The year of war
Dette innlegget er også tilgjengelig i: Norsk bokmål Русский Українська
The year 2024 will be remembered as the year of war. Several major conflicts where weapons are in use. Some receive more attention than others. Ukraine and the Middle East have received the most attention. The reason for this is that both of these conflicts have the potential to become something far more than a regional conflict. Another feature of the year is that forces on the far right are on the rise. Forces with Nazi and fascist traits.
No peace this year either
The saddest thing is that there has been no peace in either the Middle East or Ukraine. In both places, it is the civilian population that is the losing party. War crimes committed by Israel and Russia are also a common feature. Both Israel and Russia terror bomb civilian targets and infrastructure necessary for the survival of the civilian population. Russian executions of Ukrainian prisoners of war are also an example of war crimes.
Syria’s former dictator and his hated regime were overthrown. An advance that was possible because Syria’s supporters were busy on other fronts. Iranian-backed militia in Syria had to be deployed elsewhere. Russia was also unable to save Assad’s regime. The Russians are using too much force in the war against their Slavic sisters in Ukraine. As a result, Russia and Iran’s position in the region has been significantly weakened.
The forgotten conflicts
There are a number of conflicts going on in different parts of the world that receive less attention. Several of these conflicts are in Africa. Somalia is one example. A civil war that began in 1991 and is still ongoing. Mali, Sudan, South Sudan, Nigeria, Mali, Ethiopia, the Democratic Republic of Congo and the Central African Republic are other conflicts in Africa. The list of conflicts in the world is long, but nowhere as large as in Africa. Perhaps that’s why these conflicts get less attention?
The main reason why the wars in Ukraine and the Middle East get more attention may also be that they are easier to relate to. There are two countries at war with each other. Two countries that have attacked their neighbors. Most other conflicts involve wars between ethnic and religious groups.
The return of Trump
Donald Trump won a resounding victory in the presidential election. Donald Trump’s victory is part of a trend we are seeing. The radical ideas of the far right are gaining wider support. Similar trends have also emerged in Europe. Several extreme right-wing parties are doing remarkably well. The Netherlands, Hungary, Italy, Germany and Slovakia.
In Europe, there is a fear that Donald Trump will pursue an unfriendly policy towards Europe. Perhaps he will also pull the US out of NATO. This would change Europe completely.
Sources:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_ongoing_armed_conflicts