In the heart of the Middle East, the world witnessed a horrifying atrocity on October 7, when innocent lives were ruthlessly taken in what Israelis have described as their 9/11. The echoes of this tragedy resonate with chilling similarities to the 26/11 attack in Mumbai, a memory that still haunts many Indians. We cannot ignore the chilling reality that violent conflicts are no longer confined to distant lands. They are a threat to us all.
In the annals of history, 9/11 and 26/11 were dark chapters, single-dimensional events that shook the world’s conscience. However, the ongoing terror attack of 10/7 in Israel reveals a complexity that defies imagination. The attackers struck from land, air, and sea, infiltrating the Gaza border with a level of coordination that can only be described as military commando precision. The fact that this audacious operation took place without prior intelligence or chatter raises questions not only about Israeli security but also about the global intelligence apparatus.
The failure to prevent this massive assault and the subsequent hostage situation in tunnels under Gaza paint a grim picture. Israel’s retaliation will undoubtedly be fierce, but it is the innocent civilians, including brave soldiers, who bear the brunt of this terror. There’s a looming threat of horizontal escalation, with Iran-backed Hezbollah potentially opening another front on the Israel-Lebanon border, risking a catastrophic regional conflict.
What’s alarming is that this audacious attack comes on the heels of the Taliban’s takeover of Kabul, fuelling the flames of extremism across the Middle East. We believe that this isn’t just a regional issue. It’s a global wake-up call. The consequences of 10/7 will ripple through the decades, strengthening the hands of jihadists and fundamentalist forces.
Religious radicalisation is on the rise, posing a long-term threat to the economic growth of the Middle East and the world. The cycle of violence and extremism has begun anew, and we must ask ourselves: Is India, and the world at large, prepared for it?
Middle Class Hub urges everyone to stand vigilant, united against the rising tide of extremism. Let us not forget that in this interconnected world, no conflict is isolated. We must demand better intelligence sharing, more effective security measures, and global cooperation to ensure that such horrors do not become commonplace. The time to act is now, for our world and for future generations.
