India cannot afford to isolate itself

Refer to ‘Tit-for-tat strike’; attacks and counter- attacks in West Asia have been common since decades. But the present escalation has serious implications for many countries. This has put India in a fix for various reasons. The ruling dispensation has its ideological reasons to extend moral support to Israel in spite of India’s historical backing for the cause of Palestinians. But India is enjoying the benefits of low-priced crude oil from Russia, though only a few private players in the oil sector are gaining from it, and not the people at large. India is already an island in an ocean of hostile neighbours and it cannot afford to isolate itself.

AG Rajmohan, Anantapur (ap)

World awaits Iran’s response

Apropos of ‘Tit-for-tat strike’; the Israeli airstrike on Iran has intensified the long-standing conflict between the two nations, raising fears of a broader war in West Asia. Fortunately, Israel limited its attack to military targets, avoiding hitting Iranian oil and nuclear facilities, which would have been catastrophic for the entire region. It would also trigger a snowball effect of economic disruptions, forcing Gulf nations to make a moral and strategic choice of standing either with the US or Iran. The world now awaits Iran’s response that will determine how far this war will go.

Gregory Fernandes, Mumbai

Escalating West Asia tensions

With reference to ‘Tit-for-tat strike’; the Israeli strike in Iran underscores a dangerous cycle of retaliation in West Asia. While Israeli leaders claim that the strike achieved its goals, it is dangerously short-sighted to believe that Iran will not respond. With each strike amplifying hostilities across the region, the potential for escalation looms. Both nations need to defuse tensions by engaging in a dialogue to avert a catastrophic clash that could engulf the entire region and beyond.

Amarjeet Mann, Una

Need an open-minded approach

Refer to ‘Art or obscenity?’; the answer to this question lies in the eyes of the critical observer who evaluates a piece of art. One cannot ignore the societal limits and the traditions prevalent since centuries. An excellent piece of art certainly deserves the appreciation of equally expert evaluators. Open-mindedness is expected from evaluators, but at the same time, a careful approach is desired from a good artist, who should have a sound knowledge of religions and deities. Otherwise, in this age of social media, no offensive painting can escape the attention of the masses, not only in India but all over the world.

Ravinder Kumar Jain, Ludhiana

Don’t trample upon values

Apropos of ‘Art or obscenity?’; it would always remain a contentious issue whether nudity in art is reprehensible or can be defended on the ground of its intent. One wonders why depicting nudity is so essential for an artist in the name of creative freedom, when he knows it very well that it is likely to provoke stiff opposition, criticism and even censorship. There may be justification for nudity in art, but its acceptance in society will always remain questionable. It may be defended on the ground that a more informed, open-minded approach needs to be adopted to foster a culture of creativity, but well-established morals and standards of society must not be allowed to be subverted. We cannot afford to trample upon our time-tested traditional values for the sake of ultra-modernity.

Roshan Lal Goel, Ladwa

India, China should respect pact

With reference to ‘India, China must overcome trust deficit’; it would be an understatement to say that this is a breakthrough as after long negotiations, both nations have agreed to return to the patrolling arrangements along the LAC that were in place before the Galwan clash. Hopefully, China would also agree to the disengagement of forward-deployed troops at Demchok and Depsang, which is essential for restoration of the status quo that existed before April 2020. It is in the larger interest of the region, geopolitically and strategically, that India and China have cordial relations. Gradually, things can improve, provided the agreement is followed in letter and spirit.

Bal Govind, Noida

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