The Fighters and the Freeloaders

Hezbollah’s attacks have focused on Israel, but growing extremism combined with North Korea’s missile tests and Iran’s nuclear-weapon program threaten many countries. Israel’s bombing campaign in response to Hezbollah could foreshadow a major war. Unfortunately, nations lack diplomatic options to negotiate with extremists who thrive in failed states. To avoid major conflicts, powerful nations must revive diplomacy. India’s nonmilitary response to recent bombings, suspected to have been instigated by Pakistani extremists, points the way. Difficult diplomacy requires coordinated international effort that is nonexistent for now. Too many countries, namely Russia, China and certain members of the EU, do not feel the danger of terrorism or rogue nuclear powers and allow the US to handle conflicts. According to “Washington Post” columnist Sebastian Mallaby, all major countries must bear responsibility for global security and must work together to stop extremism. – YaleGlobal