There are many countries in the world which were once enemies, but became friends with time.
US President Donald Trump has announced a ten-day ceasefire between Lebanon and Israel. The discussion of once again extending the fortnight’s ceasefire between Iran and America has intensified, which is a pleasant sign for these countries as well as the world. It is not a big deal that those who are sworn enemies of each other today should unite tomorrow. There are many countries in the world which were once enemies, but became friends with time.
This change did not come suddenly. War, politics, economy and human understanding had a big contribution behind this. Come, let us understand on this pretext how many countries are there in the world which have turned from enemies to friends? What became the turning point? What was the root cause of enmity?
America and Japan
Both countries were staunch enemies in the Second World War. In 1941, Japan attacked Pearl Harbor. After this America dropped atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki. Lakhs of people were killed. This was a major reason for enmity. After 1945, there came a point when Japan surrendered. America helped in the reconstruction of Japan. He strengthened democracy there. Gradually both the countries became allies of each other. Today they are in front of the world as strong friends.
America had dropped atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki, Japan.
France and Germany
Many wars were fought between France and Germany. The first and second world wars also took place among them. Both of them caused huge damage to each other. Other countries joined later. There came a turning point in the 1950s, when both the countries took steps towards cooperation. He created a coal and steel community. This increased confidence. Even when the European Union was formed later, both of them went ahead and cooperated. Today France and Germany are in front of the world as very good allies.
Germany fought many wars with France but today both are friends.
America and Vietnam
The Vietnam War lasted from 1955 to 1975. Lakhs of people died in this. There was deep enmity between America and Vietnam. The turning point came in the year 1995. Both countries established diplomatic relations. Cooperation increased in the fields of trade and education. Today both the countries are economic partners.
America and China
There was tension between the two countries in the 1950s. They were face to face in the Korean War. There was no direct contact for a long time. The time came in the 1970s when both of them took steps towards each other. US President Nixon visited China. This improved relations. Trade and dialogue began. Today there is competition between the two countries, but dialogue also continues.
Chinese President Xi Jinping.
Britain and Ireland
There was a long-term conflict between Britain and Ireland, especially in Northern Ireland. The year 1998 became a turning point. Then the Good Friday Agreement happened. Peace was established between the two. Today relations between the two countries are better. Northern Ireland is with Britain and Ireland is writing its own development story as an independent country.
Russia and Germany
Russia and Germany were face to face in the Second World War. Staunch enemies of each other. Germany had attacked the Soviet Union. The turning point came after the war. Gradually economic and political cooperation increased. Especially after 1990, relations between the two improved. Today there are strong allies.
Russian President Putin.
Japan and South Korea
There was a dispute over history between Japan and South Korea. Japan ruled Korea. Relations between the two countries normalized in the year 1965. However, there are still some issues on which there are disputes. But amid all this, cooperation between the two has also increased.
America and Germany
America and Germany were enemies in the Second World War. Both came closer after the year 1945. America helped in the reconstruction of Germany. After this the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) was formed. Today both are strong allies. However, this time almost all the countries of Europe did not support America in its conflict with Iran as per its intention, including Germany.
America and Germany were enemies in the Second World War, now both are allies.
There are more stories too. Iran-Iraq, Norway-Sweden, Armenia-Iran, Thailand-Colombia. All of them kept fighting on some issue or the other. Then became one. Although due to being neighbours, some tension situation still arises due to other reasons but then things are resolved. All these stories clearly indicate that enmity is not permanent. Relationships can change with time, understanding and leadership. Often the reason for enmity is war, border dispute, ideology or power struggle.
The turning point comes when countries give priority to peace. When they understand that the loss from war is more. Collaboration is essential in today’s world. Countries depend on each other for trade, technology and security. Therefore even enemies can become friends.
Also read: Why does Iran want to protect Lebanon from Israeli attacks? 5 reasons
