The Middle East, a land of ancient civilisations, continues to grapple with persistent conflicts, which raises a pertinent question: Can total peace ever truly return to a region where nights are often shattered by sirens, bombings and gunfire? The human cost, particularly to civilians, including children, is immeasurable and tragic.
The ongoing Israeli military actions in Gaza — with their devastating impact on civilian lives — coupled with incursions into sovereign Lebanese territory and, more recently, strikes in Iran that severely disrupted regional air travel, underscore the volatile nature of the current landscape.
These events unfold against a backdrop of other global conflicts which show no signs of abatement despite international pressure and the strong rhetoric from leaders.
Gaza’s hunger crisis is a new level of desperation, with people dying from lack of humanitarian assistance. Malnutrition is rising, with around 90,000 women and children in urgent need of treatment.
Even in Syria, where a glimmer of hope for normalcy appeared with a recent regime change, the past week has seen a renewed surge in fighting.
While a ceasefire deal was announced amid international pressure, the efficacy of such agreements in the current climate remains a sobering question.
Israel's continued military operations, even in the face of ceasefire declarations and widespread international condemnation, further complicate the path to lasting peace.
Not to forget Oman's neighbour Yemen, where food insecurity is at an all-time high. Nearly 18 million Yemenis, over half the population, starve, with about 2.7 million pregnant and breastfeeding women needing treatment for acute malnutrition, and 55 per cent of children under five suffer from chronic malnutrition.
Nearly 5 million people have been displaced from their homes, over 75 per cent of them being women and children. These individuals end up in displacement camps or dangerous makeshift shelters, often without any insulation or privacy. There, they face daily uncertainty about where they will end up, or if they’ll ever return home.
Amidst this turmoil, the citizens and residents of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states consistently advocate for cross-sectoral cooperation, particularly in areas like tourism and business. Their emphasis on the symbiotic relationship between political stability and economic prosperity is evidenced by the robust economic indicators of the region's fastest-growing markets.
The challenges hindering these nations cannot be easily understood. The overthrow of established regimes without viable 'Plan B' scenarios has frequently led to power vacuums.
Ironically, these countries are home to some of the world's oldest civilisations, boasting immense potential for cross-border tourism. This inherent wealth of cultural and historical assets, if properly harnessed, could be a powerful catalyst for shared prosperity.
The critical question is: Why can't local leaders in these nations prioritise peace and progress? Why can't they envision a future that benefits all segments of society, equally serving both minority and majority populations?
The pursuit of stability and cooperation, rather than conflict and fragmentation, holds the key to unlocking the vast potential of this vital region and ensuring a future where its people can finally go to bed without fear.
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