GBUF - 19 May 2025

 #sriGINthoughts #GoodBadUglyFunnyTrusk #GBUF #19May25

The past fortnight was ablaze—literally and diplomatically—across the Indo-Pak border. India claimed (with visual proof) that it had struck multiple "terrorist" camps inside Pakistan under Operation Sindoor. Did India lose a few fighter jets, including possibly a Rafale? Whose drones were flying all over Pakistani skies—Turkish Bayraktars, perhaps? Details remain fuzzy. But in a refreshing display of strategic restraint (much to the chagrin of blood lusting primetime media), the Indian Armed Forces stayed mostly mum. The IAF chief’s smirk, when asked if they hit Kirana Hills—allegedly a Pakistani nuclear storage site—spoke louder than words. Meanwhile, Pakistan's counter-operation reportedly had the hilariously unfortunate acronym: BUM (Bunyan-Un-Marsoos).

Despite Senator J.D. Vance quipping, “It’s their war, let them figure it out!”, something triggered a Mach 1-level escalation, forcing both nations’ hands. Enter DJT, shooting (pun intended) for the Nobel Peace Prize, and claiming credit for brokering a ceasefire. #TensePeace

Trump wasn’t exactly idle elsewhere. Last week saw him gallivanting across the Middle East...

• inking multibillion-dollar deals with MBS, 
• accepting a Qatari jet (cough bribe), 
• calling the Qatari Emir’s palace a “nice house,” 
• controversially appointing Ismail Royer (a convicted, though released, extremist) as a White House advisor
• praising Pakistan’s “wonderful products” (Pray, what exactly?), 
• warning Tim Cook not to make iPhones in India, 
• going 'wow' on seeing the 'Al-Ayyala' dance (video below) at UAE and 
• sending “warmest and best wishes” to Joe Biden on hearing about his cancer diagnosis. 
• Along the way, he pardoned Syria too. 

Dei! #Madness, as always, seems to be his only method.

While India was busy juggling a prickly western front (hello again, Pakistan) and a pesky eastern one (yes, Bangladesh—please lah!), cricket fans were hit for a six: IPL was paused for a week, and worse, Rohit ‘Hitman’ Sharma and Virat ‘Cheeku’ Kohli announced their retirement from Test cricket. Rohit’s decision was understandable (you can ride that ‘selfless’ horse only that much!) but Kohli still had some firepower left, methinks. Two greats leaving the format quietly. A bit sad, but perhaps inevitable. #ErasEnd

Speaking of inevitable exits, Warren Buffett—the Oracle of Omaha—is finally retiring at year’s end. At 94, it’s not his billions I admire most, but his diet: burgers and Coke. Legend! He’s probably had more people hang onto his words than their spouses’. #HealthyReturns

This fortnight also brought two major legal cases on sexual crimes—one ending, the other just beginning.

In the U.S., Sean “Diddy” Combs is facing a barrage of lawsuits involving assault, trafficking, and coercion. Allegations include drugging women, using firearms for intimidation, and a disturbing culture of abuse spanning decades. Over 100 alleged victims are preparing to sue. If things go south, only a diddy would bet on him walking free.

Closer home, in Pollachi, Tamil Nadu, nine men were sentenced to life imprisonment till death for their role in a horrific sexual assault and extortion ring. Over 200 women—students, professionals, teachers—were reportedly affected, with thousands of videos recovered in 2019. A chilling reminder of systemic impunity.

How do we deter such predators from prowling again?

Speaking of prowling, a Mexican Navy tall ship—Cuauhtémoc—lit up in full glory, sailed into the Hudson a couple of days ago… only to smash into the 142-year-old Brooklyn Bridge. Turns out, tall masts and old bridges don’t mix. The incident caused significant damage to the ship and tragically cost two lives. In a poetic twist, the mishap seems to echo Trump’s rhetoric: You want to come in from the Mexican border? Here's your bridge... blocked! #DoNotPassGo

Sigh. Madness, metaphor, and mayhem. 

Till next time.

Views are personal. Any hurt unintentional.