Common challenges in the Ukraine and Middle East conflicts- There’s a lesson for India in the wars going on overseas

Source: The post common challenges in the Ukraine and Middle East conflicts has been created, based on the article “There’s a lesson for India in the wars going on overseas” published in “Live mints” on 1st March 2024.

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper2-International relation-Effect of policies and politics of developed and developing countries on India’s interests,

News: The article discusses how Europe struggles to respond to Russia’s aggression against Ukraine and the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. It highlights the challenges and the lack of clear strategy in both conflicts. Ukraine and Middle East Conflict

What is the Western countries’ response to the Russia-Ukrainian war?

Russia’s gains in the war increase pressure on the West to support Ukraine.

Western countries, including the US, UK, and Germany, are against sending troops to Ukraine. They prefer providing military aid, such as weapons and ammunition, to support Ukrainian forces.

Germany and other European countries are also not in favor of sending troops to Ukraine.

Internal disagreements in the West, like Hungary blocking a support statement, show a lack of consensus.

How is the war unfolding in the Middle East?

Nature of the conflict and military actions: The conflict began with Israel’s military action in Gaza after Hamas’s attacks, killing about 1,200 in southern Israel. This led to major destruction and a humanitarian crisis. Israel’s efforts have not significantly weakened Hamas.Moreover, Israel is currently under pressure to not attack Rafah, a key Hamas area (1.5 million Palestinians taking shelter).

Political and international pressure: Amidst the ongoing conflict, there is a notable absence of a coherent Israeli strategy for the governance and reconstruction of Gaza. This situation is further complicated by the multiple threats Israel faces, including those from Hezbollah and Iranian proxies in the region. Adding to the complexity, the Biden administration in the United States is exerting political pressure on Israel, urging restraint in its military actions to avoid further escalation of the conflict and the humanitarian crisis.

What are the common challenges in the Ukraine and Middle East conflicts?

Dependence on External Support: Both Ukraine and Israel heavily rely on external aid. Ukraine receives military aid from the West, while Israel’s strategy also depends on support from allies.

Strategic Alignment Difficulties: Aligning military goals with available resources and strategies is a challenge. For instance, the US and Europe struggle to form a consensus on aiding Ukraine, and Israel lacks a clear plan for Gaza’s future.

Information as a War Tool: In both conflicts, information is crucial for influencing public opinion and political decisions.

Aversion to Casualties in the West: Western societies’ reluctance to endure casualties affects their support and strategies in these conflicts. This is evident in the reluctance of Western countries to send troops to Ukraine.

Pressure for Sustainable Outcomes: Both Ukraine and Israel face challenges in achieving long-term, stable political and military outcomes. This includes the internal and external pressures to resolve conflicts while minimizing further escalation and harm.

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Way forward

The way forward involves building a coherent strategy for conflict resolution. This includes the West forming a unified stance on supporting Ukraine and Israel devising a clear plan for Gaza. Additionally, leveraging diplomatic channels to de-escalate tensions and promote sustainable peace solutions is crucial.

Question for practice:

Examine the common challenges faced by Western countries in responding to the conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East.