The United States yesterday used its infamous B2 bombers to bomb Iran’s nuclear sites of Furdow, Natanz and Isfahan. On one hand we have seen the US being reluctant in Ukraine, which is a conflict significant for NATO and on the other we find it getting involved in Iran unprovoked. Might hint at the decreasing importance of Europe, where as the Middle East and Israel remain top priorities.
The attacks were expected though a week sooner, after President Trump had made it clear earlier in the week. The attacks were against all norms of international law and civilized societies but when it involves the US and Israel, exceptions need to be made. If Iran perseveres, the world cannot feign ignorance or innocence. Other claimants of world influence would be forced to break out of their cocoons or lose relevance. If Iran falls in line, the US hegemony would be reaffirmed. Its economic challenges like those to the dollar, and tariffs would be overcome, its debt crisis resolved and Pax Americana restored. Looking at the stakes, the attacks are no surprise, but the silence otherwise is inexplicable. Russia has demonstrated its inability to engage across multiple fronts and Chinese dreams of global domination might just have aborted. The “Muslim world” has also proved to be nominalistic. Its regimes are fast losing legitimacy. Coming on the back of their silence over Gaza, this’ll cost them politically. The Indian prime minister’s call to the Iranian president is welcome though too little too late. We might be living in the most dangerous moment in our generation. After AI it might be the biggest challenge to world order.
The last attempt by a hegemon
