NEW DELHI, March 6 -- The Arab-Israel war in 1967 lasted only 6 days, but it placed Israel definitely on the map of the Middle East. The Bangladesh liberation war too was short, lasting just 13 days; but it set a nation free. Mahabharata war is supposed to have lasted merely 18 days, but it affirmed that victory belongs to the weaker, if only they stand closer to what is right.

But 'wars of display' drag on endlessly. There is no clear goal, mere empty show. Korean and Vietnam wars dragged on and on, merely frustrating the aggressors and weakening the weak. The experience of the invading Soviet army in Afghanistan and the US-led invasion should have taught mighty nations that the stronger will not necessarily be the winner, especially w...