Pain to Win
Pain to Win: The Tehran–Amol highway, also called the Haraz Road, connects Tehran to a ski resort in the Damavand mountains. The drive takes about two hours. In the early years after the Islamic Revolution, wealthy people still visited this place. They came for picnics and winter holidays. Many of them seemed untouched by the political changes in the country.
Memories of Iran
Music often filled the road. People listened to Michael Jackson and Madonna. Many travelers also enjoyed the Iranian song “Mordab” by the famous singer and actress Googoosh.
I visited the area in 1982. I saw large heart shapes drawn in the snow on the hills. Women skiers had made them. Many of them did not wear hijabs. My government guide looked uncomfortable. He did not like that I took photographs of the scene. Later, someone took my camera from a security van.
Natural Defenses
Iran has strong natural defenses. The country is about three times larger than Iraq. Mountains cover much of the land. These mountains create serious problems for foreign armies. Iran faced invasions in the past. However, many experts believe that modern armies would struggle there.
Some critics say that Donald Trump lacks the strategic skill of leaders like Genghis Khan. Khan defeated powerful empires in history. Iran today also has stronger forces than before.
Strong Resistance
After the revolution, Iran fought Iraq for eight years. Saddam Hussein used chemical weapons with support from the United States. At that time, Iran had no strong standing army. The Revolutionary Guard was also not as powerful as it is today. Even then, Iran continued to fight and survive.
Iran’s geography also gives it an advantage. Iraq mostly has flat land. Iran has rugged mountains like Afghanistan. These mountains make a ground invasion very difficult.
Iran’s foreign minister responded confidently to threats of invasion. He said that Iran waits for anyone who tries to attack the country with ground forces.
Nuclear Threat
However, experts warn about another danger. Theodore Postol, a professor at MIT, studies missile technology and national security. He strongly criticizes Israel’s leader Benjamin Netanyahu. Postol fears that Netanyahu might use nuclear weapons if he feels trapped.
Iran has launched precise missile attacks on cities like Tel Aviv and Haifa. If the conflict grows worse, Israel might consider extreme actions. Postol believes that Iran could still respond even after a nuclear strike. According to him, Iran has the resources to build several nuclear bombs and retaliate.
Such a situation would threaten the entire world. It would create a global disaster.
Global Power Shift
Some former officials from the U.S. military and the CIA believe that Iran only needs to survive the attacks. If Iran endures the pressure from Israel and the United States, it may claim victory. This outcome could change global power structures.
Groups like BRICS could gain much greater influence. India’s position in this situation remains uncertain. Prime Minister Narendra Modi plans to host a BRICS summit soon. At the same time, he also focuses on the Quad alliance with the United States and other partners.
India’s Foreign Policy
Past Indian leaders handled global politics differently. Indira Gandhi maintained strong relations with both the United States and the Soviet Union. Manmohan Singh also balanced ties with China while working with other powers.
Critics say that Modi has taken a different approach. He openly embraced Netanyahu during a visit to Israel. This visit happened shortly before the assassination of Iran’s leader Ayatollah Khamenei. Some observers believe this move may weaken India’s traditional independent foreign policy.
India’s domestic politics continues during the global conflict. The government focuses on important elections in states like Bihar and West Bengal. Political competition inside the country remains intense.
Opposition Criticism
Opposition leaders have questioned the government’s changing approach toward Iran. Sonia Gandhi wrote a strong article criticizing the government’s silence about Khamenei’s assassination.
Some critics also question economic interests behind diplomatic decisions. Business concerns related to the port of Haifa have raised suspicion among observers.
People’s Wisdom
The conflict between Israel and Iran has also raised doubts about military technology. Israel’s air defense systems once had a strong reputation. Recent missile attacks have challenged that reputation. Countries that buy weapons from Israel may now feel concerned.
In the end, the writer suggests a simple idea. Ordinary people sometimes show more wisdom than political leaders. Skiers in Pakistan’s Malam Jabba and India’s Gulmarg could probably exchange calmer and wiser messages. Their voices might carry more sense than the strategies of powerful governments.
Published in Dawn, 10th March 2026
