Mumbai’s veteran lyricist and screenwriter Javed Akhtar has unleashed a scathing critique against the recent US and Israel strikes on Iran, which reportedly led to the death of Supreme Leader Khamenei. The fallout from this audacious attack reverberates far beyond Iran’s borders, stirring reactions in Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Iraq, and even India. While certain groups in India decry the assault and urge Prime Minister Modi to intervene, Akhtar turns his gaze to an unexpected ally: China.
In a bold post on X, Akhtar didn’t mince words. ‘Trump and Israel have crossed the line this time,’ he declared. ‘If they’re allowed to continue this recklessness and treat Iran like Iraq, China will lose all credibility on the world stage.’ He painted a picture of Netanyahu and Trump pushing adversaries to the wall, leaving them no choice but decisive retaliation.
The post has ignited a firestorm of responses. Supporters argue that curbing US and Israeli aggression is vital, warning that India could be next in the crosshairs. Detractors, however, dismiss Akhtar as a ‘crybaby,’ attributing his sympathy for Iran to his background. This isn’t Akhtar’s first foray into geopolitics; he previously branded the Taliban as the ‘most despicable people on earth,’ refusing them any legitimacy despite political expediency.
Akhtar’s outspokenness on everything from domestic politics to international conflicts underscores his role as a public intellectual unafraid to voice convictions. As tensions escalate in the Middle East, his call for China to step in as the ultimate counterbalance raises eyebrows and sparks debate on global power dynamics. Will Beijing heed this plea, or is it mere rhetoric in a powder keg region?