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With a conflict intensifying between Israel and Hamas after the recent Hamas attack, the Middle East, which was gradually heading toward unity and harmony, is plunging into a war, once again. Regardless of its root cause, the hostilities in the region can have a spillover effect, which can polarize the world. A conflict like this can also become a breeding ground for fresh rebellions, terrorists and criminal gangs.

No rational human being can support terrorism anywhere in the world. Talks and negotiations are a must to bring back normalcy in the region and beyond for the greater good of humanity and human civilization. War is never a solution. War begets more war and results in a lose-lose outcome. There is no alternative to peace and harmony. Thus, the international community in general and the parties to this conflict in particular should reconsider the “Framework for Peace in the Middle East”.

The author is a geostrategic thinker

As a nation with various religions, cultures, ethnicities and languages, Nepal allows every Nepali to practice their religion and culture. This fundamental right is enshrined in our Constitution. 

Despite different religious texts and beliefs, our core values unify us—humanitarianism, peace and respect for diverse religions and cultures. From Nepal, the birthplace of Gautam Buddha, a global symbol of peace, we have spread the message of peace, tolerance, harmony and coexistence around the world. It is vital that we preserve this heritage. 

I earnestly ask all religious, cultural and ethnic groups to promote peace, tolerance and coexistence while staying vigilant against divisive actions that threaten national unity and our heritage. I urge the government to swiftly restore law and order by upholding religious, social and cultural unity, tolerance and coexistence. 

I request social media users to refrain from sharing content that could disrupt religious, social and cultural harmony, tolerance and coexistence. 

The author is a lawmaker and secretary general of Nepali Congress

The world is under two major threats now—“tech threat” that is challenging sovereignty of nations and impinging on personal sovereign dignity of individuals, and “Religious Radicalism” that could foment civilizational clashes and lead to ethnic cleansing.

A tech battle between China and the US, along with disinformation from big tech and social media have been challenging tech and democratic order. The US, India and the UK—the oldest democracy, largest democracy and the champion of parliamentary democracy—are going to polls in 2024 amid risk of disinformation or influence of AI and ethnic nationalism.

Civilizational clashes fueled by ethnic nationalism in different countries reflect domination of religion over religion, culture over culture, human over human and civilization over civilization. This can challenge social-civilizational or democratic order.

“Hate crimes” embedded in religious beliefs can have spillover effects and cause ethnic war, causing huge losses to civilization, if not handled with utmost rationality. 

The author is a geopolitical analyst 

The primary message for all stakeholders—government bodies, lawmakers and the general public—to acknowledge is that street vendors are an integral part of our society. Street vendors are firmly entrenched within our society and contribute to the national economy directly or indirectly by engaging in self-employment. 

It is the responsibility of the government to manage appropriate workspaces for street vendors. The major consideration is determining suitable locations for this purpose. There are various possible options, including utilizing footpaths within designated hours in specified areas. Many cities like Bangkok, Dhaka, and Calcutta boast of expansive footpaths suitable for the purpose. In our case, where such broad footpaths are lacking, alternatives like squares, intersections and other open spaces can become workspaces. Additionally, there are wider roads where traffic is relatively light during specific times, presenting another viable option. Ultimately, the key factors are the selection of suitable places, appropriate timing and effective management.

The author is an urban planner