Did the Bombs Help?
This opinion piece reflects on a hypothetical 2026 conflict between the US, Israel, and Iran, arguing that war is a catastrophic delay to inevitable negotiations. It emphasizes the human cost of such conflicts and the necessity of de-escalation over military force.
Why it matters
It serves as a commentary on the futility of war in the context of modern geopolitical tensions, highlighting the disconnect between political decisions and civilian suffering.
2026 brought another war to the Middle East, this time involving the US, Israel and Iran. It began over Iran's nuclear programme, following months of talks that failed to produce an agreement. What followed was a barrage of missiles, damaged cities and a heavy loss of life on all sides, until both sides eventually returned to negotiations and signed a deal to end the conflict.
So, what is the wise man's conclusion? War does not eliminate the need for negotiation. It only delays it, turning a negotiable cost into a catastrophic one. The deal that ended the war could perhaps have been reached months earlier, without all the destruction in between.
Lahore Gymkhana power-sharing deal stalls as Siddique retains chairmanship
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in