Latest news with #Aeschylus
Business Recorder
24-05-2025
- Politics
- Business Recorder
Who won the war?
'In war, truth is the first casualty.' This quote is commonly attributed to the great Greek philosopher Aeschylus, but US Senator Hiram Johnson is purported to have uttered these words sometime in 1918. However, Aeschylus' name has been hammered so much while using this quote that the truth has taken a back seat. The same applies to history, especially the war history, where 'we' always win and 'you' lose. The brief four-day Pakistan-India conflict of May 2025 is yet another example, where the truth appears to have vanished in the poisonous fog of claims and counterclaims, allegations and counter-allegations. Interestingly, the two archenemies have huge claims not just about the war, but ceasefire too. The masses on both sides of the great divide stand confused about how to separate facts from fiction. Let's try to make sense of this short clash, having repercussions not only on the region but beyond it. Who won this 'war'? A simple answer: China Although China did not directly take part in it, the Chinese technology did prove its mettle. In fact, it was the first time that advanced Chinese weapons were tested in a real conflict against cutting-edge western technology. And indeed, the Chinese impressed friends and foes alike. Now along with the economic rise of China, the US-led Western bloc will also have to worry about its technological advancement. As far as Pakistan and India are concerned, they both are claiming victory. But the fact is that, India failed to cower down Pakistan. India's hardline Hindu extremist government, suffering from an acute megalomania, thought Pakistan would prove a pushover. But the game turned the other way. Even the international media acknowledged Pakistan's air superiority – thanks to the Chinese technology – and its kills. While the Indian side is mum about its losses, the Pakistanis boast downing three French-made Rafael and three other combat aircraft. There are no two opinions about the losses suffered by the Indian side. Independent sources also confirm that at least two Rafale fighter planes have been shot down, but this does not mean that there are no others. Both Pakistan and India claim that the rival approached the United States for a ceasefire. The US leadership, which in the wake of simmering tensions in South Asia, had maintained that it had nothing to do with conflict, suddenly jumped to act as a peacemaker. President Donald Trump took the lead and took the credit of brokering a ceasefire, though he did not provide any details. For many, an incomplete truth is more dangerous than a lie. CNN's Nick Robertson reported that India requested a ceasefire from the US President after the intensity of Pakistani counterattack. But the Indians now deny this. Chinese technology proves its mettle: a cyberwar Can fighter planes' navigation systems be hacked? Can missiles or UAVs be blinded and re-guided? Has China's mysterious technology left the West behind? Is it a non-kinetic warfare era, or we may call it Cyberwar? After the latest Pakistan-India clash, many big questions hover before the world, especially the western powers. On the Pakistan side, J-10C and PL-15 missiles and on other side Rafale fighters and Brahmos missiles with S-400 system. In the wee hours of May 7, the world witnessed the biggest battle in the skies after World War-II, that would long be reviewed and scrutinised by defence experts the world over. This was the first time in history that the Chinese weapons were used in a war. The state-of-the-art Chinese technology and the skills of the Pakistan Air Force stunned the world. China is all set to emerge as a major player in the global arms market, challenging the monopoly of the US and European weapon manufacturers. Beside terms like 'soft kill' and 'hard kill,' many relatively new phrases including 'electronic warfare', 'spectrum warfare operations', 'cyber and space domains', 'stand of weapons', 'microwave weapon', 'spoofing & jamming', the 'multimodel warfare' – all became the buzz words on the traditional and new media. We also learnt that this technological warfare was just a glimpse of the actual super-tech cyber warfare era. Journalist versus jokers The Indian media, which usually remains successful in creating a global narrative against Pakistan, badly flopped in this round. The kind of madness and hysterics witnessed on the Indian news channels find no place in serious journalism. Its anchorpersons and analysts appeared more like inexperienced jokers who even can't perform their acts of folly in style and convincingly. The theatrically and propagandist style of the Indian media failed to convince the world or build even a logical narrative. Performers including Arnab Goswami, Amish Devgan, Rubika Liaquat, Anjana Om Kashyap, Smita Prakash, Sudhir Chaudhry and Barkha Dutt put up a bad show as they plunged into shallow emotionalism and blurted out fake news. Despite their limitation and absence of English-language news channels, it is for the first time that Pakistan's mainstream and social media made an impact on the global forums. The same kind of difference was witnessed in the military briefings of both the countries. The Pakistani appeared confident, logical and mature compared to their Indian counterparts. Actions speak louder than words Many hidden facts about this conflict would emerge with the passage of time, but whatever is available bust the Indian narrative and claims. Firstly, India's global position has suffered a serious blow. India, which is the World's fifth-largest economy and vying for a permanent seat at the UN Security Council, failed to emerge as a decisive force in its own backyard. Its ambitions to be seen as a counterweight to China on the back of the support of the US-led Western bloc also lies shattered. Going forward, India's western sponsors would be wary of putting all their eggs in the Indian basket. India, doused in anti-Muslim, anti-Pakistan hate and carrying the banner of the extremist Hindutva ideology, has proved that it is no match to China. Setbacks for India India always took a stance that Kashmir remains an internal affair and refused any mediation on this issue. But its misadventure has internationalized the Kashmir issue once again. To the much chagrin of India, it is now clear that ceasefire has been brokered under the US pressure, and President Trump has offered his good offices to settle the Kashmir issue. Now Washington is also pushing for negotiations between the two countries at a neutral venue. Obviously, Pakistan will make the best use of this opportunity to internationalize the Kashmir issue, while India would resist and focus only on the alleged cross-border terrorism which Islamabad firmly denies. Secondly, India's status as a regional power vis-à-vis China has severely been damaged. As India's military capability against Pakistan stands exposed, China has proved its superiority from the shadows. The third important point is that India has increasingly become isolated even in its neighbourhood. It is at odds not just with Pakistan and China, but beside Afghanistan and Iran, Bangladesh has also taken an independent line. Its relations with Nepal, Sri Lanka and Maldives are also challenging. While, clear stance of Türkiye and Azerbaijan during the war is an indication that China's allies in the world are increasing. Fourthly, Pakistan's image in the region and in the global context has improved significantly, while India's reputation has taken a major jolt. The Modi government also faces a growing tide of opposition within the country as secular Indians, including key religious minorities, are out to challenge Hindutva politics. The upcoming Bihar elections will prove an acid test for this phenomenon. On a concluding note, the remarks of Indian Gen. P.R. Shankar (retd) that the Pakistanis used the Chinese weapons better than the Chinese should bring a smile on the faces of many Pakistanis. The Indian general said: 'I always said (that) between the Chinese and Pakistan, I (would) prefer to fight the Chinese because Pakistanis are good at fighting, even you can see it now.' There can be no greater success than winning a praise from the enemy. But aren't the Indians misjudging the Chinese as they misjudged the Pakistanis? A point to ponder. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Time of India
19-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Classical Greek era to Hollywood affairs: History and evolution of the magical red carpet
(Image Credits: Pinterest) Award shows or events have become the epitome of celebration, glamour, and recognition across the globe, with personalities in dazzling gowns and sharp tuxedos. These events have become more than just honouring the talented; they are all about showcasing the latest style trends and turning fashion into an art form. However, amidst the paparazzi shots, one thing that remains the same is the inclusion of a vibrant red carpet. To understand how red carpets became so popular in the fashion and entertainment world, it's necessary for us to go back 2,480 years and enter the ancient Greek world. (Image Credits: Pinterest) The first mention of the red carpet The most popular version of the origin of the red carpet is linked to Greek playwright Aeschylus, who mentioned a red carpet showcase in 'Agamemnon', released in 458 BC. It is said that in 'Agamemnon', Clytemnestra, the wife of the main protagonist, speaks all about the floor turning red with crimson broideries for the King's path. However, some fashion historians come with a point of contention, calling the shade to be rather purple. The text translated in simple English from a verse of Agamemnon states, 'Cover the ground for the king to walk soon with the red carpet. Let all the ground be red where his feet pass, and justice, previously absent, bring him home to the hearth he bought; he would never return to.' by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Gentle Japanese hair growth method for men and women's scalp Hair's Rich Learn More Undo Was the shade always red? Many historians still believe that the shade was purple, rather than red, as it was a rare colour because of its expensive pigment and was known as 'tyrant purple'. Described as the royal colour after the fall of the Byzantine Empire in 1453, it simply changed to a deep purplish red called 'blata' by the Greeks. It means 'the colour of coagulated blood'. During the first Elizabethan era in England, the colour purple was soon reserved only for royalty. However, till the 1760s, royals started to use deeper shades of purple, which transformed into maroon using red dyes, and till the 19th century, the vibrant shade of red became a symbol of status. 10 Indian saris every woman should have in her wardrobe The red carpet treatment The red carpet treatment soon landed in modern society, with popular European aristocrats using it to elicit their status in society via hosting extravagant balls and fashion events. It soon became a widespread practice and was adopted in various social circles, used for events such as weddings, receptions, art shows, and balls. A full-blown red carpet event included carriages arriving with elite class members in chic gowns, with the printed press covering the happenings in newspapers. The red carpet, therefore, became a symbol of status for the elite, something the commoners had no access to. (Image Credits: Pinterest) Then Hollywood happened Theatre magnate Sid Grauman, founder of the Chinese and Egyptian theatres in Los Angeles, was the first person to use a red carpet for a Hollywood premiere in 1922. To promote his $1 million film 'Robin Hood', he went all out and hosted a red carpet event with stars ascending and media capturing their appearances. Red carpet and the fashion industry During the 1994 Golden Globes red carpet, actress Joan Rivers was asked a simple question, 'Who are you wearing?', and since then, a red carpet moment has become an essential part of every fashion event. The late '90s and early 2000s saw the peak of red-carpet fashion, where women loved to talk about their designers, silhouettes, and inspirations. This worked like lightning in bottles for the labels as well, with media covering every little detail. (Image Credits: Pinterest) Soon, fashion brands became more invested in the red carpet business and saw the moment as a good advertising opportunity. In 2019, the Cannes Film Festival red carpets generated around $101 million in media impact value for multiple designer labels and brands, making the fashion industry happier than ever. However, the introduction of social media and paparazzi culture is to blame for the decline of chic red carpet affairs, but major award nights in India and globally still use a bright red carpet, taking us back to the retro Hollywood days. One step to a healthier you—join Times Health+ Yoga and feel the change
The Citizen
16-05-2025
- Politics
- The Citizen
Truth remains the first casualty in India-Pakistan conflict
Propaganda from both sides obscures facts in the India-Pakistan air battle, raising global concern over Chinese weapons' effectiveness. Indian soldiers sit inside a vehicle in Wuyan near Indian-administered Kashmir's main city of Srinagar after a loud explosion was heard on May 7, 2025. The death toll from Indian strikes on Pakistan has increased to eight, the country's military spokesman said on May 7, as India fired missiles at Pakistani territory and Islamabad vowed to 'settle the score'. (Photo by TAUSEEF MUSTAFA / AFP) In war, truth is the first casualty. That's a saying attributed to Aeschylus, the father of Greek tragedy. And nowhere is that more true than in the current conflict between India and Pakistan in the disputed Kashmir region, which is split between both countries. When it comes to fiercely nationalistic propaganda, which puts facts in a distant second place to opinion, the military and the media in India and Pakistan are as bad as each other. That is why it is so difficult to make head or tail of the events of last week and, specifically, the major air battle which took place in Kashmir and which is claimed to have been the biggest of its kind since World War II. Each side claimed victory and to have shot down fighter aircraft belonging to the enemy, while the Indians also crowed about heavy damage to Pakistani military installations. Why the battle is being looked at so closely – especially by the military and experts in the West – is that it is being seen as a weapons proving ground. ALSO READ: India and Pakistan agree to ceasefire after days of attacks The most pertinent question being asked is: how effective were the Chinese-supplied weapons systems in the hands of the Pakistanis? Islamabad claimed it had shot down a number of French-made Dassault Rafale multirole fighters from the Indian Air Force – a claimed denied by Delhi. However, photographs taken of the wreckage of at least one aircraft which went down in Indian territory indicate it could be from a Rafale. Why this is important is because, on the Pakistani side, much of the upgrades of its air defence system have been with Chinese-supplied aircraft, missiles and electronic warfare components. The Pakistanis claimed their electronic jamming and radar capability was the reason for their successes – a claim also rejected by India. ALSO READ: Dozens killed as India and Pakistan clash in worst violence in decades What experts did point out was the beyond visual range engagements between the two sides' aircraft required long-range, air-to-air missiles and that the Chinese weapons had the edge, in terms of range, over the Nato-standard ones used on the Rafale. While the truth of the engagement is still elusive, the military planners of the West must at least be a bit worried about how well the Chinese ground and air systems integrated in Pakistan. At the very least, what happened over Kashmir means that Chinese technology can no longer be written off as a threat because of its alleged copycat and poorly made nature. The battle also showed that front-line Russian aircraft, like the MiG-29 and Sukhoi SU-30 – used by the Indians – could also find themselves well matched by Chinese fighters like the J-10, with its PL-15 long-range missiles. It also showed that there is now another major player in the international arms bazaar – Beijing. This will further alter the weapons balance long dominated by the West. ALSO READ: Pakistan tests missile weapons system amid India standoff Players like Türkiye, with its world-leading armed drones and Iran, which is supplying missiles to the Houthis in Yemen, are further adding to the mix. Ironically, South Africa could have also been a significant player in this world had not our arms manufacturing and export industry been steadily eroded by the corruption of ANC cadre deployment. Had this not happened, we might today be the equal of Türkiye at least and with the range of products to rival the Chinese industry. Of course, while the morality of having a major defence sector is open to debate, what is not is the fact that it cements a country's manufacturing base and creates thousands of jobs.
Epoch Times
04-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Epoch Times
Revenge and Resolution in Aeschylus's ‘Oresteia'
'He who learns must suffer' is one of many famous lines from Aeschylus's 'Oresteia,' the only surviving trilogy of Ancient Greek tragedies. A tale of murder, revenge, and resolution, the trilogy raises lasting questions about justice and its importance. Aeschylus: Warrior and Tragedian Born in Eleusis, near Athens, Aeschylus (circa 525–455 B.C.) belonged to the Greek property-owning aristocracy. He grew up working in a vineyard. Legend has it that Aeschylus once saw the god Dionysus in a dream. Dionysus ordered him to quit his job and become a playwright. As soon as he woke up, Aeschylus began writing tragic plays. He eventually became one of the most acclaimed tragedians of the ancient world. Sadly, only seven of his 80 or so tragedies survive. The 'Persians' narrates the demise of Xerxes, the Persian king who sought to colonize the entire Greek peninsula. 'Prometheus Bound' focuses on the fate of Prometheus, the Titan who stole fire from the gods and gifted humans language, math, and artistry. The 'Suppliants' follows a group of maidens who find refuge in the Greek city-state of Argos after fleeing Egypt to avoid forced marriages. And the 'Seven Against Thebes' tells of two brothers' bloody struggle for power. A scene from the play 'The Seven Against Thebes' by Aeschylus: Capaneus scales the city walls to overthrow King Creon, who looks down from the battlements. Campanian red-figure on a neck-amphora, circa 340 B.C.; J. Paul Getty Museum. Xenophon/CC BY-SA 3.0 As good as he was at writing plays, Aeschylus was also a formidable soldier. In 490 B.C., he fought at the land battle of Marathon against King Darius I of Persia, father of Xerxes. Ten years later, he fought again at the naval battle of Salamis against Xerxes himself, whose devastating defeat precipitated the Persians' final retreat from Greece. Aeschylus' military feats won him fame and respect. The epitaph on his tomb suggests he wanted to be known mainly for his courage: 'This tomb in grain-bearing Gela covers an Athenian, Aeschylus son of Euphorion, who died here. The famous grove of Marathon could tell of his courage and the longhaired Persian knew it well.' "Battle of Salamis," 1868, by Wilhelm von Kaulbach. Oil on canvas, Munich. Public Domain Tragedy in Athens Ancient Greek tragedians presented their plays at the Greater Dionysia in Athens. The annual festival honored Dionysus, god of wine, music, theater, and fertility. Around our March, three playwrights competed to entertain tens of thousands of people in a stone theater beneath the Acropolis. The audience was predominantly male and included foreigners from neighboring cities. Women, slaves, and foreign-born Athenian residents occasionally attended, though in much smaller numbers. Related Stories 4/30/2025 4/18/2025 Every year, the plays changed. The festival, however, stayed the same. It began with a procession outside the city. Heralds carried a statue of Dionysus all the way into the theater. Choruses sang passionate songs and wore sexual props in honor of the eccentric god. The next day, war orphans paraded through Athens in honor of their fathers, who gave their lives in battle. They were given front-row seats, a privilege that concluded their passage into adulthood. This final procession was followed by theatrical performances. On each of three days, a different playwright presented four plays: three tragedies and one comic 'satyr play,' meant to diffuse the intense emotions produced by the tragedies. The three playwrights were selected by Athens' chief magistrate, who vetted their plays months in advance. The stakes were high: the plays were judged according to content, staging, and the audience's reactions. On the fourth and final day, the winner was announced. The 'Oresteia' Aeschylus's ' ' won first prize. The trilogy chronicles the tragic fall and redemption of the legendary House of Atreus. In the first of three plays, king Agamemnon returns victorious from Troy, only to be murdered by his wife, Clytemnestra, for sacrificing their daughter to the gods. Their son, Orestes, returns home in the second play. Urged by the sun-god Apollo, Orestes avenges his father by killing Clytemnestra. The matricide drives him mad. Bloodthirsty 'Furies' enter the scene. Daughters of Night, these ancient spirits of vengeance represent an old generation of gods who have gradually been replaced by Apollo, Athena, and other new deities like them. The Furies chase Orestes and drive him out of his native Argos, where both murders took place. "Orestes Pursued by the Furies," 1862, by William-Adolphe Bouguereau. Oil on canvas; 83 1/3 inches by 109 2/5 inches. Chrysler Museum of Art, Norfolk, Va. Public Domain In the third play, the Furies continue their chase. They want to avenge Clytemnestra and kill Orestes. The setting is now Athens, which is protected by Athena, goddess of wisdom and justice. Athena establishes a court of law to end the cycle of blood revenge once and for all. She selects jurors from the best Athenians, and Orestes is tried. Apollo and the Furies are the two litigants. After a tense trial, Orestes is acquitted and his life is spared. His acquittal symbolizes the birth of a new era where legal justice supersedes bloody revenge. Sacrifice, Revenge, and Prosperity A few years before the 'Oresteia' was performed in 458 B.C., the Athenian democratic reformer Ephialtes convinced Athens's general assembly to limit the aristocracy's political power to religious rituals. The aristocracy had been establishing self-serving laws through a conservative, anti-democratic council. Ephialtes was assassinated shortly after the reforms went into effect. Tensions intensified between those who didn't want the masses to have power and those who thought direct democracy was necessary. Aeschylus was an Athenian warrior and playwright. His provocative works were performed at the Dionysia, a theater-themed festival in Athens. FlickreviewR 2/CC BY-SA 2.0 The trial at the end of the third play alludes to this political instability. The Furies symbolize the revenge-ridden justice of aristocratic bloodlines that often took legal matters into their own hands. An 'eye for an eye' mentality prevailed in the people Ephialtes tried to undermine. In 'Oresteia,' once the trial ends, Athena invites the Furies to join in the creation of a better city. She tries to persuade them to end their wrath, but they refuse time and again. They think Orestes should be punished for killing his mother, and they see Athena's acquittal as a direct attack against their authority. Athena keeps promising them survival, safety, and copious gifts from Athenian citizens, and the Furies eventually yield. They turn from bloodthirsty spirits into 'Gracious Ones' who bless Athens with happiness, peace, and fertility for all. Athena ultimately decrees that all disputes must be settled in court rather than between individuals. The trilogy ends with a procession similar to the parade dedicated to Dionysus at the beginning of the festival. Athena and the Furies sing in unison: 'Now raise a cry of triumph to crown our song!' A True Resolution? Most Athenians probably would have found the play's conclusion satisfactory. The play's trial took place in Athens, a symbol of justice and democracy across the Greek peninsula. Athenians were especially proud of their city's world-shaping customs. The Great Dionysia was a great place to show foreigners why those customs mattered–why courtrooms are better than swords to settle disputes. The Athenian Theater of Dionysus was the central locale for the Dionysia, a yearly celebration that attracted thousands of visitors. Modern readers might feel differently. Orestes killed his mother. He was avenging his father, whom she killed without facing the consequences. But is that enough to justify matricide? Is Orestes's acquittal really justice? Even if his fate was decided by a court of law, why does he go unpunished for such a heinous crime? What matters most when judging a past wrongdoing? Whether or not the play's conclusion is convincing, it does show reconciliation, despite all the blood spilled. The Furies forgive Orestes, and Athena forgives their rage. The violent cycle ends, and everyone seems better for it. Aeschylus Today In 2007, playwright Yael Farber set an adaptation of the 'Oresteia' during the hearings of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission in 1996, where victims and perpetrators of human rights violations shared testimonies about their experiences during South Africa's apartheid. Farber is one of many contemporary artists who recognize that the 'Oresteia' deals with universal themes: family, trust, love, hatred, revenge, and redemption. Most importantly, it asks readers and spectators to think carefully about justice, and whether retaliation ever has a place in it. What arts and culture topics would you like us to cover? Please email ideas or feedback to
