One positive action of Donald Trump’s administration was facilitating a ceasefire between Pakistan and India, preventing both countries from escalating into destruction—similar to what is now happening between Iran and Israel. If we set aside debates over who initiated contact and focus on the outcome, we South Asians can appreciate his role in brokering peace through a decisive intervention (including his famous tweet), which helped halt the conflict. Today, the border remains peaceful under the ceasefire, though some YouTubers continue to fuel tensions with inflammatory rhetoric.
No one expected Pakistan to emerge as the “hero” of this conflict while India’s image suffered. The confrontation began in response to Indian aggression, much like Iran’s retaliation against Israel. Now, Tel Aviv, Haifa, and other Israeli cities face severe missile attacks, though Iran is also under fire. The difference lies in experience: Iran’s populace is battle-hardened and mentally prepared for such crises, whereas Israeli citizens—despite their “Iron Dome” defense system and underground shelters—were socialized to believe they were immune to large-scale attacks. The shock of devastation has left many traumatized, their aspirations shattered. If social media reports are accurate, life for Israelis—even those born with “golden spoons”—has become a living hell.
India and Pakistan had begun climbing the same escalatory ladder toward war, but Trump’s intervention saved millions of lives and critical infrastructure. Both nations possess nuclear weapons, and in such conflicts, the last resort for prideful leaders is often mutual destruction—akin to samurai choosing suicide over surrender. Ironically, Netanyahu isn’t seeking de-escalation; instead, he urges the U.S. to escalate strikes, leaving Trump in a dilemma. Had Netanyahu requested Trump’s mediation (as in South Asia), the latter could leverage his influence to broker peace—potentially even earning a Nobel Prize.
Trump’s record includes bullying leaders and nations, but his role in averting an Indo-Pak war deserves recognition. Credit where it’s due: this was a rare diplomatic win.
As humanists, we appreciate any effort to promote peace and prevent war—regardless of the actor. In this context, Donald Trump’s attempts to de-escalate conflicts deserve acknowledgment. However, it appears he is being pulled in conflicting directions: while he seeks to focus on trade and economic priorities (a commendable stance), the U.S. establishment—or “deep state”—continues entangling him in geopolitical fires across multiple regions.
Despite this pressure, Trump has notably refrained from direct military action against Iran, even amid heated rhetoric and threats. His restraint is significant, especially as Israel now faces unprecedented challenges—arguably the most difficult period in its recent history—partly due to the absence of unilateral U.S. intervention.
This nuanced approach—balancing firmness with avoidance of outright war—warrants recognition. While critiques of his style persist, his resistance to escalating violence in certain theaters aligns with humanist values. For that, credit is due.
