It’s been three months and few days since the US and Israel attacked Iran. What was portrayed as a fast-track operation for the overthrow of the Iranian government, and the disarmament of its nuclear arsenal, turned into a long-lasting and complex military and diplomatic offensive that drew in many countries in the region and affected millions of people across the globe.
Few believed that all this was happening, as the US and Israel suggested, out of care for the democratic rights of Iranians. In any case, how can you defend the rights of people when you are bombing and killing them? Who is to decide the fate of Iranian people? A doctrine that has repeatedly failed in the past was cover for the neo-colonial policies of the US and Israel and their allies in the region.
Thousands have died, and tens of thousands have been injured since the start of the attacks. Most profound was the killing of 120 children among the 156 total dead in an attack in Minab, Hormozgan province, on the first day of bombings. How many people are mourning their loved ones because of the power competitions of the ruling class yet again? How many had to see their lives ruined yet again?
And as images of death and destruction filled our screens, we measured the world’s wounds in terms of oil prices. The world was gripped by panic over the rising cost of living, rather than over the lives lost by the people who were suffering. We prayed for the end of it, so we could continue organising undisrupted our “normal” lives and, why not, our summer holidays!
Over the last few days, different sources have announced an agreement between the US and Iranian governments that would terminate the attacks from both sides. We can only hope that it will prove to be right this time. However, everyone understands the fragility of such agreements! Especially while the Israeli Oppression Forces are still in Gaza and Southern Lebanon; while the totalitarian regimes of all involved still do not differentiate between life and death; or while, in their plans, the peoples of the region are just extras in a horrifying theatrical play that has been overwhelmed by death.
And as we continue following the news, we can only hope for peace in the region. It remains the only way for the peoples of the region to be able to claim their rights, their freedom and dignity, their happiness!
Let’s all pray, shout and fight for their right to it.
