Editor,
This is a rejoinder to V.K. Lyngdoh’s column, “War for petrodollar dominance” (ST, 13 March 2026). To view the current Middle East crisis as merely a regional skirmish between Islam and Zionism is sheer ignorance. People do not understand the depth and seriousness of the situation. Much of this is fuelled by fake news media apparatus that often functions as a propaganda machine, leaning into anti-Semitic rhetoric rather than addressing the cold, hard mechanics of power.
While popular belief suggests Israel steered U.S. policy, reports from The Washington Post and other outlets suggest a different catalyst. Saudi Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman reportedly made multiple private calls to President Trump, pushing for decisive military action to “cut the head of the snake”—referring to the Iranian leadership—while publicly endorsing diplomacy. Trump, a man who lives for the “deal,” seemingly struck one behind the curtain.
Behind this veil, the conflict is the latest chapter in the decades-long rivalry between the Sunni (Saudi Arabia) and Shia (Iran) factions for regional supremacy. While Iran has responded to U.S/Israel strikes by targeting Gulf energy infrastructure, the Gulf states have notably refused to retaliate, avoiding escalations. Why? Firstly, the Abraham Accords and subsequent promises made to the Trump administration bind them to a path of nominal peace in the region. Secondly, they are acutely aware that Iran possesses the capability to inflict “collateral damage” that would ruin their economies. They are content to let ‘allies’ U.S. and Israel do the “dirty job” for them.
I don’t view the pressure on Iran as illegitimate. For a long time, Americans and Israel wanted to settle scores with their sworn enemy (Iran). The IRGC under Ayatollah Ali Khamenei is a radical regime and a primary global sponsor of terrorism, fuelled by diabolical ideologies that demand “Death to America” and the destruction of Israel. From domestic atrocities to the “October 7, 2026 massacre” carried out via proxies like Hamas, Hezbollah, and the Houthis, this regime has long invited such a reckoning.
Iran’s fierce defence and strikes on U.S. military assets have derailed Trump’s “regime change” dream. Besides a pro US government in Iran appears highly improbable. Iran has choked the Strait of Hormuz- a vital shipping route of global oil. President Trump may have made a fatal miscalculation by underestimating his foes. Given his volatile temperament and desire for quick win, we may see him seek an early exit, leaving Israel to clean up the strategic mess.
Fear grows that Middle East tensions signal WW III. A ‘New World Order’ may emerge out of this global chaos (before 2030). By targeting the soft belly of the world’s economy, Iran could trigger the collapse of the dollar and a shift to Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC) and a socialist-communist model. This aligns with the World Economic Forum’s “Great Reset”—the “you’ll own nothing and be happy” agenda—replacing private property with state control and global elite governance.
Hence if global energy resources are burned out (due to fierce bombings), our very survival remains under constant threat. The world watches with bated breath: Will the Abraham Accords collapse, or can President Trump negotiate a truce? Only time will tell. Let’s keep our fingers crossed.
Yours etc.,
A Laitphlang,
Via email
Mamata Banerjee’s Tantrums
Editor,
The recent large-scale transfer of bureaucrats and police officers in West Bengal by the Election Commission of India (ECI), following the announcement of the Assembly election schedule, has predictably sparked a storm of protest from none other than the Chief Minister (CM) of the state. Her repeated outbursts against such routine measures raise troubling questions about the role of officials in the electoral process.
If the CM’s political fortunes truly hinge on the presence of particular officers in key positions, then it casts a shadow on the fairness of past elections. Such a stance squarely suggests that administrative machinery was manipulated and utilized to tilt the scales in her party’s favour. On the other hand, if her party is indeed popular with genuine mass support, then the electorate will vote for them irrespective of who serves as Chief Secretary, District Magistrate or Director General of Police.
The Election EC’s decision to reshuffle officials is aimed precisely at ensuring neutrality and restoring public confidence in the electoral process. Hopefully, this time the people of West Bengal will be able to freely determine who governs them without interference or manipulation by the bureaucracy or police, as has too often seemed the case in the past.
Yours etc.,
N.K. Kehar
Shillong-3
Bleak future for the youth
Editor,
These days, one question seems to be quietly troubling many of us. It comes up in newspapers, in homes, and even in casual conversations—will there be enough jobs for our children in the coming years?
Recent reports published around March 19–20, 2026, in India Today and other leading newspapers have drawn attention to a warning by Bill McDermott, CEO of ServiceNow –a company that develops software to help businesses organise and automate their daily operations. He cautioned that unemployment among college graduates could rise sharply—possibly reaching around 30% or even higher in the coming years—as Artificial Intelligence continues to take over many routine and entry-level tasks.
As someone who has spent most of his life in the field of education, I cannot help but feel both concerned and reflective. For many years, we reassured our students with a simple belief—study sincerely, earn a degree, and a job will follow. Today, that assurance no longer feels as dependable as it once did.
I still remember many of my former students who were not extraordinary in studies but managed to find their footing through small beginnings. They learned on the job, gained confidence, and slowly built their lives. Now, those very starting points seem to be disappearing. Reports from platforms like TechRadar (March 2026) also suggest that many routine and entry-level tasks are increasingly being handled by AI systems.
The situation becomes even more serious when we think about small towns and ordinary families. In such homes, education is not just about learning—it is an investment of hope. Parents often make sacrifices quietly, believing that their children will one day stand on their own feet. If job opportunities become uncertain, the disappointment will not remain limited to one individual; it will be felt across the family.
At the same time, it would be unfair to blame technology alone. Progress has always brought change, and it cannot be stopped. The real concern is whether we are preparing our young people for this rapidly changing world. Unfortunately, there still seems to be a gap. Much of our education system continues to focus on memorising and passing examinations, while the outside world is moving in a very different direction.
Perhaps the answer is not very complicated, but it does require seriousness. Students need to be exposed, from an early stage, to practical skills—basic understanding of technology, clear communication, problem-solving, and above all, the habit of learning continuously. Even small efforts in this direction can make a real difference.
There is also a clear need for stronger support from institutions and authorities. Skill development programmes, proper career guidance, and practical learning opportunities must reach not only big cities but also smaller towns, where awareness is still limited.
Above all, we should not overlook the qualities that make us human. Sincerity, adaptability, and the ability to work with others have always mattered, and will matter even more in the years ahead. Machines may perform tasks efficiently, but they cannot replace human understanding, responsibility, and judgement.
This is not a moment for panic, but it is certainly not a time to remain casual either. If we recognise the challenge early and respond with sincerity and practical steps, our young people will certainly find their place in this changing world. After all, where there is effort and guidance, there is always a way forward.
Yours etc.,
Jairaj,
Via email
