War and Peace: A Market Product for Speculators

 Sometimes in world politics, there are scenes where diplomacy, peace, and negotiations are seemingly being talked about, but another world is also active in the background—a world where predictions are made about outcomes, and billions of dollars are at stake on those predictions. The ongoing Iran-US peace talks in Islamabad today also reflect this dual reality.

Reports are that big American capitalists are facilitating speculators with statements that change every morning and evening and are also earning millions of dollars, especially since Pakistan has been working day and night to save the world from destruction. Field Marshal Asim Munir, Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif, Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar are doing historic work and are presenting Pakistan to the world as a strong, peace-loving country, which is why international organizations, world figures and the people of the world are shouting slogans of “Long live Pakistan”.

At first glance, these talks are a serious diplomatic process, where representatives of Iran and the US are trying to reduce tensions, consolidate the ceasefire and pave the way for a possible peace agreement. Pakistan is playing the role of a mediator in this process, which is a positive development for its global image.

But the world’s speculators, who continue to make millions of dollars by betting on every issue in the world, be it cricket or wars, see the uncertainty of an issue as a positive for speculators. The recent Iran, America, and Israel disputes are a source of additional and large earnings for the world’s speculators.

The fact is that global financial markets and modern digital platforms are looking at this whole process from a different angle. Thousands of people and investors are betting on online platforms called “prediction markets” on whether these negotiations will be successful or not, whether the ceasefire will remain or break down, and whether the region will move towards further tension or peace.

In this gambling game, there are big capitalists behind the scenes while there is an unknown person in front. This is not a traditional gambling game where bets are being placed sitting in a room, but rather it is a modern financial game called “trading”. But in reality, this is also a kind of betting—the only difference is that its style is apparently more civilized and digital, but it cannot be called an ethical act.

Neither the governments of Iran, the United States, nor Pakistan are involved in this “betting.” Yes, betting is a favorite pastime of India and the United States in which famous personalities are involved. All this is happening at the private level, where investors see the global situation as an opportunity.

However, its effects cannot be ignored. When financial interests are attached to a peace process, there is a fear that these speculations may affect the global narrative. Especially some media reports, analyses and even rumors circulating on social media sometimes become a reflection of these same financial interests.

The discussions of electronic media talk shows also give tips to bettors to place bets. Analysts in talk shows, on the other hand, are now called “seniors” on unknown grounds. They make such scenes and analyzes as if they have just met the relevant people who have told them these details.

This process is an unethical process that serious matters of human lives, war and peace, where serious loss of human lives and property should be used to promote their financial affairs. But this question is also very important that where is humanity and morality now? All these things have disappeared in the world now.

Therefore, any issue under discussion has been made a part of the market. These ongoing talks in Islamabad, where on one hand there is hope for world peace, while they are intertwined, they are also exposing us to the complex reality of the modern world where diplomacy and economics are intertwined.

Decisions are not made only in closed rooms, but are also influenced by digital markets, investors and global trends. Peace efforts are sacred and necessary in their place, but the world must also think about whether we have started to measure everything in terms of profit. If so, then it is not just politics but also a reflection of our collective priorities.

The hourly changing statements of the heads of warring countries are damaging the world economy, a paradise for speculators, blood pressure for the people struggling with inflation, and the income of hospitals from sugar, just as during the global pandemic of COVID, billions of dollars were earned from the sale of first COVID, then its medicine, all these revenues are nothing less than immoral and criminal acts.

Pakistanis are proud that today Pakistan’s wise leadership has honestly brought the warring countries to a table with its peaceful and impartial action to save the world from destruction, which the world is calling commendable and India’s stoves have gone out. It fears that Pakistan can use its foreign policy and proximity to opinion leaders to achieve the freedom of Kashmir tomorrow.

The world is currently going through a very delicate and uncertain period, where the crisis is not only a reflection of the situation but also of the weakness of the global system and the failure of leadership. From the Middle East to Europe, Asia and Africa, every region is suffering from tension, conflict and instability in some form or another.

The most important question is whether the global leadership really wants peace or is only pursuing its own evil interests. Who is engaged in a power game? The politics of the great powers has now become an open war of interests.

Pakistan is facing a massacre in Kashmir, for which international organizations are content with only statements. Principles like human rights, international law and justice have become limited to speeches and statements. In the practical field, powerful countries do not hesitate to make a mockery of their strategic international laws and abandon every principle for their interests.

This is why conflicts in the world are intensifying instead of decreasing. A recent example is the recent Gaza crisis, where thousands of innocent civilians, especially women and children, suffered a severe humanitarian tragedy. The ineffective and often silent policy of the international community has once again raised the question of whether human lives have any value for them or not?

Similarly, the Russia-Ukraine war has dealt a severe blow to the peace and stability of Europe. This war is not only changing the geopolitics of the region but is also having profound effects on global energy, food and economy. Millions of people have been displaced, while world powers are directly or indirectly involved in this conflict.

This war is proof that power politics has once again brought the world closer to a Cold War-like environment. It is necessary for the world to boycott Israel and India, which have negative thinking, for an environment of peace.

Pakistan’s great friend, Mashallah, Saudi Arabia, has become the center of efforts for stability and development in this tense global environment. The steps taken by this region for economic reforms, diplomatic balance and regional stability are noteworthy.