Masses on both sides are ever emotionally charged and rulers have often exploited this sentiment
PESHAWAR: The recent war hysteria led by Prime Minister Modi can be compared to the Aristotelian catastrophe, which is initiated by the psychic disorder of a general or a king, and ends with a stage filled with dead bodies. Fortunately, things have changed since the time of Aristotle. The physical conquest of a territory by an army of another land is no longer acceptable and there are actually other reasons that ignite the said hysteria.
Firstly, Modi desires to create a situation where the public emotions are high and his party can exploit to secure a win. As a matter of fact, he needs to exacerbate the situation to such a point where he can claim that he made enough efforts to curb the menace of Muslim terrorism in Asia and that the Congress failed to support him.
Secondly, Indian media played the biggest role in spreading jingoistic sentiments. Journalistic ethics were negated in order to ensure greater ratings. Indian journalists are not interested in what is true or fair. Their sole purpose is to create sensationalism at any cost. It simply serves their personal interests as they profit from it, while seeming patriotic. The likes of Arnab Goswami are ever ready to shatter every narrative to serve their end.
Thirdly, masses on both sides are ever emotionally charged and rulers have often exploited this sentiment.
Hence, it is important to assess the present scenario using the above stated facts. Even Modi and his party are aware of the impossibility of a full scale war given the nuclear capability of both the countries. Moreover, such a war cannot eliminate terrorism. Even if we were to assume that Pakistan is supporting terrorism in South Asia, the question remains that if fighting a war will end terrorism? Never!
In fact, Modi needs to rightfully understand the consequences of any security threats in the region because this election expedition can slip into full scale war.
Furthermore, Pakistan needs to come out of this quagmire of terrorism related impediments. Much is needed to be done.
Idrees Ali Shah
Published in The Express Tribune, March 6th, 2019.
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