The Problem of the Rabid Dog
Some thoughts on India's military action Op Sindhoor
Irrationality and Human Nature
In spite of knowing the futility and war as an intellectual concept we must also understand that human emotions are raw and irrational. Everyone knows war is bad and peace is good. But how can you make an army defeated in 1971 forget the humiliation of the past?
You can say that a failed toxic relationship was an aberration that happened due to your childhood insecurities. But in reality you still have sweet memories and anger about the person you once loved. It is quite hard to deal with such emotions.
We (Indians) have avoided conflict with Pakistan for almost two decades fearing nuclear catastrophe and have not retaliated against terror attacks sponsored by them. The fear remains, but we do have a malicious neighbour in Pakistan which uses nuclear cover to wage a proxy war.
Omission and Commission
I have many thoughts about Op Sindoor. Firstly, the security failure in a sensitive state receiving a lot of tourists is a big mistake. One should not forget that. But it is quite difficult to manage huge systems and the tendency to be complacent during good times is kinda natural. So, only a proper investigation can help us understand who failed.
At the same time, it is equally unacceptable for a nation to fund terror activities and train terrorists so that they can dispatch them to kill citizens of another nation. Among these two mistakes the latter is far worse because it is premeditated and conscious. It should have been punished long back, but we were not adequately prepared for the fight that would ensue.
My philosophy, hitherto undocumented is worth writing down.
I as an individual will always try to be good and nice to others. But if that goodwill is misused and I know that there was a malicious intent, then I would ensure that the person or group responsible for it pays.
The damage inflicted should be so huge that they would really find it hard to think of doing something similar again. Of course, one would have to acquire the physical, economic and emotional strength to carry out the punishment. If the end goal is defined, anyone can work on acquiring the capabilities.
Ruthless retribution should be the approach of every capable, strong individual or nation. I am glad that India is now in a position where it can hit back its enemies and defend itself simultaneously.
The Problem of the Rabid Dog
If there is a rabid dog in your neighbourhood and you try to handle it with humane ways by allowing it to walk around freely, mauling kids and old people, then you are clearly a fool.
But you would also be a fool if you violently kill it in front of everyone and be seen with blood on your hands. If at all you want to do it professionally, you can contact authorities who sedate it before injecting sodium pentobarbital intravenously. This kills the rabid dog silently.
If this facility is not available, you can shoot it in the head precisely and kill it instantly, preferably at a time when all others in the street are sleeping or on vacation. Right now, the Pakistani army establishment is a rabid dog in the neighbourhood. It has to be killed silently and professionally, preferably by its own people.
I don’t feel that any other solution is suitable for such a rogue entity.