Features

Maldives – Nation of 1.190 islands

Published

4 years ago

2022/07/24

Thilina Walpola

by ACB Pethiyagoda

(This article was written after a visit to the Maldives in the early nineties)

The beauty and splendor of these islands have been written of during the past several centuries by well known travellers. Marco Polo described them as “Flowers of the Indies”, Ibin Batuta said these were ‘One of the Wonders of the World,” Fah Hsien, the Chinese, Papas of Alexandria, Scholastics of Thebes and H.C.P. Bell of the Ceylon Civil Services are other notables who have written about this archipelagic nation.

It was Ibn Batuta, the Moroccan traveller, who remained in the Maldives for only about 18 months and lost no time in marrying four noble women of the Court of Kadihah, daughter of Sultan Ahbendjaly whose husband was her Chief Vizar. Unfortunately for Batuta, who having won the confidence of some members of the Royal family and having been offered the post of Kazi, was compelled to flee the country (with or without his wives it is not known) in about 1345 due to the apparent jealousy of the Chief Vizar who was himself the second husband of the lady Sultan Kadihah.

H.C.P. Bell, the first Commissioner of Archaeology of the Government of Ceylon, in Sessional Papers of 1881 which were laid before the Legislative Council of Ceylon wrote that the “Early history of these islands is buried in obscurity — the natural result of their complete isolation and comparative insignificance. Indeed, except for scant glimpses afforded by the accounts of a few causal travellers, whom accident has taken them there from time to time, the world in the later half of the 19th century knows little or nothing of the whole or part of the history of the Maldives.

“The Maldivians themselves possess no known historical records of any antiquity and would seem to be utterly ignorant of their antecedents beyond such vague and unreliable shreds of information as may have been handed down by traditions.” That is quite a mouthful, but it was Bell’s usual style.

From the earliest of times, trading contacts with the Arabs, Persians, Malaysians, Indians, Indonesians, Sinhalese and with even some African countries have certainly left their influence on the people and culture of the Maldivians. Their language itself, known as Dhivehi is derived from Sanskrit, with both Arabic and Hindi influence which is unmistakable to linguists.

After the Malabar raiders were got rid of the Maldivians formed a closer association, with strengthened diplomatic representations with Ceylon, a relationship which has existed from as far back as 1645. Thereafter, in 1887 the Maldivians accepted British Suzerainty for the benefit of military protection from them and this arrangement ended in 1965. The British did not station their representative in the islands nor did they interfere in their administration.

It is to the credit of the Maldivians that such a small nation was able to remain independent for so long with several powerful nations around them. This is on account of their farsighted diplomacy and on account of the country not being rich in natural resources except fish, which in those times was not as valuable as it is now because it could not be preserved for transport over long distances.

The period of British Suzerainty covered the years of the Second World War and Gan and Cocoa islands were important British bases with large numbers of Ceylonese serving in them with distinction and a few who were said to have not been amenable to discipline. That however, is another story.

Archaeological findings bear ample evidence of the prevalence and practise of Buddhism in the country prior to 1153 AD. In that year, Shaikh Yusuf ud-din of Tabriz, a pious Saint introduced Islam to the country during the rule of King Komala who changed his name to Mohommed Ibin Abdulla and assumed the Islamic title of Sultan after his conversion to Islam.

Ibn Batuta wrote of this conversion to Islam giving credit to Abdul Barakath Yusuf but that version does not appear to be accepted. It could be that Yusuf accompanied the Saint and remained in the islands to spread the religion. What is important is, historically, socially culturally and since 1153 AD the Maldivians have been true followers of Islam and that there is no other religion practised in the republic.

“Islam is the strength and backbone of Maldivians society permeating as it does the entire educational system….” It is the State Religion but there is, a “delicate blend of tradition and modernity.” Women are not in purdah and have equal opportunities with men in regard to education and employment. Hence, their contribution to the economic and social development of their country is no less than that of the contribution made by their men. They are seen and heard and listened to all over the republic.”

As mentioned earlier the country gained independence in 1965. This was during the tenure of office of the President, Ibrahim Nasir who was the Prime Minister under the titular Sultan. It became a Republic in 1968 with an elected President and a national Assembly. The current President, His Excellency Maumoon Abdul Gayoom assumed office on November 11, 1978, having polled 92.9% of the votes at a referendum. He is a Master of Arts in Islamic Studies from Alazhar University and lectured in Islamic Law and Philosophy at Ahmadu Bello University in Nigeria.

In his own country he held several high positions in Government since 1971 and was his country’s permanent representative at the United Nations in 1976 and 1977. He is a true friend of Sri Lanka and once said “Sri Lanka and the Maldives have embraced warm friendly relations for centuries. Our countries bondage of friendship stretches beyond geographical proximity.” President Gayoom’s administration is committed to an open Government ensuring the observance of the principles of democracy.

The first written Constitution of the Maldives was proclaimed in 1982 but is is said that there is evidence of the system of Government and administration accepting traditional principles of democracy as time honoured customs. The present constitution is that of a sovereign and independent Republic with Islam as its State Religion and Dhivehi as the State Language. However, English is widely used in Government’s administration and in the private sector.

The Maldive islands are on the equator in the Indian Ocean consisting of 26 atoll formations, the word atoll being derived from the word `atholu’ in Dhevehi. These atolls are groups of islands of varying numbers in each, all making a total of 1,190 islands. Of these, only 199 are inhabited and 74 others are set apart exclusively as tourist resorts.

The republic is some 720 km. South West of Sri Lanka and cover a total area of about 90,000 Square km. measuring 820 km. from North to South and 120 km. East to West at the longest and broadest points. The islands which consist of only about 1% of the total area are formed from layers of coral and none are more than six feet above sea level at the highest point. Gan with several garment factories, the longest island was developed by the British when they closed their base in Ceylon in 1956 by mutual agreement with the government of Ceylon which came into power that year. The British left Gan 20 years later leaving a fully developed island with roads and infrastructure which the Maldivians took over and set up industries with foreign investors.

The soils of the islands are poor and are alkaline due to their derivation from coral rock. There are no rivers or springs and all crops are dependent on the rains from the South West Monsoon. Hence the only crops grown are on a ‘chena’ or shifting agriculture basis in some of the inhabited islands and consist of various kinds of millets, tubers such as manioc, chillies, onions, cabbage, beans, brinjals, various gourds etc. and fruits such as watermelon, banana, papaw, mango and lemon. Coconut is an important crop and is found on many of the islands including the resorts.

To the tourist fishing is an important sport as diving. Fishing trips both by day and night are organized for modest fees for a few hours by local motorized Dhonis or baththal the traditional boat, or for very high fees in modern yachts and speed boats with sophisticated gear. The sportsmen and women bring in skipjack, groupers, snappers and other reef fish. Big game fish outside the atoll enclosures consist of marlin, barracuda, yellow fin tuna etc.

There are no indigenous animals but the islands area haven for large numbers and species of seabirds.Conservation of its wealth in its waters is important to the Maldivians. ‘Hence the use of harpoons and catching dolphins, whales, whale shark etc. is strictly prohibited and observed.

The most spectacular floral and fauna are found from just below the surface of the sea to hundreds of feet below. Fish with all the colours of the rainbow in their thousands, corals, crustaceans, turtles etc. and numerous varieties of sea weed make a world of psychedelic colour which defy description. Fishing accounts for about 40% of those in gainful employment with a catch of some 99,000 metric tons in 1993. This was for home consumption, local sale and for export, canned or frozen.

The per capita consumption of fish in the Maldives is about the highest in the world and is about the only form of animal protein consumed by its people. Skipjack is the main catch and upto about 1972, it was the main export product, in the form of Maldive Fish after a process of boiling, salting, smoking and sun drying. The sole buyer of the product was Sri Lanka and on account of our foreign exchange problems and restrictions on imports of all but essentials the Maldivians were forced to find other markets for their foreign exchange earnings from fish. They were thus compelled to freeze or can their exportable fish.

The climate in the Maldives is humid and hot (average 86 degrees Fahrenheit) in spite of the influence of the cool sea breeze. The South West Monsoon from April to November brings about 84 inches of rain while the North – East Monsoon from December to March is a dry period in most years.With little or no resources for significant industrial or agricultural development and to support a growing population with its increasing needs from outside the country, the Maldivians turned to tourism for its foreign exchange earnings.

Hence, from an almost non-existent industry in 1972 with just a handful of tourists 1993 recorded 241,000 arrivals, in 1994 it rose to 279,600 and in 1995 to 300,000 arrivals. The main reasons for this rapid growth is of course on account of ‘the gem like islands depict the rare vision of a tropical paradise. Palm fringed islands with sparkling white beaches, turquoise lagoons, clear warm waters and coral reefs teeming with abundant varieties of marine flora and fauna.” Apart from these, there are no ogling oafs and gawking peddlers of bead chains, cheap clothing or even other wares as in some Sri Lankan sea side holiday resorts.

This makes the Maldives an ideal destination for the holiday maker in search only of, and with no interest other than in tranquillity and peace with sunshine and warm clear waters to laze in. Other reasons for this phenomenal growth is the opening of the Male International Airport in late 1981 to receive wide bodied jets from Colombo, Singapore and Trivandrum; a Cabinet Minister solely in charge of the subject and more than likely the comparatively slower growth of the industry in Sri Lanka since about 1978. About 85% of the visitors are from Western Europe with West Germany and Italy forming the majority and with smaller numbers from France, Sweden etc.

A typical visit to the Maldives is one in which the visitor arrives at Hulule Airport and goes through immigration with little bother except that the odd official may want to know, particularly from dark skinned people, whether they have a minimum of US$ 25 for each day of stay. The Customs check is quick if one does not carry alcohol or firearms both of which are strictly taboo. After awhile, the Tour Guide with whose Company one has booked escorts him to a Dhoni many of which are now powered by 15 or 20 HP Honda or Yamaha diesel engines.

The journey starts with leaping from one Dhoni to another (if his particular boat is some distance away) with plenty of willing hands to ensure that he does not end up squashed between two boats in the lapping waters below!

Ziaraarafushi in Kaafu Atoll the destination in this case is two and half hour journey with the first hour or so on the open top deck on foam rubber cushions admiring the beauty of the changing colours of the waters from clear light blue to shades of green and finally to deep blue as the depth of the water increases. Fish, corals and other islands and their beaches in the distance add to the beauty of the view. Retirement to the enclosed lower deck becomes necessary as the sea gets rough and waves hit the upper deck. It is hot and humid down there and exhaust fumes from the engine somehow find their way adding to the discomfort.

The Captain of the boat has three helpers who once the going is steady hasten to the lower deck and promptly fall fast asleep on the cushioned benches. Fishing is second nature to the Maldivians hence on these trips too they throw a few lines and haul a skipjack or two every now and then; a bonus payment or a bigger fish curry for dinner!

The Captain stands with his back to the starpole and guides the boat with his bare foot or even his shoulder blades without the aid of a compass, and in total dependence on his experienced eye, never flinching even when accepting one of the many lighted cigarettes his assistants, when they are awake, pass on to him throughout the journey.

Ziaraarafushi is one of the 74 resort islands, leased to foreign developers and has some one hundred chalets. Visitors are met at the jetty by the staff with wheel barrows marked ‘Luggage’ in bold red letters. The complex consists of the single and double room chalets, large dining hall, a reception area with a shop displaying beach wear, toiletries, handicrafts made from bones of large fish, picture post cards etc.; the main indoor recreational area is a large hall with the bar at one end. Liquor is expensive, a can of beer is sold at US$ 3.5 to 4 with a peg of Sri Lankan Gin selling at about the same price. In these circumstances, the price of Scotch is prohibitive.

Floors of all common areas are sand covered with half walls all round. Roofs are covered with woven coconut palm fronds with wire mesh spread over as a protection against strong winds. The chalets have cement floors which are sometimes covered with linoleum and consist of a shower and toilet and sit-out. The furniture and linen are simple and adequate but the charges are about double or a little more for more comfortable accommodation and very much better food at Sri Lankan three or four star hotels in the coast.

The food is simple, consisting of baked or boiled fish with cabbage, beans, tomatoes and cucumber for both main meals and an egg with limited quantities toast for breakfast. The meals are bland and monotonous and the food served to the staff is more appetising to the Sri Lankan pallet as it consists of rice and hot fish curry with grated coconut. Talking about food, an European woman said “As long as I don’t have to cook and wash I don’t care as the sun, sea and sand are there for my annual holiday.” Perhaps she speaks for large numbers of the tourists who come to the Maldives. There are, however, some resorts which boast of several coffee shops and restaurants in each offering varied and excellent cuisine at relatively higher prices.

There are no Maldivians permanently resident on Ziaraarafushi just as in all the other resort islands as the Government wishes to preserve the culture of its people uninfluenced by foreign habits and customs. Likewise inhabited islands have no hotels and visits to them by tourists are allowed only with guides for a few hours in the day in what is described as ‘proper attire’. This is a most laudable practice.

The staff at all levels consist mostly of Sri Lankans, Indians and Pakistanis and they like the visitors are birds of passage leaving the unspoilt Maldivians to their traditions and religion uninterfered with.Those resorts in the islands, hotels and guest houses in Male, had a bed strength of just under 10,000 in 1993 with about 65% utilization bringing the Government about three fifths of its ‘visible export receipts.”

To service the tourists and the local population with their requirements of internal transport by sea, there were 1,434 mechanised Dhonis, a few luxury yachts and 313 trolling vessels in 1993. A mere 15 sailing Dhonis and 22 rowing boats were available mostly for pleasure rides.Male, the capital and Seat of Government and main commercial centre is entirely different from the resort islands “for, if the islands depend on Male for all their trading and administration, Male depends on the islands for its livelihood.” It is busy town with Government Offices, Schools, Shops of all grades and sizes, Hospitals and residences of all the important officials and the not so important with a population of around 60,000 out of a total of just over 238,000 in the Republic in 1993.

In that year, Male, Hulule and Gan had most of the 5,330 bicycles, 3,466 motor cycles and 454 cars, vans and trucks. The authorized vehicles, more often than not are driven on low gear most of the time due to the crowded and narrow roads.The President’s residence or Mulee Aage, the Grand Friday Mosque which can accommodate 5,000 worshipers at a time, National Museum in the Sultan Park, marine drive, docks and fish markets are important land marks in clean, tidy and bustling Male.

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Features

Dilemmas of ‘hurting economies’ – the case of Sri Lanka

Published

15 hours ago

2026/05/7

Sahan Weerasooriya

Dr. Ganeshan Wignaraja (right) and Ambassador (Retd) Ravinatha Aryasinha.

Maldives President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu was in Sri Lanka recently on what was apparently a goodwill visit and this event, no doubt, bodes very well for Maldives-Sri Lanka relations. Besides, the visit would go some distance in strengthening Sri Lanka’s claims to Non-Alignment.

However, the commentator on regional politics could be accused of simplistic thinking if he/she glosses over or ignores the regional politics nuances or undertones of the Maldivian President’s visit. In Sri Lanka we currently have a government which is eager to solidify its bridges, so to speak, with China and which, given the chance, would be courting increasingly close relations with Russia. In other words, the NPP government is likely to see itself as a ‘natural ally’ of the East and would prefer to distance itself to the extent possible from the West, if that is a realistic proposition.

Given the foregoing backdrop, it would be in some of the NPP regime’s best interests to be on cordial terms with the Maldives which is a close ally of China in the South Asian region. However, the NPP government, given the utter financial helplessness of Sri Lanka, cannot afford to distance itself politically and diplomatically from India and the West. Sheer economic necessity compels Sri Lanka to adopt this foreign policy stance. In other words, the latter has no choice but to be ‘Non-Aligned.’

This columnist was led to the above observations on listening to a lucid and comprehensive presentation titled, ‘A Global Economy in the Shadow of the Iran War and implications for Sri Lanka’s debt recovery’, by Dr. Ganeshan Wignaraja, Visiting Senior Fellow, ODI Global London, at the Regional Centre for Strategic Studies (RCSS), Colombo on May 4th. The forum, RCSS Strategic Dialogue – 4, was moderated and presided over by RCSS Executive Director Ambassador (retd) Ravinatha Aryasinha.

The forum brought together a wide cross section of society, including diplomatic personnel, academicians, public and private sector personalities and the media. After the presentation a very lively and informative Q&A followed.

Ambassador Aryasinha at the outset set an appropriate backdrop to the presentation and discussion by stressing ‘the increasing interconnectedness of geopolitical and economic developments, noting how disruptions in the Middle East could have significant ramifications for global markets, trade flows, energy prices and broader economic stability, including Sri Lanka.’

Indeed, there are occurring currently very disruptive economic and material consequences for the world from ‘the Iran War’, and with US-Iran hostilities spiraling in West Asia it may not be wrong to surmise that the worst could be yet to come, unless a peace process materializes in earnest.

Meanwhile, ‘hurting countries’ such as Sri Lanka would need to summon their best economic management capabilities to remain materially and economically afloat. ‘Economic transformation’ is what is urgently needed and not mere management and some of the insights thrown up by Dr. Ganeshan Wignaraja should have the local polity thinking.

There was the following observation, for instance: ‘Sri Lanka has achieved remarkable cyclical stabilization but faces critical challenges in transitioning to transformative growth, with 2027-2028 debt repayments looming and only $5.4 billion usable reserves.’

Needless to say, the path ahead to ‘transformative growth’ for Sri Lanka is strewn with multiple challenges and meeting them effectively is of the first importance. Sri Lanka must soldier on towards even a semblance of development in the short and medium terms and such initiatives cannot be separated from its foreign policy choices since the country’s economic partners and their growth prowess have a close bearing on the country’s material fortunes.

As mentioned, Sri Lanka will be compelled to be ‘a friend of all countries and an enemy of none’ going forward but it cannot afford to be seen as cultivating China as a close growth partner at the expense of India and other major economies of the region.

This is primarily because while India is remaining a major economic power, the current West Asian crisis notwithstanding, China’s economy is being seen as ‘slowing’. Dr. Wignaraja singled out the following in the main as the factors causing this slow-down: a bursting property bubble, increasing state regulation, and weakening investor confidence. Besides, the speaker sees production cycles moving away from China and India replacing China and Hong Kong as ‘manufacturing hubs’.

Accordingly, the NPP regime in Sri Lanka would need to craft its regional policy in particular with the utmost far-sightedness. It will need to have close economic links with all the growth centres that matter.

On the question of authentic economic transformation, the following observations of Dr. Wignaraja on Sri Lanka’s economy are of the first importance as well: ‘Foreign reserves are now at $ 5.4 billion, the cost of living is high, an estimated 20 per cent of the population lives below the poverty line of $ 3.65 per day, the recent cyber security breach at the Treasury would affect some 10 payments.’ These factors were termed ‘critical vulnerabilities’.

It is difficult to conceive of an economic transformation worthy of the phrase minus a steady economic empowerment of the populace. The above data point to the considerable magnitude of the local poverty problem. Right now, the disruptive effects of the West Asian crisis render swift poverty alleviation a most difficult proposition.

One possible way out of the present economic debacle is the forging of a national consensus by the present government on all outstanding problems that have been bedeviling the country’s advancement. That is, there needs to be a meeting of minds across current political divides. Considering the present inflammatory political polarities in Sri Lanka this would prove an insurmountable challenge.

Unfortunately, conscience-filled and civic minded sections in Sri Lanka have chosen to be laid back rather than seize the initiative, come centre stage and impress on politicians the need for enlightened governance and progressive change. There needs to be a historic coming together of the right thinking to ensure that the best interests of the people and of the people only are served by governments. In the absence of such a process, might would be projected as right and brute force would come to increasingly rule politics and society.

Features

Australia funds project to restore climate-resilient vegetable livelihoods in cyclone-affected highlands

Published

15 hours ago

2026/05/7

Sahan Weerasooriya

(L-R) D. P. Wickramasinghe, Secretary of Agriculture; Matthew Duckworth, Australian High Commissioner to Sri Lanka, K. D. Lal Kantha, Minister of Agriculture, Livestock, Lands and Irrigation, and Vimlendra Sharan, FAO Representative for Sri Lanka and the Maldives at the signing ceremony.

The Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, Lands and Irrigation, the Government of Australia, and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) have launched of a AUD 2 million (USD 1.4 million) recovery initiative to restore and transform vegetable production systems in the cyclone-affected districts of Nuwara Eliya and Badulla.

The FAO said yesterday (5) that the agreement was formalized through the signing of the grant agreement by Matthew Duckworth, Australian High Commissioner to Sri Lanka, and Vimlendra Sharan, FAO Representative for Sri Lanka and the Maldives, alongside the signing of the project document by D. P. Wickramasinghe, Secretary of Agriculture.

Cyclone Ditwah, which struck Sri Lanka in November 2025, caused widespread devastation across the country, severely disrupting agricultural production systems and livelihoods. The highland districts of Nuwara Eliya and Badulla, key suppliers of vegetables such as beans, carrots, leeks, cabbage, tomato and potato, were among the hardest hit, with thousands of smallholder farmers losing crops, seed stocks, and productive assets.

This 12-month initiative aims torestore and strengthen climate-resilient vegetable production systems, with a strong focus on empowering women farmers and supporting persons with disabilities. The project will directly benefit more than 2,400 smallholder farmers, through improved seed and seedling production systems, small machinery, training, and market linkages while indirectly supporting thousands more.

“This initiative is an important step not only in restoring what was lost, but in building a more resilient and self-reliant agricultural sector,” said Minister Lal Kantha. “By strengthening local seed systems and supporting smallholder farmers, particularly women and vulnerable groups, we are investing in the long-term sustainability of Sri Lanka’s food systems.”

“Australia stands alongside Sri Lanka in its ongoing recovery from Cyclone Ditwah,” said High Commissioner Duckworth. “Australia is a steadfast partner in the agriculture sector with its importance for food security, rural development and climate resilience. By focusing on climate smart practices, farmer-led solutions and inclusive economic opportunities, this project will deliver meaningful and lasting benefits to affected communities.

The project will prioritize the restoration of farmer-led seed systems for beans and potatoes, support the re-establishment of both open-field and protected cultivation systems and women led seedling supply nurseries while empowering all farmers with Climate-Smart Good Agricultural Practices (CSGAP) with small scale machinery and input support.

A key feature of the initiative is the establishment of six accessible and inclusive nurseries in Nuwara Eliya and Badulla. These nurseries will serve as sustainable agri-based enterprises, producing high-quality vegetable seedlings while creating new income opportunities and strengthening local input supply chains.

By combining recovery support with long-term resilience measures, the project will help stabilize vegetable production, improve household food security and nutrition, and reduce reliance on imported seeds.

Features

War on Iran may hasten unraveling of New World Order

Published

15 hours ago

2026/05/7

Sahan Weerasooriya

It took several decades for the US to realise it was losing the war in Vietnam. It took a bit shorter time in Afghanistan. And what is happening in the countries the US and Israel intervened and broke up? The US has been asked to leave Iraq. Syria is talking to Russia about establishing military bases, President al-Sharaa met with Vladimir Putin in Moscow to discuss the project, which is vital for Russian power projection in the Middle East. Libya has been divided into two competing administrative units with the Eastern section actively engaged with Russia in defence matters. The Sudanese government has finalised a 25-year deal to allow a Russian naval facility in the Red Sea in exchange for weapons, including anti-aircraft systems. On the Eastern side of the Red Sea, Yemen remains divided, with the main power center, the Houthis maintaining a staunchly anti-US, anti-Israel stance, while the internationally recognised government remains in exile.

When the Iranian Foreign Minister recently undertook a tour of Pakistan, Oman and Russia, the US wanted to meet him and got ready to send its negotiators Vice President J. D. Vance and his team to Pakistan, but Iranian FM snubbed them and left Pakistan, saying Iran did not want to talk to the US while a blockade of their ports were in place. The Iranian FM met President Putin, who congratulated Iran for courageously defending their country and then phoned US President Trump and told him further attacks on Iran would not be acceptable. During this conversation on April 27, 2026, Putin reportedly warned Trump that further U.S. or Israeli attacks on Iran would have dangerous consequences, according to Al Jazeera). Such a sequence of events would not have been possible in the unipolar world we had in the past.

Furthermore, the damage that Iran has inflicted on the US and Israel in this war would have been unimaginable in the late 20th Century and early 21st Century. Sixteen US military bases spread across Saudi Arabia, Qatar, UAE, Bahrain, Kuwait, Iraq, Jordan and Oman have been either destroyed or severely damaged. Advanced surveillance aircraft and radar systems worth more than $ 2.8 bn were destroyed. This had a far-reaching effect on the war as the US could not use these bases in the war against Iran and also in the defence of its allies in the Gulf.

The attacks on Israel have been equally damaging. In Central Israel and Tel Aviv area multiple attacks targeted military and intelligence assets, resulting in massive damage. Iranian missiles hit the Haifa oil refinery, causing a shutdown, and hit residential buildings, leading to injuries and structural damage. Residential and commercial areas were damaged in Bat Yam and Petah Tikva with significant casualties and destruction. Attacks in Dimona and Arad targeted the Negev Nuclear Research Center, with casualties reported in both towns. The Soroka Medical Center in Beersheba was hit in a strike. The strategic port and naval base in Eilat were targeted. In Rishon LeZion suburban residential areas suffered extensive damage.

Usually, Israel makes short work of its many enemies in the region, for example it took just six days to defeat the combined military of Egypt, Jordan and Syria in 1967 and grab their land as well. Hamas, Fatah and Palestinians would suffer ignominious defeats if they dare challenge Israel. However, the recent war against Hamas, following a daring wide scale invasion into Israel by Hamas in October 2023, went on for more than two years with no conclusive victory for Israel.

These significant massive military setbacks suffered by the combined forces of the US and Israel have been made possible by the unprecedented advancement in military technology achieved mainly by China and to a degree by Russia as well. Iran has been able to develop ballistic missile systems that could penetrate the “iron dome” that Israel boasted, with technological assistance from China and North Korea. Iran’s drones are very cheap yet very effective, requiring interceptors worth millions of dollars to counter them, thus making it much more costly for the US to fight this war than it is for Iran.

Further, Hezbollah in Lebanon, Houthies in Yemen and Hamas in Palestine are well equipped with advanced missiles and drones. Hezbollah has been able to destroy about hundred Israel tanks and stop their advance. According to Larry Johnson, former CIA intelligence analyst, Israel soldiers are much war weary and mentally affected and are being withdrawn. Netanyahu’s 40 year dream of a “Greater Israel” is telling on the poor soldiers.

If a person like Barack Obama had been the US President instead of the hyper egoistic, blustering, intellectually barren Trump, things may have been different. An attempt would have been made to reconcile with the fact that the world is changing, instead of trying to stop it and make “America Great Again”. Perhaps, it could be said that Trump is facilitating the emergence of the new world order by enabling the US citizens to see the reality, the futility of war and the fact that Israel is a liability because the US is fighting its war. Further, the war has enabled Iran to assert its place in the region and negotiate from a position of strength.

Perhaps, Israeli people may realise that the Palestine problem cannot be solved by militarily occupying their land, and that in a changing world a “Greater Israel” is a “pie in the sky”. They may have to agree to a two-state solution. US support may not always be forthcoming, certainly not at the level that Trump could extend, as this war is very unpopular and expensive. The other very significant fact is that Israeli settlers in the occupied lands feel insecure and one in three wants to leave and the numbers may grow when Palestinians and their sympathisers grow in strength in the new world order.

Moreover, the war on Iran has afforded China the opportunity to demonstrate with authority the fact that it stands for universal peace and does not tolerate illegal wars. Its message to the US conveyed its world view and its desire for peace in no uncertain terms. Trump cannot afford to disregard the Chinese position on the war on the eve of his visit to that country which may decide on future trade between the two countries as the US depends on China for several essential materials like rare earth minerals. Furthermore, China has shown that peace could be achieved by developing the economies of the underdeveloped countries irrespective of their alliances. It helps Iran as well as Saudi Arabia and try to build bridges between these foes. It welcomes Trump in the coming weeks and hopes to strengthen ties between the two countries despite the weaknesses of the latter.

Another important factor is the gradual decline of the critical value of the petro-dollar. Following the end of the gold standard in 1971, the US struck deals with Saudi Arabia and other OPEC nations (around 1974) to price oil exclusively in USD in exchange for military protection and arms sales. Dollars earned by selling oil came to be known as petro-dollar. Oil producers, holding large dollar surpluses, reinvest these funds in the US Treasury securities, real estate, and financial assets ensuring the recycling of petro-dollars. The system ensures a consistent global demand for US dollars, which helps fund the US budget deficit and maintains the currency’s dominance.

However, the petro-dollar system is on the decline and there are two main reasons for this, firstly the gradual rise of the new world order with organisations like BRICS, making a concerted effort to extricate from the dollar dominance by developing alternate currencies and methods to bypass the dollar. Secondly, the need felt by most countries to develop alternative energy sources to replace enormously harmful fossil fuel would eventually result in a decline in the demand for it and consequently the effectiveness of the petro-dollar. China is leading the world in both these endeavours; depolarisation process and renewable energy production. The war on Iran seems to have hastened the process of depolarisation as Iran insists that it will sell its oil for yuan only.

These revolutionary changes in the aftermath of the Iran war have their undeniable implications for the Global South, where more than 60% of the poor live.

by N. A. de S. Amaratunga