Iran retaliation shakes US-Israel strategy
The US-Israel war against Iran does not seem to have achieved its projected objectives as Iran has responded with massive blows on Israel as well as US bases in Qatar, Bahrain, UAE, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and Oman. Though the US claims to have hit 15,000 targets in Iran, Iran has responded with much success that has been able to wreak severe damage on Israeli and US targets. Collateral damage in particular has been significant as 3 US F-35 jet fighters have been brought down in Kuwait. A US re-fueling plane with six crew on board has been lost. Iran has inflicted substantial blows on US radar systems, command and control infrastructure in US bases as well as an estimated loss of at least $ 40 billion on the US which is substantial. Both the US aircraft carriers USS Gerald Ford as well as USS Abraham Lincoln have been hit by Iranian missiles and had to retreat for putting out the fires aboard and for repairs. Even the US Fifth Fleet has been targeted by Iran. The Iran nuclear programme which the late Ayatollah Ali Khamenei had said was not meant to produce a nuclear bomb has succeeded to obtain about 441 kilogrammes of 60% enriched Uranium as well as the missile programme has not been severely disrupted. As of now, the conflict is far from being a one-sided affair as sought to by US and Israel.
Elvidio Miranda, Panaji
Historic road debate
In the heart of Panaji city lies 18 June Road, one of Goa’s most prominent commercial streets. For generations of Goans, the road is more than just a bustling marketplace lined with shops, cafes, and offices. It carries deep historical significance tied to Goa’s struggle against Portuguese rule. The name 18 June Road commemorates the historic events of June 18, 1946, when freedom fighter Dr Ram Manohar Lohia, along with Goan nationalists, ignited the civil disobedience movement against the Portuguese regime. That day marked a turning point in Goa’s liberation struggle and eventually paved the way for the end of colonial rule in 1961. The road, therefore, stands not just as a geographic landmark but as a living reminder of the courage and aspirations of those who fought for freedom. Recently Fatorda MLA Vijai Sardesai raised the issue in the Goa Legislative Assembly that there are reportedly 18 Spa centers operating along 18 June Road. Spa and wellness centers are common along Goa’s coastal belt. However, they operate under a cloud of suspicion, often linked to illicit activities.  18 June Road is not a remote tourist strip. It is the city’s primary commercial artery, frequented daily by families, students, office workers, and visitors. The growing presence of spa centers here is therefore cause for concern. Cities evolve and Panaji is no exception. But development should take into consideration sensitivity to history and community identity. The lack of oversight has allowed certain forms of businesses to flourish in ways that blur the line between legitimate hospitality and questionable enterprises.
Adelmo Fernandes, Vasco
Right to life
Passive euthanasia means withdrawing life support to induce death in a natural way. In contrast, active euthanasia means injecting legal drugs to induce death. This is not permitted in India. The Supreme Court is likely to take a decision on living wills in 2018, even as a draft Bill on withdrawal of life support to patients with terminal illness is under consideration. The Bill, however, deals only with terminal illness. This is a complex issue in every society and the chances of its misuse are high. That’s why it is not accepted as a way of ending the lives of mentally alert and reasonably healthy persons. Euthanasia in that form cannot be allowed or legalised because the probability of its misuse — whether it is demanded for property, money, or because of animosity among family members — is very high. Usually such killings are classified as homicide, and if the perpetrators are caught, they are punished. Imagine the consequences of legalising this. There will be no limits to its abuse in India and elsewhere. The decision in favour of euthanasia is far more complex when a person is mentally alert. This brings to my mind a Hindi film about a quadriplegic who seeks death. The court denies his wish. I think that was the right decision. The right to life is an old debate. When the Supreme Court heard the challenge to the imposition of Emergency, it rejected the argument that in India, the right to life available to a citizen flows from Article 21 of the Constitution, and that if such an Article were to be deleted or suspended, the citizen would have no right to his life under law. The right to life was made more sacrosanct and, over the years, has been seen as a basic feature of the Constitution, thereby making it both fundamental and permanent.
C K Subramaniam, Mumbai
