By Qamar Bashir
Soon after the martyrdom of Ismail Haniya, disregarding the fear of retaliation from Iran’s proxies in the Middle East or Iran itself, Israel appears emboldened to the point of daring Iran to launch a punitive strike. Meanwhile, other countries, fearing an imminent plunge of the Middle East into war, have issued travel advisories to their citizens, urging them to vacate the region, particularly Iran.
The leadership of the US and the West though shed crocodile tears on slaughtering and shredding of innocent children by lethal bombs, airstrikes and sniper fires, have perhaps something big in mind. Their target seemed not only to obliterate Hamas, Hizbollah or Houthis, but they seemed to be after some bigger trophies. They may destroy those countries of the middle east which have made miraculous progress and development in a short span of time and have dazzled the world knowing that this economic might will eventually translate into military might.
For example, the United Arab Emirates, with its GDP soaring from $80 billion in 2000 to approximately $520 billion in 2023, has emerged as a leading business hub, due to advancements in infrastructure, trade, and tourism. Qatar’s economy has grown from $16 billion to about $270 billion, driven by its vast natural gas reserves and investments in sports and tourism. Saudi Arabia’s GDP has surged from $160 billion to $1.3 trillion, bolstered by its Vision 2030 plan aimed at diversifying its economy beyond oil. Oman has expanded its GDP from $20 billion to around $90 billion through diversification efforts in tourism and logistics, while Bahrain has seen its GDP rise from $12 billion to about $47 billion, establishing itself as a key regional financial center.
After the stalling rise of the Middle East, the next threat perceived by Israel and the West could be to neutralize the nuclear capability of Iran and Pakistan. This possibility is not an assumption, but the Israeli Prime Minister has expressed his desire to neutralize the nuclear capabilities of both these countries in a highly circulated interview on the internet.
Moreover, Israel, the USA, and Western powers have repeatedly expressed concerns about the safety and security of Pakistan’s nuclear weapons, fearing that instability in the region could lead to these weapons falling into the hands of terrorist groups or being used irresponsibly. U.S. officials, including former President Barack Obama, have highlighted the risks of nuclear proliferation and the importance of stringent security measures. Israeli officials have similarly voiced their apprehensions. The UK and the European Union have also raised these concerns in diplomatic channels, advocating for increased international cooperation to ensure the safe custody of nuclear materials in Pakistan.
According to various research studies and intelligence reports, Iran is advancing its nuclear capabilities. As of 2024, Iran has made significant progress in its uranium enrichment program by deploying advanced centrifuges and expanding its enriched uranium stockpile. Intelligence assessments suggest that Iran has accumulated enough low-enriched uranium that, if further enriched, could fuel several nuclear weapons. The timeline for producing enough fissile material for a nuclear weapon could be as short as a few weeks.
The United States and its allies had tried to deter Iran from developing nuclear weapons but had failed, but if the war in middle east escalate, it would provide the US and its allies to bolster their military capabilities to respond swiftly to any signs of Iran moving towards weaponization and to prevent Iran from crossing the nuclear threshold.
The blatant killing of Hamas leader in Iran and top Hezbollah leadership in Beirut, Israel in anticipating of retaliatory had already taken several measures to avert potential attacks, and is fully geared in support with its allies to carry out massive assault on Iran’s military and economic assets and degrade them to level where it could not pose any existential threat to Israel or support and equip its proxies in the Middle East.
The USA, UK, and other Western powers in bid to protect Israel and to garner bigger trophies have further strengthened Israel with advanced weapons systems and logistical support, besides backing it with diplomatic support in international forums advocating for Israel’s right to self-defense, and if need be themselves enter into the war theater to push back against Iran and degrade its military and economic might.
As a show of solidarity with Israel and to attack Iran directly, if the situation warrants, the United States has deployed additional troops, aircraft carriers, and advanced fighter jets. Specifically, the USS Theodore Roosevelt Carrier Strike Group has been dispatched to the region, replacing the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower, which had been operating in the Red Sea to maintain a robust U.S. presence and ensure rapid response capabilities.
In addition to the naval assets, the U.S. has also positioned more fighter jets and ballistic missile defense-capable cruisers and destroyers in the area aiming to enhance regional deterrence and provide protection for U.S. forces stationed throughout the Middle East. The U.S. currently has about 40,000 military personnel deployed in the region, with additional troops arriving to support imminent operations.
Ironically, the combined military capabilities of all Muslim countries are insufficient to counter Israel’s might, especially with the support of the USA and the entire West, the Muslim world finds itself unable to effectively challenge Israel’s formidable defensive and offensive capabilities. As a result, these countries appear paralyzed, turning a deaf ear and a blind eye to the cries, sobs, and painful groans of wounded, hungry, and thirsty Palestinian children.
The irony lies in the fact that if Israel were to decide to destroy the entire Middle East and Iran, and potentially neutralize Pakistan’s nuclear capability, there would be no force on earth, except Almighty Allah, to prevent it from doing so. Therefore, it is in the interest of the Middle East, Iran, and Pakistan not to give any pretext to Israel and its allies to achieve their heinous objectives, although it is acknowledged that Israel and its allies may not even need a pretext if they decide to act.
By Qamar Bashir
Former Press Secretary to the President
Former Press Minister to the Embassy of Pakistan to France
Former MD, SRBC, CEO, ATV
