The world is witnessing two conflicting narratives simultaneously, the welfare of the mankind, and simultaneously pushing the world towards an imminent nuclear catastrophe; interestingly both being endorsed by the outgoing US President, Joe Biden. The issue is whether a lame duck president should escalate the war, who will finally demitting his office on January 20,2025, or he would genuinely honor his commitment to a hassle-free transaction of power to the new incumbent.
At the 19th G-20 summit, Biden is unanimous with the rest of the world leaders that sustainable development is essential for the mankind, but at the same time, or could be within a few hours of this high-profile conference, he permits Ukraine to hit Russia with more fatal weapons and missiles.
With Biden’s consent, Ukrainian President, Vladimir Zelenskyy, has already embarked upon hitting Russian military stores with much deadlier missiles, on November 20, thus expanding the war theatre; perhaps, intensifying nuclear threat.
There are also reports that the new Russian nuclear doctrine clearly says that if Ukraine is being directly supported by the nuclear-powered nations with new weapons escalating war to the Russian inlands, Russia might also hit them with much lethal missiles, including those having nuclear warheads.
The foreign and strategic affairs scholars and experts in New Delhi and Washington appear to be in unison Biden’s decision to allow Ukraine to expand the war to other areas could be a part of strategy to foil the much-trumpeted peace plans of the President-elect, Donald Trump. Trump and the nominees of his cabinet like Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy are being frequently quoted for cutting federal expenditure; or in other words ending the avoidable conflicts in Eastern Europe and West Asia.
The declaration of world leaders at the G-20 at Rio-de-Janeiro has unanimously ratified the theme of the summit, “Building a Just Order and s sustainable Planet. It concluded on November 18-19, promising a broad-spectrum approach towards the key issues for sustainable development, energy issues, social inclusion, but it did not focus on how to attain these goals, if the world continues to face conflicts across continents. Instead, the Canadian Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, appeared to be unhappy that it could not use the international forum to condemn Russia.
Trudeau, who was present at the G-20 summit, however, tried to compensate the growing frustration of the West for its inability to condemn the Russian aggression by promising severe censure of Russia at G-7, which is scheduled to be hosted by his country next year. He, perhaps, was echoing the feeling of Biden, who had allowed the escalation of the conflict, just 48 hours before the summit allowing Ukraine to hit Russia with new weapons.
The Russian Defense Ministry has confirmed that six ATACMS ballistic missiles, which were used for the first time against Russia, hit its military areas; according to the Russian sources, while five of them were destroyed before they could hit the target, the sixth caused fire, but it was promptly extinguished. There was no loss of life or property. However, it is quite amusing how an experienced person like Biden hopes to attain the development agenda of G-20, while escalating the war.
Even before the ink of the declaration could dry up, there are reports that two undersea fiber-optic cables in the Baltic Sea, including one 1200- kilometer link between Germany and Sweden, and 218-kilometer link between Lithuania and Sweden have suddenly been snapped. The immediate impact of the disconnection is being felt in the region on various trade and business activities. It is believed that either it could be the handiwork of those interested in delaying the peace process being repeated by the President-elect, Donald Trump, or some aggrieved by the Ukrainian’s renewed attack hitting targets deep inside Russia. It is an ill omen for those interested in peace in the region; especially when the conflict is being aggravated on the 1000th day of this tragedy on November 20.
The two European powers, Germany and Sweden, have so far not made any accusation regarding the severance of the cables, which have brought the functioning of many ports to a sudden halt due to the communication disruption. They, however, have issued a joint statement condemning the mischief, but they did not make specific accusations. It is expected to take about a fortnight to recommission the communications through the cables.
The confusion and conflicts might be finally over when the new president finally assumes office in January; but the war games being played by a lame duck president could not only be disastrous for immediate peace, but might also adversely peace prospects in future.
Gopal Misra has been associated with national and international media. His books on journalism and geo-politics have been well-appreciated. Views are personal.
