In a chilling reminder of the dangers faced by world leaders, a historical overview reveals a shocking pattern of assassination attempts that have shaped global politics. From Sukarno’s narrow escape on May 14, 1962, to the tragic assassination of John F. Kennedy just months later, the list of leaders who have survived deadly attacks is both extensive and alarming.

On August 22, 1962, French President Charles de Gaulle dodged a bullet near Paris, while Ismet Inönü narrowly avoided death in İzmir on May 4, 1926. The volatile political landscape has seen many leaders targeted, with Francisco Franco escaping an assassination attempt on March 16, 1936, and Afghan monarch Muhammad Zahir Shah surviving a deadly attack in Kabul on March 6, 1965.

The list continues with notable figures like Kamal Abdel Nasser, who survived an attack on October 26, 1954, and Pope Paul VI, who faced a deadly threat but emerged unscathed. Each attempt not only highlights the precarious position of those in power but also the lengths to which individuals and groups will go to effect change or instigate chaos.

As we approach 2025, the legacy of these attempts looms large, reminding us of the fragility of leadership in a world rife with conflict. The survival of these leaders underscores a relentless struggle for power and the ongoing threats that accompany it. Each incident serves as a stark warning of the volatility that defines international relations, leaving us to ponder who might be next in this perilous game of politics. The stakes have never been higher, and the world watches with bated breath.