Only Vladimir Putin and Benjamin Netanyahu benefit from the wars in Ukraine and Gaza
08 January 2024 - 18:06
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Russia's President Vladimir Putin in Moscow, Russia, January 7 2024. Picture: SPUTNIK/GAVRIL GRIGOROV/REUTERS
“All commanders, no matter how stupid they might seem to be, strive for a quick victory. No-one has ever seen a commander who wishes to wage a protracted battle to display his military skill and technique. There has never been a single case in history [where] protracted fighting benefited any country.”
These are the wise words of Sun Tzu, a war strategist who lived in ancient China. It raises the question of why Russian President Vladimir Putin would opt for a protracted battle since it is clearly not helping Russia. Is this merely his ego talking?
The same question must be posed regarding long-serving Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The destruction of Gaza cannot be the answer to the October 7 tragedy. Who benefits from this? Not Israel as a country, only Netanyahu will win since as long as the war continues his position as prime minister is safe.
Dr Lucas Ntyintyane Via email
JOIN THE DISCUSSION: Send us an email with your says to letters@businesslive.co.za. Letters of more than 300 words will be edited for length. Anonymous correspondence will not be published. Writers should include a daytime telephone number.
Support our award-winning journalism. The Premium package (digital only) is R30 for the first month and thereafter you pay R129 p/m now ad-free for all subscribers.
LETTER: Protracted battles are a folly
Only Vladimir Putin and Benjamin Netanyahu benefit from the wars in Ukraine and Gaza
“All commanders, no matter how stupid they might seem to be, strive for a quick victory. No-one has ever seen a commander who wishes to wage a protracted battle to display his military skill and technique. There has never been a single case in history [where] protracted fighting benefited any country.”
These are the wise words of Sun Tzu, a war strategist who lived in ancient China. It raises the question of why Russian President Vladimir Putin would opt for a protracted battle since it is clearly not helping Russia. Is this merely his ego talking?
The same question must be posed regarding long-serving Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The destruction of Gaza cannot be the answer to the October 7 tragedy. Who benefits from this? Not Israel as a country, only Netanyahu will win since as long as the war continues his position as prime minister is safe.
Dr Lucas Ntyintyane
Via email
JOIN THE DISCUSSION: Send us an email with your says to letters@businesslive.co.za. Letters of more than 300 words will be edited for length. Anonymous correspondence will not be published. Writers should include a daytime telephone number.
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