Pratik Das, Pune
Nearly 200 missiles were fired into Israel, leaving the world shocked and fearful. People everywhere are asking one question: Is this the start of World War 3? The Middle East is in turmoil, while the Russia-Ukraine war continues. The world feels closer than ever to a possible World War 3.
On the social media platform X (previously called Twitter), World War 3 was one of the most talked about topics in both India and the world. In India, #WorldWar3 and World War 3 were among the top 3 trending topics for 5 hours, with more than 200,000 posts.
“War, or the risk of war, is spreading everywhere, and the two people in charge of our country are bringing us close to World War III,” Trump said.
“This is what happens when leaders are weak and give in too easily,” he added, criticizing US President Joe Biden and Democratic candidate Kamala Harris.
Republicans have been warning that Kamala Harris could lead the US into war. On October 1, Republican leader Tulsi Gabbard said, “Voting for Kamala Harris is like voting for nuclear war.”
Gabbard, a Hindu-American politician, said that if Kamala Harris becomes commander-in-chief, she might try to “prove” her strength by leading the US into a costly, unnecessary war that doesn’t benefit Americans. However, many believe that World War 3 could start even before the US presidential election results on November 5.
Earlier on October 1, Israel launched a ground attack in Lebanon, aiming at Hezbollah, a terrorist group supported by Iran. The Middle East has been in chaos since the October 7 Hamas attack that killed hundreds of Israelis and led to many being kidnapped. In response, Israel has bombed Gaza, where Hamas is based. Meanwhile, Iran-backed militias in Iraq and Syria have also been activated.
Yemen’s Houthi rebels have also started attacking ships near the important Gulf of Aden and the Red Sea, turning the entire region around Israel into a war zone. Iran has warned that if Israel responds to its missile strikes, it will face more severe attacks. However, Israel is likely to strike back against Tehran for the major missile attack.
This could create chaos worldwide as the US and NATO might step in to support Israel. The US already did this on October 1 by shooting down Iranian missiles. The Middle East, rich in oil, has long been a battleground between Shia Iran and Sunni Saudi Arabia. The US and Russia have both teamed up with different countries in the region.
Paul Foy, an English trade unionist, said, “Growing up during the Cold War made me used to the fear of World War 3, but now I feel very anxious that the world is close to a big crisis.” People are worried that the Iranian attack on Israel might be the start of World War 3. However, a World War 3 situation still seems far away because countries are more connected than ever, and the consequences would hurt everyone. The world will try hard to avoid reaching that breaking point.