Friday | 10 January 2025 | Reg No- 06
বাংলা
   
Friday | 10 January 2025 | Epaper

Goodbye 2024: A year marked by new escalated conflicts

Published : Tuesday, 31 December, 2024 at 12:00 AM  Count : 557
MIR MOSHARREF HOSSAIN PAKBIR
As the world is waving goodbye to 2024, a grim narrative of escalating violence, unresolved disputes, and emerging conflicts dominates the global stage. The year has been defined by intensifying conflicts across continents. Old disputes have reignited, while new wars have taken shape, highlighting the fragility of international peace mechanisms. Resource scarcity, ideological divides, global power games, war economy and the ripple effects of climate change further exacerbate these situations. Hence, 2024 will remain in the history marked by new wars and escalated conflicts.

The human cost of these conflicts is staggering. According to UN estimates, more than 100 million people are displaced, over 1 million killed and several millions were injured globally in 2024, the highest number on record. Refugee camps are overflowing, and host countries are struggling to cope with the influx, leading to social and economic tensions. Humanitarian aid organizations face immense challenges in delivering assistance to conflict zones. The psychological impact of war is another pressing concern. Entire generations are growing up amid violence and instability, with profound consequences for their mental health and future prospects. Education systems in conflict-affected areas are collapsing, depriving children of opportunities for a better future.

Asia remains a hotbed of geopolitical rivalries. The South China Sea continues to be a flashpoint as China's assertive territorial claims face resistance from neighboring countries like the Philippines, Vietnam, and Malaysia. The United States' increased naval presence has further heightened tensions. In South Asia, the longstanding India-Pakistan rivalry over Kashmir has intensified. Myanmar's ongoing turmoil remains one of the most severe humanitarian crises of 2024. 

In 2024, clashes between the Myanmar military and the Arakan Army (AA) intensified, leading to widespread displacement and destruction. AA is gaining ground in its fight against the military junta, signaling a potential victory that could reshape the power dynamics in Rakhine State. However, this development is likely to intensify the Rohingya crisis in neighboring Bangladesh. The Rohingya, already victims of severe persecution and displacement, have reportedly been manipulated by the junta to oppose the Arakan Army, creating animosity between the two groups and leading to further marginalization of the Rohingya, reducing their chances of returning to Myanmar and forcing Bangladesh to shoulder the long-term burden of hosting over a million refugees. 

The relationship between Pakistan and Afghanistan has historically been fraught with tension, but 2024 has seen these strains escalate into open conflict. The Durand Line, the contentious border demarcation between the two countries, remains a flashpoint. Pakistan's military has launched operations against Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) militants allegedly operating from Afghan soil. In response, Afghan forces and the Taliban have escalated their rhetoric and actions against Pakistan. The conflict has attracted the attention of regional powers, including China and India, further complicating resolution efforts.

The Middle East remains embroiled in conflict, with the Israeli-Palestinian situation deteriorating further in 2024. An escalation in violence in Gaza and the West Bank has drawn international condemnation, but efforts to broker peace have faltered. Meanwhile, Syria's civil war persists while successfully toppling the Al-Assad government, with regional powers like Turkey, Iran, and Russia playing influential but conflicting roles. In Yemen, the fragile truce between Houthi rebels and the Saudi-led coalition has broken down, plunging the nation back into chaos. Iraq, too, faces renewed instability as extremist groups exploit political divisions and economic hardships.

The Middle East witnessed some of the most severe escalations in 2024. Israeli military actions in Lebanon, Syria, and Yemen have dominated headlines, further destabilizing an already volatile region. In Lebanon, Israeli strikes have not only devastated infrastructure but also drawn criticism for their impact on civilians. In Syria, Israel's attacks against Iranian-backed militias have intensified, further complicating Syria's recovery from its prolonged civil war. Yemen's fragile ceasefire collapsed in 2024, with Israel conducting targeted operations against alleged Iranian arms shipments to the Houthi rebels.

In Europe, the remnants of the Russia-Ukraine war have continued to destabilize the region. Despite multiple attempts at ceasefires and peace talks, skirmishes persist along the frontlines, with NATO's increased military presence further straining relations with Moscow. In addition, spillover effects have inflamed tensions in neighboring countries, including Moldova and Georgia, as both grapples with separatist movements emboldened by Russia's actions. The Balkans, too, have seen renewed strife. The longstanding Serbia-Kosovo dispute erupted into violence after failed negotiations over territorial autonomy.

Africa's conflicts are increasingly driven by resource scarcity and climate change. Countries like Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger have become epicenters of violence. The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) continues to grapple with resource-driven conflicts. Neighboring Sudan and South Sudan face renewed hostilities over oil resources and unresolved border disputes. In Latin America, conflicts over land rights and environmental degradation have surged in countries like Brazil, Colombia, Peru, Mexico and Bolivia. These struggles have led to violent clashes, with governments often failing to protect populations.

2024 has also seen the increasing use of advanced technology in warfare. Cyberattacks have become a preferred tool for state and non-state actors. Nations like the United States, China, and Russia are locked in a cyber-arms race, while smaller nations and private entities are caught in the crossfire. Drone warfare has reached new heights, with unmanned aerial systems (UAS) being deployed in conflicts across the globe. Artificial intelligence (AI) and autonomous weapons systems are also emerging as game-changers in modern warfare.

Despite the growing number of conflicts, international diplomacy has struggled to keep pace. The United Nations, often hamstrung by divisions among major powers, has continued to fail in brokering lasting solutions. Regional organizations like the African Union (AU), European Union (EU), and ASEAN have made efforts to mediate disputes, but their influence is limited by political and financial constraints. Major powers like the United States, China, and Russia continue to play a double-edged role in global conflicts. While they possess the resources and influence to mediate peace, they are often accused of pursuing self-serving agendas, exacerbating tensions in the process.

The US, as the leader of the democratic world, has always played imperative roles in both containing or escalating wars and conflicts around the world. The current Biden administration entered 2024 facing multiple global crises but struggled to effectively address or de-escalate conflicts. The Biden administration's approach to the Middle East has been criticized for being reactive rather than proactive, failing to prevent the escalation of violence in Lebanon, Syria, and Yemen while failing to control Israeli genocide in Gaza. Their policies also failed to stop conflicts in Myanmar and at Pakistan-Afghanistan border. The effectiveness of US sanction in conflict resolution has been limited.

As Donald Trump will march into the White House for his second term in January, 2025, advocates for Trump's leadership highlight his track record of avoiding new wars during his previous term, contrasting it with the Biden administration's perceived failures. By prioritizing US interests, Trump avoided entanglement in new conflicts, a stark contrast to previous administrations. By leveraging his reputation as a dealmaker and focusing on de-escalation, Trump could potentially foster dialogue in conflict zones like Myanmar, Pakistan-Afghanistan, and the Middle East. While the US has been reliant on war economy, Trump had focused on business economy in his previous term and if that trend is followed by him in this upcoming term, the world can see efforts to contain wars and conflicts.

While 2024 has been a year of conflict, it also offers lessons for policymakers and global leaders. Addressing the root causes of these wars-from resource scarcity to governance failures-requires coordinated international efforts. Diplomatic engagement must be prioritized to address both new and old conflicts. This includes involving regional powers and non-state actors in peace processes. Global aid mechanisms must be scaled up to address the growing humanitarian crises. Technological innovation can also play a key role in peace-building. 

Bangladesh has also gone through a massive change in 2024 with the fall of Sheikh Hasina's 16 years' long regime through the anti-inequality revolution of the students as well as opposition political parties. An interim government under the leadership of Nobel laureate Dr. Muhammad Yunus has taken over the country's power with a promise of critical reforms before declaring the next general elections. Though there is no conflict here right now as different parties will attempt to gain edge in the upcoming elections while challenging the reform initiatives, there is a heavy scope of creation of conflicts, especially with interest of different foreign powers in this region.

2024 has underscored the complexity and interconnectedness of global conflicts. These conflicts highlight the need for fresh approaches, synchronized efforts, diplomatic ties and stronger leadership. The path to peace is fraught with challenges, but with concerted efforts and visionary leadership, the global community can strive to turn the tide and build a more stable future. The stakes have never been higher, and the time to act is now.

The writer is Chief Editor at Mohammadi News Agency (MNA) and Editor at Kishore Bangla



LATEST NEWS
MOST READ
Also read
This is right time to dismantle RAB
Beware of fireworks on the eve of new year 
Peace in Myanmar, region depends on lasting solution to Rohingya issue
What to do for physical and mental health 
Goodbye 2024: A year marked by new escalated conflicts
Accountability is a must-but how?
Comrade Moni Singh: A legend of sacrifice in politics
A better tomorrow with the awakening of 2024
Editor : Iqbal Sobhan Chowdhury
Published by the Editor on behalf of the Observer Ltd. from Globe Printers, 24/A, New Eskaton Road, Ramna, Dhaka.
Editorial, News and Commercial Offices : Aziz Bhaban (2nd floor), 93, Motijheel C/A, Dhaka-1000.
Phone: PABX- 41053001-06; Online: 41053014; Advertisement: 41053012.
E-mail: district@dailyobserverbd.com, news©dailyobserverbd.com, advertisement©dailyobserverbd.com, For Online Edition: mailobserverbd©gmail.com
🔝
close