NETANYAHU’s WISHLIST: It is for sure that Israel under Benjamin Netanyahu does not want peace talks to take place. Around 153 BCE, Cato the Elder, one of the most prominent senators of Rome, began ending each of his speeches with the same words, ‘Carthago delenda est’, meaning ‘Carthage must be destroyed’. This has been considered the first recorded incitement to genocide. This is what Netanyahu has been doing with Gaza. That genocide actually took place and Rome destroyed Carthage. This is what Netanyahu wants to achieve.

Malik ul Quddoos
Karachi

SUEZ AND HORMUZ: The Strait of Hormuz closure reminds one of somewhat the same situation that was in place following the nationalisation of the Suez Canal by Egyptian President Gamal Abdel Nasser in 1956. In order to restore inter- national control, Israel, Britain and France had launched an attack on Egypt. Interes- tingly, Britain and France did not consult the United States before that offensive. President Dwight Eisenhower was furious and felt betrayed by his allies. In the current situation, the roles appear to have reversed, with the US taking the lead without consulting his allies in the West.

Abid Mahmud Ansari
Islamabad

LEBANON WOES: The Middle East is witnessing a significant escalation in violence, driven in part by tensions between Israel and Iran. At the same time, another conflict is intensifying, with Israel repeatedly violating Lebanon’s sovereignty. United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has warned that the Gaza model must not be replicated in Lebanon, reflecting fears that the country could also face widespread destruction similar to that of Gaza Strip. Israel’s use of force in Lebanon mirrors its military tactics in the Palestinian territories. While the Iranian conflict and tensions with Hezbollah are cited as justification for these actions, the fact is that such policies predate Hezbollah’s emergence and do reflect long-standing strategic approaches. These actions suggest a continued adherence to a broader military doctrine.

Moeen Akhtar Muhammadi
Pano Aqil

Published in Dawn, May 10th, 2026