Geography is permanent, but peace is a choice - Ali Sabry on Middle East crisis

Ali Sabry, a former Justice Minister of Sri Lanka, has voiced his worries over the growing tensions in the Middle East. He is calling for calm and conversation as the region faces increasing instability. In a message on X (formerly Twitter), Sabry shared his prayers and thoughts for the people of the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Bahrain, Lebanon, and Iran, labeling the current situation as “deeply troubling.” He pointed out that everyday people in these countries are caught in a harmful cycle of war, violence, and fear due to situations largely out of their control. Sabry highlighted the heavy toll that conflict takes on innocent lives, noting, “It is always the innocent who bear the heaviest burden when tensions escalate.” While recognizing Iran's right to defend itself as a sovereign nation, he emphasized that any actions should only target those who commit acts of aggression, not the neighboring countries that strive for peace and stability. He remarked on the long history of conflict in the Middle East and urged for restraint, wisdom, and a renewed focus on dialogue instead of further conflict. “After all, nations cannot choose their neighbours. Geography is permanent, but peace is a choice,” he stated. Sabry ended his message with a hope that wise leadership would lead to reduced tensions and that the cycle of violence would be replaced by a fair and peaceful resolution, urging for peace to reign globally.