Italian media: The symbolic significance of Israel's Purim attack on Iran: from the perspective of other Asian countries, the war in Iran (and the Gulf region)

Israel and the United States launched attacks before Purim, and Iran retaliated by attacking U.S. military bases in the region, resulting in the death of a Pakistani Asian immigrant working in Abu Dhabi. The Indian opposition criticized Prime Minister Modi, who had just returned from Israel. Indonesian President Prabowo (who had promised to send soldiers to Gaza) expressed willingness to mediate.

Milan (Asia News) – The large-scale attack by Israel and the United States on Iran has finally arrived. The date of the attack holds special symbolic significance for the Jewish world: just before Purim. This year's Purim began on March 2, commemorating the story of the Jews surviving a conspiracy in the court of the Persian king as recorded in the Bible's Book of Esther.

Since this morning, air strikes on Tehran and other Iranian cities have continued, with the aim of "regime change," which were clearly announced by U.S. President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu. Bombing and large-scale missile salvoes attacked symbolic locations and strategic targets, causing civilian casualties as well. Iranian TV reported in particular about an attack on a girls' secondary school in the southern Iranian city of Minab, where about 50 victims were buried under the rubble.

The Tehran side immediately took a "strong and decisive" response, firing missiles and drones at Israel, most of which were intercepted. However, in this full-scale conflict, Iran's retaliation targets also included Gulf countries with U.S. military bases. Iran's attacks affected Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, UAE, and Jordan. Saudi Arabia also confirmed that it was directly hit in an attack in Iran. Explosions were reported in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, likely caused by intercepted missiles and their fragments falling. There was also an explosion in Abu Dhabi, resulting in the death of a Pakistani citizen. It is worth noting that this metropolis is home to hundreds of thousands of Asian workers. President Marcos expressed concern in Manila to more than 2 million Filipinos living in the region, as all flights in the area have been suspended.

In recent days, Arab countries repeatedly stated that they would seek solutions through negotiations, with Oman's mediation being a model example. It is well known that the primary task of Gulf state diplomacy is not to overthrow the Tehran regime during this period when the Tehran regime is in a weak position. Today, after Iran's missile attacks on U.S. bases, the attacked countries invoked their "right of self-defense" to resist. At the same time, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (Mohammed bin Salman) and Qatari Emir al Thani again jointly expressed the hope for an "immediate end" to the escalation of the situation and a return to the negotiation table. This is completely opposite to Trump's approach, which imitated Netanyahu's actions. In recent months, relations between Saudi Arabia and the UAE have become tense again, and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman also called UAE strongman Mohammed bin Sayed. Riyadh condemned Iran's attack on Abu Dhabi and expressed solidarity.

As for the reactions of other Asian countries, the attack on Tehran has brought trouble to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, whose visit to Israel had already been criticized by the opposition. The New Delhi Foreign Ministry has not yet issued an official statement, only urging millions of Indian immigrants living in the region to remain vigilant. Pakistan is currently launching a new round of attacks against the Taliban in Afghanistan, but it condemned the attack on Iran. Pakistani Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, in a direct call with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, characterized the joint military operation as an "unprovoked attack" violating international law. The Pakistani Foreign Ministry also issued a statement saying, "Iran has the legitimate right of self-defense according to the UN Charter."

Jakarta has also made its position clear. The country's president Subianto has been trying to enhance his credibility in the Middle East in recent weeks. He joined Trump's peace committee and sent 8,000 soldiers to the Gaza stabilization force. The Indonesian Foreign Ministry posted a statement on X stating: "Indonesia calls on all parties to maintain restraint and prioritize dialogue and diplomatic approaches." The statement also added that if both sides agree, Prabowo could go to Tehran for mediation."

Source: Asia News

Pakistan-Afghanistan Border Conflict Escalates

Original: toutiao.com/article/1859048547364864/

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