Is war an instrument for restoration of peace or is it a necessity to keep the wheels of the economy moving and rolling? Human history is replete with wars and battles that took place with two-fold objectives.

Firstly, the domination through annexation of lands, leading up to subjugation of people, and secondly, to acquire Economic assets. These crude objectives have always been masked and obscured by a deliberate attempt to legalise the illegality of war through the smoke-screen of either achieving or protecting, freedom, emancipation, democracy and more recently from destroying the imaginary and illusionary weapons of mass destruction. (None were found).

Wars have pervaded all through human history. The shortest war took place between the United Kingdom and the Sultanate of Zanzibar. This lasted between 38-45 minutes only in 1896.

The longest war is the Reconquista (Spanish for reconquest). The duration of this war was 781 years, from 1337 to 1453. Human history is based on the theme of war and peace. While war is accepted as destructive, there are many proponents who look at war as a binding force.

The extent of human greed and arrogance has no limits or boundaries. The rulers (invaders) whom came through Khyber Pass or through the terrain of Sindh to get to Delhi were in search of wealth.

The notion of achieving something noble, as the purpose associated with the invaders/plunderers that was ingrained during school years, today stands decimated, through wisdom and better understanding of human nature and behaviour. The sole purpose was to acquire and amass wealth.

Sir Thomas Moore, the representative/ emissary of James I of England who came to the court of Emperor Jahangir, wasn’t a diplomat, He was a trader. It is always through trade relationships that one community has sought to dominate the other.

The British did precisely that in........

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