Exploring geopolitical strife, expansionism, and communal tensions shaping the modern world, with reflections from Noam Chomsky and the enduring poetry of Sahir Ludhianvi. Humra Quraishi writes…

The escalating crisis in the Middle East and conflict continues to unsettle global stability. Amidst this turmoil, reflections from Noam Chomsky highlight U.S. militarization policies, while Sahir Ludhianvi’s timeless poetry resonates with themes of resistance against tyranny. In India, rising communal tensions add to global concerns, as politically charged rhetoric fuels social divisions. This comprehensive analysis blends historical insights, contemporary geopolitical issues, and poetic narratives to illuminate the urgent need for justice and peace in a fractured world.

The year is ending with an extremely worrying scenario, marked by havoc in the Middle East. Israel’s targeted attacks, initially centred on Gaza, have now spread to Syria. Where and how will this end? Above all, when will it end? Hundreds of thousands are already devastated, with many more affected. The destruction continues with no signs of abatement.

Commentators report that the situation in Syria is worsening as Israel and its allies rapidly intrude into its territory. This brings to mind what Noam Chomsky shared with me during an interview over two decades ago when he visited New Delhi. His observations remain deeply significant. When I asked him what changes he foresaw in the evolving world order, he described the havoc that could unfold as superpower America, along with its allies, advanced its strategies.

To quote Chomsky from that interview: “The threat of terrorism is not the only abyss into which we peer… an even greater threat is posed by the expansion of the arms race… The term ‘race’ is inappropriate because the USA is, for now, competing alone. Its goal is to achieve ‘full spectrum dominance.’ These plans have been available in government documents for some years, and the projects outlined are being developed. They were expanded in the first months of the Bush administration and again after 9/11, in a crude exploitation of the fear and horror engendered by those crimes. It is conventional everywhere for an attack to be labelled ‘defence,’ and this case is no exception. The plans for the militarization of space are disguised as ‘ballistic missile defence’ (BMD). And it is well understood that BMD, even if technically feasible, must rely on satellite communication. Destroying satellites is far easier than shooting down missiles. This is one reason why the USA must seek full spectrum dominance — such overwhelming control of space that even the ‘poor man’s weapons’ will not be available to an adversary. The goal of militarizing space extends far beyond. Publications from the Clinton era prominently announced the primary objective: ‘Dominating the space dimension of military operations to protect US interests and investments.’ Armies were needed ‘during the westward expansion of continental United States,’ of course, in self-defence against the indigenous population!”

Domestic Woes: A Bleak Communal Landscape

Turning attention to our country, the communal situation is equally distressing. Recent remarks from a sitting judge of the Allahabad High Court are alarming — blatantly communal and aligned with the typical Hindutva ideology. One can only imagine the trickle-down effect of such widespread bias against the Muslim minority in the country.

Communally charged comments, coupled with abusive language, have surged in recent years. Several right-wing parliamentarians have used utterly degrading language against the Muslim community and seem to have faced no consequences. Even political leaders who have given one hate speech after another remain unapologetic.

It wouldn’t be incorrect to say there is a definite pattern of targeting the Muslim community and their faith. Propaganda persists, launched from multiple platforms under various pretexts. The extent of negativity against Muslims suggests a well-orchestrated strategy by the right-wing to systematically marginalize them — economically, socially, and spiritually. Places of worship are targeted, myths and misconceptions are propagated, and fear is instilled. The gullible are fed this anti-Muslim rhetoric as the political machinery thrives on the lethal combination of hate and prejudice.

As this poisonous and biased propaganda against the Muslim community continues unchecked, ground realities grow bleaker, darker, and more worrisome.

Leaving You With These Lines of Sahir Ludhianvi

These lines from Sahir Ludhianvi’s poem Khoon Phir Khoon Hai (Blood, However, Is Blood) from A Celebration of Progressive Urdu Poetry – Anthems of Resistance (IndiaInk/Roli Books) by Ali Husain Mir and Raza Mir:

Tyranny is but tyranny; when it grows, it is vanquished. /Blood, however, is blood; if it spills, it will congeal. /It will congeal on the desert sands, on the murderer’s hand, /On the brow of justice and on chained feet, /On the unjust sword, on the sacrificial body. /Blood is blood; if it spills, it will take root. /Let them hide all they want, skulk in their lairs; /The trail of spilled blood will reveal the executioners’ abode. /Let conspiracies shroud the truth with darkness; /Each drop of blood will march forth, holding aloft a lamp. /Say this to tyranny’s worthless and dishonoured destiny, /Say this to coercion’s manipulative intent, /Say this to Laila, the darling of the assembly: /Blood is wild; it will splatter and stain your garment. /It is a fierce flame that will scorch your harvests. /The blood you sought to bury in killing fields /Has risen today in the streets and courts — /Somewhere as a flame, somewhere as a slogan, /Somewhere as a flung stone. /When blood flows, bayonets cannot contain it. /When it raises its defiant head, laws will not restrain it. /Tyranny has no caste, no community, no status, or dignity. /Tyranny is simply tyranny, from its beginning to its end. /Blood, however, is blood; it becomes a hundred things: /Shapes that cannot be obliterated, /Flames that can never be extinguished, /Chants that will not be suppressed.