Opinion - Letters to the Editor

The cost of war

Sir, — P.R. Chari's exercise in calculating the direct, indirect and opportunity costs in his article `Costing an Indo-Pak war' (Feb. 9), though thought-provoking and interesting, was futile. He has said that several indirect costs of a war are essentially non-computable. The same is the case with natural calamities such as floods and earthquakes.

The costs involved in the prolonged proxy war and cross-border terrorism are higher than a one-time outright war and debates on such costs can only be sterile.

Unless the mindset of our neighbour changes, war is inevitable. But historical evidence has amply demonstrated how war-torn nations were reconstructed for the better with the improved morale of the citizens ensuring changed lifestyles. This is not, however, to justify war but to suggest the course when hawks thrust war as the only alternative. It is the primary function of international bodies such as the United Nations to ensure peace as a global imperative.

K. Ramamurthi,
Chennai

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