major success for the United States and Israel, and an achievement of their objectives. 

But if Iran continues to pursue its nuclear programme, there will remain a constant risk of a new war breaking out at any time.

Another possibility is that both sides might choose a middle path but the question remains: what would that middle path be?

In this entire turbulent situation, the role of Muslim countries is of a particular concern especially that of Saudi Arabia, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, and Pakistan. These countries appear to be leaning towards the United States and Israel.

It can be stated with confidence that any American attack on Iran was only made possible with the support of Saudi Arabia and Qatar.

In this context, Iran’s future reaction towards these countries will be of great importance, and may become clearer with time.

Another aspect of this entire web of conspiracy is the effort to gain formal recognition by key Muslim nations for Israel’s existence, and it seems that the path toward this is gradually being paved.

Some decisions and outcomes in this regard will soon come to light.

The objectives of the United States and Israel appear to revolve around four main objectives: 

The complete dismantling of Iran’s nuclear programme;

further consolidation of US and Israeli influence in the Middle East; strengthening of Israel’s political and military position in the region; and further solidifying Israel’s grip on Palestine and eliminating the threat posed by Iran to Israel’s game plan.

In my view, the United States and Israel seem to be gradually succeeding in all these aspects. Now, it remains to be seen how the situation ultimately unfolds and who gets affected by it. 

Don’t hold your breath.