ALBAWABA - As conflicts flare up worldwide, especially in places like Gaza, the Middle East, and beyond, there's talk about the possibility of a third world war. Leaders and experts are worried, but they're also trying to figure out if it's really going to happen.
Former US President Donald Trump recently warned about a potential third world war, especially after an attack on a US military base. Others, like William Burns from the US intelligence agency, also think things in the Middle East are getting really tense.
People in power, like Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin in the US and Defense Secretary Grant Shapps in the UK, are concerned. They're trying to make sure things don't get out of hand. But there's still a risk, especially with Russia and other big countries involved.
NATO is telling its members to spend more on defense to be ready for any trouble. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky even said that if Russia wins, it could lead to a big war. There's also talk about Taiwan being a big risk for sparking a war that could affect everyone.
How Fictional Wars Can Teach Us About Real-Life Consequences
In a straightforward article, Niall Ferguson, a writer for Bloomberg Opinion, talks about the importance of paying attention to stories about wars, even if they're just made up. He says that even though America recently had trouble in Afghanistan, people seem to have forgotten about it pretty quickly.
Ferguson thinks it's important for Americans to remember what happens in wars, even if they're only in books or movies. He says if America doesn't pay attention, it could lead to big problems, like not understanding the seriousness of a war in Ukraine.
He also talks about promises made by President Biden to help Ukraine, but wonders if those promises will actually be kept. Ferguson believes it's important for Americans to think about what they can learn from fictional stories about wars, so they can understand the real-life consequences better.
Zelensky Warns of Third World War
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is worried that if Russia keeps being aggressive and isn't stopped with help from Western friends, the conflict in Ukraine could turn into a third world war.
In an interview with a German TV channel called ARD, Zelensky said that if Russia attacks a NATO country, it could be the start of the Third World War.
Zelensky also said he thinks Germany's leader, Chancellor Olaf Scholz, understands this risk.
Because some US politicians are blocking aid to Ukraine, Zelensky wants Germany to use its economic power to get more support for Ukraine in its fight against Russia.
He mentioned that if the US stops helping, Germany could step up and lead the European Union to support Ukraine because many countries rely on Germany's strong economy.
US President Joe Biden wants to keep giving Ukraine important help with weapons and money, but Republicans in Congress are stopping this from happening.
