10 NOVEMBER 2023

The timeless topic of the art of resolving conflicts and fostering lasting peace has gained prominence these days. In one month since 7th October 2023, more than 10,000 Palestinians and 1,400 Israelis have lost their lives. 

Ever since Israel was declared a nation in 1948, various estimates suggest that tens of thousands of people, both civilians and combatants, have lost their lives in the conflict since it began in 1948.

While the world’s attention has been captivated by the ongoing Gaza and Israel conflict, it’s essential to recognize that these disputes are not isolated cases. 

They echo a broader pattern of conflict found in other regions, like India, Pakistan, Yemen, China, Taiwan, the African region and many more.

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Since 1948, the Israel – Palestine conflict has been so perpetual and glaring that it is considered a barometer of world peace.

• अपने पड़ोसी से प्रेम करें: वैश्विक संघर्षों से जूझना 

On the other hand, what is the secret behind the enduring peace in regions like Europe, where once-warring nations have come together to form political and economic unions?

To find answers, we explore the “Love Thy Neighbour” concept and its role in achieving lasting global peace.

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In the complexity of global conflicts, unresolved historical tensions often fuel ongoing struggles, creating an enduring cycle of strife in various parts of the world.

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...Israel – Palestine conflict  is considered a barometer of world peace.

To understand this better, let’s draw parallels between the conflicts in the Middle East and peace in Europe after World War II. It’s fascinating that the same time has passed since Germany and Japan made peace with their former adversaries.

 The adversaries were countries like Britain, France, and the United States. It also coincides with the enduring peace we now witness.

It begs the question: What are these countries doing differently and correctly to maintain peace while others remain mired in conflict?

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While there are many factors at play for sustainable peace. A straightforward answer stands out: “ Love Thy Neighbour.”

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If people choose to be peaceful, the governments have to talk peace. It's the mantra to prevent wars.

It’s a phrase that sounds deceptively simple but carries profound significance. The challenges of modern times, with their heightened animosity facilitated by advanced technology documenting every dispute, make this proposition appear impractical. 

However, the real question is not whether it’s possible but who must take this simple initiative.

Hence, a call for bold and beautiful hearts. While it’s often expected that governments should lead the way in fostering peace, the reality is that politicians possessing the courage and compassion necessary for this endeavour seem to be a rare breed.

• अपने पड़ोसी से प्रेम करें: वैश्विक संघर्षों से जूझना 

It places the responsibility squarely on the shoulders of ordinary citizens like you and me. 

We must start thinking about the value our neighbouring citizens can bring to our lives, the talent they can contribute to our well-being and the capabilities they can get to our businesses, much like the mutually beneficial relationship between Americans and Canadians. 

These two haven’t gone to war to resolve differences since becoming sovereigns. Their borders are unmanned, and there are a free flow of goods and people.

The model of the European Union is also an inspiration, where painful historical events are consigned to the accounts of history, with a genuine commitment to learning from past mistakes. 

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...The real question is not whether it’s possible but who must take this simple initiative.

The troubled times are not forgotten. Instead, millions have been invested in museums and artefacts to preserve the history.

To bridge the divides and overcome animosity, we should emulate the behaviours of these friendly nations who once fought. 

These countries of Europe not only made peace but also celebrated it by continuously exchanging ideas, culture and freedom of movement of people. To put it lightly, they all holiday together on the Mediterranean beaches.

• अपने पड़ोसी से प्रेम करें: वैश्विक संघर्षों से जूझना 

Similarly, we all need to indulge in each other’s sports, art, music, and talent shows, as these are powerful unifying forces and attract peace. These are the only tools to bring peace between India and Pakistan.

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We must start thinking about the value our neighbouring citizens can bring to our live...

Instead of conflict with bullets and bombs, why not channel our competitive spirits into sports? Why not transform the war of words at the United Nations into a poetry of friendship? 

Pick one talented person of your choice on social media, from the other side. Follow them, admire them and let them know that you are from across the border. 

If people choose to be peaceful, the governments have to talk peace. It's the mantra to prevent wars.

It might sound simple, but it’s the only path to sustainable global peace.

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We are in the 23rd year of the 21st century, and it’s time to bid farewell to primitive methods of resolving conflicts.

In Conclusion,  it would be correct to say that in a world where we readily embrace German machines, Italian fashion and Japanese cars from the once-Axis Alliance, it shows we’ve already moved past the hatred of world wars. 

• अपने पड़ोसी से प्रेम करें: वैश्विक संघर्षों से जूझना 

We have to do the same with our conflicting neighbours, too.

We are in the 23rd year of the 21st century, and it’s time to bid farewell to primitive methods of resolving conflicts.

The responsibility rests on each of us; by doing so, we can build bridges to a more peaceful world. As a collective human race, we must evolve and learn to “ Love Thy Neighbour ”.