THE war in Ukraine is mainly caused by the strategic miscalculation of the United Sates. The needless eastward expansion of Nato after the end of the Cold War ended up creating security dilemma for the Russians. China is highly likely to follow suit in Taiwan, given that the recent military overtures of the US in the Taiwan Strait has started causing friction in the region.

From the emerging scenario, one thing is quite evident; the world is in political transition. Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba said just a day before the war began, and rightly so, that such a conflict would “mark the end of the world order as we know it”.

That being so, the so-called rules-based international order has proved to be ephemeral.

The rise of China and the resurgence of Russia have heralded the era of global multi-polarity. However, history suggests that a multi-polar world is unstable and prone to conflicts. Therefore, the great powers need to be very cautious.

A conflict once started may spiral out of control. Most importantly, given the sophisticated and lethal weapons they have, the humanity at large can hardly afford yet another world war. One can only hope that rationality will prevail over impulsiveness.

Zaheer uddin Sahto
Badin

THREAT TO LIVESTOCK: As lumpy skin disease (LSD) has spread in different areas of Sindh, the smallholders and commercial farmers have been feeling a huge impact on their livelihood. This viral disease, caused by an agent called capripox virus, affects the cattle through insect and mosquito bites. The relevant authorities must move fast to come to the aid of the people of Sindh, especially those whose livelihood is based on livestock.

The farmers should also adopt proper precautionary measures on their own.

Dr Suhail Ahmed
Hyderabad

LIFELESS WICKET: Watching the first Test match between Pakistan and Australia, which was played in Rawalpindi, has saddened me just as is the case with cricket-lovers across the country and, indeed, beyond. After all the excitement that was part of the build-up to the series, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) spoiled the fun almost entirely by producing a flat, lifeless playing surface. Nothing kills Test cricket more than this sort of mundane track. As if that was not enough, the whole show was made worse by the slow and purpose-less batting by Pakistan.

Moin Mohajir
Karachi

DEROGATORY LANGUAGE: During his rambling speech at a recent public gathering, the prime minister used the sort of language against opposition leaders that was unbecoming of a head of government in any civilised society. Those close to him would do well to advise him accordingly.

Aijaz Ahmed Bhayo
Kandhkot

TAX ON BREAD: I purchased a loaf of bread recently from a well-known confectionery outlet and was astonished to see that 17 per cent general sales tax (GST) had been charged on it. The decision to impose GST is certainly not a prudent one on the part of the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) as bread is a basic necessity. The FBR should revisit the decision in order to minimise the misery of the common man.

Yahqub Lodhi
Karachi

Published in Dawn, March 12th, 2022