Lula denounces 'madness' of Iran war at Hannover Messe

At the opening of the Hannover Messe, Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva delivered a powerful speech, denouncing the "madness" of the wars in Iran and criticizing the global arms race. He highlighted the stark paradox of technological advancement alongside widespread suffering, noting that while humanity reaches for the moon, innocent lives are lost in the Middle East.

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madness

Lula did not shy away from singling out world leaders, including Donald Trump, Vladimir Putin, Xi Jinping, Emmanuel Macron, and Keir Starmer, questioning the relevance and effectiveness of the UN Security Council. He argued that the council, established to prevent global conflicts like World War II, has failed in its mission, with the world now experiencing more conflicts than at any point since 1945.

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We are experiencing a critical moment in global geopolitics, marked by great paradoxes: while astronauts fly to the moon, women and children are indiscriminately killed in bombings in the Middle East.

From Brazil's perspective, as reported by Die Zeit, Lula's strong stance reflects a growing assertiveness from developing nations on the global stage. While Western media might focus on the diplomatic implications or the specific conflicts mentioned, here in Brazil, Lula's words resonate with a desire for a more equitable and peaceful world order. His call to redirect funds from warfare to sustainable development and global well-being is a message that aligns with the aspirations of many in the Global South, who often bear the brunt of international instability and resource misallocation.

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The council was created to ensure peace and prevent a repeat of World War II. Instead, the world is experiencing as many conflicts as never before since 1945, and the powerful are watching idly.

This speech is particularly significant as it comes from a leader of a major emerging economy, using a prominent international platform like the Hannover Messe to voice these concerns. It challenges the established powers and calls for a fundamental reevaluation of global priorities. The emphasis on using modern technology for a "more sustainable and secure world" rather than for conflict underscores a vision for the future that prioritizes human development over military might, a perspective that is gaining traction globally but is often overshadowed by the immediate concerns of major powers.

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What is the Security Council for at all?