Amidst the war, food inflation in Iran crossed the 50 percent mark.
The cessation of increasing tension between America and Iran and the steps towards peace have brought relief to the global community, but the account of the time passed is very painful. This conflict was not only between two countries, but it shook the foundation of the entire world. If we analyze this war and tension, no one can see victory, only a long bundle of losses can be seen.
The figures are presenting a very frightening picture. It is also certain that the Gulf countries including Israel and Iran have gone far behind. America has also suffered a lot. Generations will pay for this war. Let us know, who lost what and what was gained in this proxy war?
Center of war and mountain of casualties
The biggest and irreparable loss of this conflict is of human life. The fire of war spread to Lebanon, Gaza, Israel and Yemen.
- Gaza and Israel: According to figures from the Gaza Health Ministry and the United Nations, more than 37,200 Palestinians have been killed in this entire incident, a large number of whom are women and children. In Israel too, more than 1,200 people lost their lives and hundreds were taken hostage.
- Lebanon and Hezbollah: So far, more than 400 people have been killed in Lebanon in the shelling between Iran and Israel. Common citizens are also included in this.
Hezbollah fighters.
- Death of soldiers: America lost three of its soldiers in Syria and Jordan, while several top Iranian commanders were killed in air strikes.
Iran: Collapsing economy and burden of inflation
Iran has been facing US sanctions for a long time, but recent tensions have pushed it further back.
- Currency decline: The value of Iran’s currency Rial fell so much that the savings of common citizens became worth pennies.
- Effect of inflation: According to the World Bank, food inflation in Iran has crossed 50 percent. People are yearning for basic things.
- military spending: Iran spent billions of dollars defending its borders and financing proxy wars, money that could have been spent on education and health.
Impact of America-Iran war.
America: waste of taxpayers’ money
America did not fight the war directly, but its participation left no stone unturned in emptying its treasury.
- Military deployment: America is spending millions of dollars every day to keep its navy active in the Gulf region and the Red Sea. According to a report by the Council on Foreign Relations, the cost of American military operations in the Middle East has reached billions of dollars.
- logistical support: More than $14 billion in emergency aid to Israel has increased the US budget deficit. This has had a direct impact on American taxpayers.
Houthi rebels. Photo credit- PTI.
Red Sea crisis: hit to global trade
Iran-backed Houthi rebels targeted ships in the Red Sea, causing the entire world’s trade system to collapse. According to the International Monetary Fund, the number of cargo ships passing through the Suez Canal has decreased by more than 50 percent. Ships now have to detour to Africa, due to which fuel costs have increased by 40 percent. Delivery of everything from electronics to grains was delayed. Rising trade costs between Europe and Asia ultimately lead to increased inflation around the world.
Economic collapse of Israel and Gulf countries
Israel, which was considered a technological and tourism hub, is today struggling with economic uncertainty.
- Shock to GDP: Israel’s Central Bank has estimated that the total cost of this war could be up to $67 billion. Production has fallen due to shortage of workers in construction and agriculture sectors.
- Fear of Gulf countries: Countries like Saudi Arabia and UAE, which were establishing themselves as major centers of tourism and trade, had to increase investment for their security. Many international projects were delayed as investors backed out due to fear of war.
Benjamin Netanyahu.
Humanitarian displacement and refugee crisis
Apart from economic loss, a bigger tragedy is that of displacement. More than 2 million people have been displaced from their homes in Gaza. About two lakh people also had to move to safe places from the border of Lebanon and northern Israel. The education of an entire generation has come to a standstill. According to UNESCO, schools in war-torn areas have been reduced to rubble, the negative impact of which will be visible in the coming decades.
Psychological impact and mutual distrust
Beyond facts and figures, this conflict has created a deep chasm of hatred among human society. There has been a rise in Islamophobia and anti-Semitism across the world. The trust between countries has ended. Now people doubt the stability of any peace agreement.
After all, what was achieved by the war?
If we look at the final balance sheet of this war, the result appears to be zero. The siege on the borders did not end. The battle of ideologies is still standing there. Despite huge expenses, no party could guarantee complete security. This conflict proved that war in the modern era brings only destruction. The consensus that has been reached for peace could have been reached earlier also, due to which thousands of lives and trillions of dollars could have been saved. The world has definitely breathed a sigh of relief, but the wounds it has suffered will take generations to heal.
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