By Dr. Arun Mitra
Trump’s alarming warning that “all hell will break out in West Asia” if Hamas does not release hostages by Inauguration Day has intensified global concerns and dashed hopes for a swift peaceful resolution. The devastating reality is that hell has already descended upon the Middle East, especially Gaza, where more than 46,000 lives have been lost, according to the health ministry, with over 70% being women and children. The number of injured surpasses 109,000.
Out of Gaza’s population of 2.3 million, over 1.5 million have been displaced, and the region has been largely reduced to rubble. The Netanyahu government is obstructing humanitarian aid, denying access to food, medicine, and other essential supplies. The water supply has also been cut off, indicating an intent to push the population towards starvation and dehydration. With sanitary conditions deteriorating, the risk of infectious diseases is significantly increasing, and many children are succumbing to hypothermia amidst the harsh winter.
What further destruction is Trump advocating? The U.S. continues to supply substantial arms to the Israeli government. Neither the U.S. nor Israel appears genuinely concerned about the hostages. If, amid such widespread chaos and minimal resistance from Hamas, they have yet to locate the hostages, where could they possibly be? Israel has failed to provide evidence of hostages in hospitals or tunnels yet continues its bombardment without restraint. Destruction is also rampant in Lebanon and the West Bank, and they have already instigated regime change in Syria. How many more innocents must die, Mr. Trump?
Trump has also threatened to use force to seize the Panama Canal, purchase Greenland, and rename the Gulf of Mexico to the Gulf of America. He has even proposed that Canada become a U.S. state. This echoes dangerous expansionist ambitions reminiscent of those of Hitler and his allies, which ultimately contributed to the outbreak of World War II. He has suggested imposing tariffs on Denmark if it refuses to sell Greenland, and his son Don Jr. has reportedly traveled to Greenland for a private visit.
Furthermore, Trump claims he will demand increased defense spending from NATO allies, proposing that they allocate 5% of their GDP to defense instead of the current 2% target.
It is concerning to note that global military expenditures have skyrocketed in recent years. In 2022, world military spending reached $2.24 trillion, with $82.9 billion specifically for nuclear weapons. According to the International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons (ICAN), in 2023, the nine nations with nuclear capabilities collectively spent $10.8 billion (13.4%) more on their nuclear arsenals than the previous year, equating to nearly $2,898 every second.
A report from the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) dated June 12, 2023, reveals an uptick in operational nuclear weapons as several countries expand their long-term modernization plans. As of January 2023, there were an estimated 12,512 warheads, with Russia and the U.S. owning nearly 90% of these nuclear stockpiles. Such military spending detracts from funding needed for social welfare initiatives.
Trump’s views on climate change are well-documented. What stance will he adopt upon his potential return? He appears to frame his actions as aiming for economic security. Is he simply catering to the interests of the Military-Industrial Complex in the U.S.?
While some nations express alarm over his rhetoric, there are also dissenting voices. Canada’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Melanie Joly, stated on X, “President-elect Trump’s comments demonstrate a complete lack of understanding of what makes Canada a strong country. Our economy is resilient. Our people are robust. We will not back down in the face of threats.”
Mr. Trump needs to recognize the broader sentiments at play. The world is yearning for peace, an end to the arms race, and the abolition of nuclear weapons. The global community evidenced its desire for change by passing the Treaty Prohibiting Nuclear Weapons in the UN General Assembly in July 2017.
Throughout his election campaign, Trump asserted he would not initiate wars but would work to end them. However, his recent statements contradict those previous assertions.
Donald Trump must heed the warning signs and refrain from dangerous rhetoric. Escalating existing conflicts or launching new ones heightens the threat of nuclear engagement, which would have catastrophic consequences. (IPA Service)
