Large crowds poured into the streets of Iran and cities across the world to celebrate, grieve and protest the death of the country's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei following US and Israeli airstrikes. Khamenei’s rule, spanning more than three decades, was defined by strict domestic control, suppression of dissent and confrontational foreign policy. He was a central architect of the Islamic Republic.
This conflict has also drawn global condemnation, with communities worldwide protesting the rising death toll. The Russia-Ukraine war is well into its third year, with no end in sight. It is absolutely true that human-rights violations skyrocket in war and the brutality makes this war no exception. Complicit Arab countries with active American military bases on their soil could face severe consequences for this attack on yet another sovereign nation in the region.
Civilians are bearing the brunt of these conflicts, which are characterised by blatant disregard for international humanitarian and human rights law. There are so many heart-breaking conflicts going on in the world where innocent people's lives are being destroyed. The US war with Iran is playing out around the Middle East. There are a few crazy dictators in this world and a few fanatic religious leaders who do not hesitate to put their entire country or community at risk.
Peace and dialogue are the only real solutions. World leaders need to choose diplomacy over destruction. Whatever it may be, the ongoing conflicts between various nations are heartbreaking. The protection of civilian life in all neighbouring countries must be paramount.
