1. Reckless Escalation: On Israel’s Attack on Qatar
- Context: The editorial condemns Israel’s recent attack on a house in Qatar, which reportedly targeted Hamas leaders. The attack is seen as a reckless escalation of the regional conflict. Qatar has been a crucial mediator in ceasefire talks between Israel and Hamas, and the strike on its soil is a flagrant violation of sovereignty that threatens to derail peace efforts.
- Key Issues:
- The attack is a flagrant violation of Qatar’s sovereignty, a key U.S. ally.
- It demonstrates Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s unwillingness to pursue peace and a desire to prolong the war for his political survival.
- The strike further undermines the fragile Arab-Israel normalization process.
- It exposes the failure of U.S. President Donald Trump to use his leverage to rein in Israel’s military aggression.
- The expansion of the conflict to a key energy-rich region where millions of Indians live is a cause for concern for New Delhi.
- Way Forward:
- India’s firm stance: India should be more forthright in condemning Israel’s regional war and work with other global powers to restore stability.
- International Pressure: The international community must exert pressure on Israel to de-escalate the conflict and return to the negotiating table.
- Protecting Indian Nationals: India must take proactive measures to ensure the safety and security of its diaspora in the Gulf.
- Conclusion: The attack on Qatar is a dangerous and destabilizing move that threatens to plunge the Middle East into a wider conflict. It is a reminder that a peaceful resolution requires all parties to act responsibly, which Israel, under its current leadership, has failed to do.
2. Relief for Refugees: On the Immigration and Foreigners (Exemption) Order, 2025
- Context: The editorial examines the newly notified Immigration and Foreigners (Exemption) Order, 2025, which provides a measure of relief to certain groups of refugees, including Sri Lankan Tamils. The order exempts them from the requirement of a valid passport or visa, protecting them from forcible repatriation. However, the editorial raises concerns about whether the order goes far enough in providing them a path to citizenship.
- Key Issues:
- The order provides a significant measure of relief to Sri Lankan Tamil refugees, many of whom have been living in Tamil Nadu for over 30 years.
- It protects them from being labeled as “illegal migrants” and facing a threat of deportation.
- However, it does not clarify their path to citizenship. They are still not considered eligible for Long-Term Visas (LTVs), which are a prerequisite for applying for citizenship.
- The order’s stipulations, such as the registration date, could exclude some refugees.
- Way Forward:
- Liberalize LTVs: The Union government should liberalize its stand on Long-Term Visas for deserving Sri Lankan Tamil refugees, which would enable them to seek citizenship.
- Humane Approach: Both India and Sri Lanka should adopt a humane and compassionate approach to the refugee issue, with a focus on voluntary repatriation and local integration.
- Inclusion in the Citizenship Amendment Act: The government should reconsider its decision to exclude Sri Lankan Tamils from the Citizenship Amendment Act, which provides a path to citizenship for persecuted minorities.
- Conclusion: The Immigration and Foreigners (Exemption) Order, 2025, is a welcome step, but it falls short of providing a permanent solution to the refugee issue. A more comprehensive and humane approach is needed to ensure that the refugees are not left in a legal and social limbo.
