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The concept of “favorites” is universal, extending from local politics to global diplomacy. These privileged players, pampered by their benefactors, can often create more trouble than benefit.
On a global scale, this dynamic has led to situations that challenge even the most robust systems of power. Recent events highlight how spoiled actors on the international stage, like Israel, are becoming liabilities rather than assets, threatening the very idea of global peace.
In October 2024, the world witnessed a shocking shift in the narrative surrounding Israel’s perceived invincibility. Following the conflict in Gaza, Israel attempted to escalate tensions with Iran, hoping to provoke a war that would involve the United States and its Western allies. The ultimate goal was to ensure victory for Israel, though at the expense of significant global stability.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was advised by military strategists and even international allies that such provocations could backfire. However, his insistence on retaliation against Iran led to plans for an ambitious three-phase military attack. The first phase targeted Iranian radar and air defense systems, while the remaining phases aimed to decimate strategic sites.
Iran’s air defense systems, however, thwarted Israel’s plans. In a remarkable display of technological capability, Iranian systems locked onto Israel’s stealth F-35 fighter jets, forcing them to retreat without achieving their objectives. Videos of Iranian missile strikes on Israel circulated widely, further embarrassing the Israeli narrative. Russia’s advanced jamming technology likely contributed to this failure, as Israeli missiles failed to hit their targets.
This debacle marked a turning point: Israel’s myth of invulnerability was shattered. Moreover, it highlighted Iran’s growing defensive capabilities, bolstered by Russia’s provision of sophisticated systems like the S-400.
The United States, facing elections at the time, chose restraint in addressing Russia’s involvement in strengthening Iran. However, post-election, the U.S. adopted a dangerous strategy by allowing Ukraine to use American ATACMS missiles against Russia. The missiles rely on U.S. satellite data, making it evident that these attacks were essentially American actions disguised as Ukrainian operations.
Russian President Vladimir Putin’s calculated approach became evident when he disappeared from the public eye before a major response on November 21. In retaliation for the missile attacks, Russia launched a hypersonic missile, striking a Ukrainian weapons factory in Dnipro. The missile, named “Oreshnik,” demonstrated unprecedented capabilities, including a range of 5,000 kilometers and a speed of three kilometers per second.
This attack carried a clear message: Russia’s military advancements are unmatched, and any further escalation would have dire consequences for Europe. Putin explicitly warned European nations against over-reliance on the U.S. for security, urging them to reconsider their policies toward Russia.
Russia’s missile strike also symbolized a shift in its nuclear doctrine. Moscow announced that any member of an alliance responsible for attacking Russia could be targeted in retaliation, regardless of their direct involvement. This broadened scope of accountability creates a chilling scenario for Europe, which finds itself increasingly vulnerable due to its alignment with U.S. policies.
The Dnipro weapons factory, targeted by Russia, had become a hub for Western arms manufacturing, making it a strategic target. By striking this facility, Russia sent a message not only to Ukraine but also to NATO countries supplying arms to the region. Since this attack, there has been no further missile activity from Ukraine, indicating the effectiveness of Russia’s response.
These developments underscore the fragility of global peace when spoiled actors, backed by powerful allies, act recklessly. Israel’s failed gambit with Iran, coupled with America’s dangerous interventions in Ukraine, highlights the urgent need for restraint and diplomacy. As nations continue to flex their military might, the stakes grow ever higher, putting global stability at risk.
With aging leadership in Washington and growing tensions in Eastern Europe and the Middle East, the world teeters on the brink of unprecedented conflict. It is imperative that all parties recognize the cost of escalation and prioritize dialogue over aggression.
