A combo of my thoughts on various world affairs

During his presidency from 2017 to 2021, Donald J. Trump introduced a series of aggressive trade policies aimed at reducing the United States’ trade deficits and reviving domestic manufacturing. Central to his strategy were tariffs,taxes on imported goods, particularly targeting China, as well as allies like Canada, Mexico, and the European Union. These tariffs represented a dramatic shift from the U.S.'s longstanding commitment to free trade and sparked significant economic, political, and diplomatic reactions. The Rationale Behind Trump’s Tariffs Trump’s administration justified tariffs primarily on three grounds: 1. Reducing Trade Deficits: The U.S. had long run trade deficits with many countries, particularly China. Trump argued that these deficits were a sign of the U.S. being exploited in trade deals and that tariffs would correct the imbalance. 2. Protecting American Jobs and Industry: The loss of manufacturing jobs in states like Michigan and Pennsylvania was politically se...

The Iran–Israel conflict, often dubbed a "shadow war", is not a conventional war marked by direct military confrontations, but a long-running geopolitical rivalry played out through proxies, covert operations, cyber warfare, and regional influence. At the heart of this conflict lies a deep ideological, religious, and strategic antagonism that has shaped the modern Middle East for decades. Historical Roots and Ideological Divide: Iran and Israel were once allies during the reign of the Shah. However, the 1979 Islamic Revolution in Iran radically altered the political landscape. The new Islamic Republic, under Ayatollah Khomeini, adopted a fiercely anti-Zionist stance, branding Israel as an illegitimate entity and a "cancerous tumor" in the Muslim world. This ideological enmity—rooted in Iran’s theocratic identity and support for the Palestinian cause—has since defined Iran’s foreign policy. Israel, for its part, views Iran’s regional ambitions and nuclear program as ...

In April 2025, a deadly terrorist attack in Kathua, Jammu and Kashmir, shook the country. But this time, India’s reply was quick, sharp, and different. Within days, Operation Sindoor was launched—an air and ground strike across the Line of Control (LoC) targeting terrorist camps. This was not just a military response. It marked a new chapter in how India deals with terrorism—moving from waiting and reacting to quick, planned action using technology and force. India’s Old Way of Responding to Terrorism For many years, India followed a policy of strategic restraint. Even after big attacks like the 2001 Parliament attack or Mumbai 26/11, India avoided cross-border strikes. It focused more on diplomacy and global pressure on Pakistan rather than direct military action.  But things started to change after: The Surgical Strikes in 2016 (after the Uri attack), and The Balakot Air Strikes in 2019 (after Pulwama). Now, with Operation Sindoor, India has shown that it is ready to act immediat...