World War I was supposed to be the "war to end all wars," but it led to World War II. The world does not wish to witness a third global conflagration. Humanity has learned a lesson. But have we learned our lesson?

Seven million tons of bombs were dropped on Vietnam, more than the total used in World War II. Thousands lost their lives during the Cold War. Death became a mere number in the Middle East. The thought of 9/11 still makes us shudder. Tens of thousands of people died in the U.S. invasion of Afghanistan and Iraq. Meanwhile, India has been witnessing a series of blasts and
hate crimes.

World War I, World War II, the Cold War, the War on Terror, 9/11, 26/11, terror attacks, hate crimes, invasions…these are mere names given to incidents that stood out in a world that has continuously been in a state of war.

Osama bin laden, the man behind the 9/11 attacks, did not wake up one morning and decide to attack the United States. His planning of the attack was a result of years of oppression, suffering, anger and hatred in parts of the world that do not make news every day simply because death is so common an occurrence that it has lost its value. All this culminated in a vile act of inhumanity.

Did it all end when Osama was finally hunted down? Or did he leave many Osamas behind? Does his death call for celebration or regretful introspection?