Damascus : Will America led strikes on Damascus, the capital city of Syria lead to a World War? The loud reaction of Russia, a long-time friend of Assad regime in Syria indicates towards a bigger conflict in the region. The fact that France and Britain are co-operating with America in air strikes on Damascus raise a concern that a world war is imminent. Some of the countries have yet to disclose their strategy, but the coming together of countries allied to America may lead to polarisation dividing the world into two camps – one led by America and another by Russia.
History may repeat itself
The United States led coalition launched hundreds of missiles on the chemical weapons storage and research facilities in Damascus to teach Bashar-al-Assad, the president of Syria a lesson. It also reminds us of American attack on Iraq in 2003. Then America led coalition had without any substantial proof devastated the ill-fated country accusing it of stockpiling chemical weapons. Even after the war ended, coalition countries could not furnish any proof of chemical weapons which had ultimately led to the war. Later, Britain acknowledged its blunder that it had no proof of Iraq having chemical weapons. It is surprising that Britain jumped into the fray this time too along with America to attack Syria ignoring its past mistake.
All screwed up
Given the fact that Russia is a long-time friend of Syria, countries allied to Russia may mobilise and come together threatening a bigger conflict in the region. Russian President Vladimir Putin, just after coalition operation on Damascus, gave a loud reaction and called it a flagrant violation of international law and promised consequences. Russian ambassador to United States Anatoly Antonov called the air strikes in Syria an insult to the nation and said that actions could not be without consequences. In other words, the soil of Syria is to be used as battlefield between on one side America led coalition and on the other Russia and its allies.
Polarisation may take place
The air strike in Syria has taken place at a time when the world is divided over the issue of poisoning of former Russian spy in England. America is already at loggerheads with North Korean regime over the issue of nuclear weapons. If conflict escalates further in Syria, the proposed talks between North Korea and Washington may not see the light of the day. Not only this, America and China have already entered into a trade war increasing tariffs on the import of certain products into each other’s countries. If a major conflict arises in the world, China is most likely to side with Russia given its hostility with America. Clearly the world is getting more and more polarised creating a dangerous situation of inviting a threat to the world peace and security.
Escalating regional conflict
As what happened in Iraq a decade and a half ago when it was pounded with missiles allegedly for keeping chemical weapons, the same may happen to Syria as well. Using chemical weapons may be an excuse to attack Syria. On the face of it, what looks like a fight against chemical weapons is actually a fight for supremacy between the two major super powers of the world. We will not be surprised if the peace in the entire Middle-East region is disturbed due to the conflict in Syria. As we have seen Middle-East is itself polarised due to conflict between Arab and non-Arab countries. Syria has been the epicenter of this conflict for a long time.
It is not to the liking of America that Syria is a long-term ally of Moscow. Syria is also not on friendly terms with its neighbouring countries who want their own man in Damascus in place of Bashar al Assad. Clearly Assad has been a thorn in their eyes. America is exploiting this situation to its own advantage taking political and economic benefits out of it. This is the reason why it has been supportive of countries which harbour animosity against Syria. Never forget that this region is rich in crude oil due to which America does not want to let go out of its hold.
People will suffer
Iran, a major player in the region, may not remain untouched by the conflict which is going on in Syria. It is an ally of Syria and a friend of Bashar al Assad. It is most likely to ally with Russia in the event of a world war. In the fight for supremacy, Syria is just a pawn while it is the people who will suffer just like they suffer in any conflict area.
