LETTERS – MAY 2025
Time to say ‘Thank you’
Dear Editor,
It was refreshing to read an alternative perspectivein MJ Akbar’s article, (‘Deciphering the American scream’, March issue) following Zelensky’s infamous meeting in Februarywith US President Trump &Vice-President Vance.
While the media’s angle on this very public spat has centred on the apparent bullying and humiliation ofPresident Zelensky,the fact that he’s hailed as a hero by European leaders, underscores the growing disparity in outlook and values between Europe and America. Zelensky may be feted throughout Europe and invited to meet with royalty, but he’s still an ingrate small fryin the eyes of the Trump administration, who needs to learn manners and respect and know his place in the world’s pecking order.
Perhaps the fundamental point which has largely been ignored by politicians and media alike, is that Ukraine is indebted to Americaand that itsvery survival lies in the hands of the US with its military might and deep pockets. Without this very support it is literally game over for this powerless state.
While the acrimonious fallout did make for uncomfortable viewing, it’s notable that the outrageously disrespectful reception of King Abdullah of Jordan to the White House in February, whose royal status ensured that he was unable to defend himself publicly against Trump’s orchestrated ambush and criminal plans for Gaza, passed largely without comment.
Amid all the hypocrisy and outrage, Trump’s re-election has shone a light on not only the growing polarization between Europeand the United States but a deepening froideur. What was ostensibly a meeting to sign a mineral deal in return for continuing US military support,has brought these divisions to the fore. Europe, EU, NATO have all fallen out of favour with Donald Trump and the time for platitudes and hand wringing is over. The time has come for Europe to put its money where its mouth is where Ukraine is concerned. Pay up or shut up.
Sanjay Mistry
Mumbai
Costly miscalculation?
Sir,
March’s editorial (‘Trade and trust: turning the tables’)was an incisive analysis of the deepening trade war engulfing the world. While it’s impossible at this early stage to know how this will unfold, the signs so far for the US look bleak. Without any real explanation, the tariffs imposed have already been suspended for a 90 day period and China is sitting tight in spite of threats by President Trump. The issue has the potential to be Trump’s legacy in much the same way as the US withdrawal from Afghanistan was Biden’s. While most people can agree with the rationale behind the realignment of trade tariffs, the speed and manner in which they have been implemented leaves a very bad taste and an intolerable financial burden for developing countries such as South Africa – punishment, perhaps for instigating the ICJ investigation into Israel’s alleged war crimes.
Whatever, the outcome for Trump, at the very time when trust among nations is under increasing strain, this trade war will only serve to deepen mistrust. If the tariffs backfire and job losses and inflation ensue, the American public will not forgive Trump for failing in his election promise to Make America Great Again.
Terence Proudfoot
Manchester, England
Cutting edge of chips
Sir
Yvonne Gill’s article on the battle for AI and microchip dominance (‘Asia, the new AI battleground?’, March issue) wasa thought-provoking read that highlights the almost‘arms race’ nature of this struggle.
With trade wars, tariffs and ever present security concerns impacting the world, as well as the real possibility of future pandemics, it has never been more important to diversify the microchip supply chain.That India, with its wealth of tech talent, could ‘rise as a semiconductor manufacturing hub and leader in the field of AI application and innovation’ and become a bigger hitter in chip design,is a prospect to be welcomed.
SR Jadhav
Mumbai
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