We in the West have so broadened theaters of lethality that none of us can make credible our appeals for humane values or mercy in war as a simple accounting of the percentage of civilian deaths of the total in wars over the past two centuries clearly attests. Beginning with the end of the 19th century, civilians and civilian infrastructure has increasingly been targeted for destruction. The trend became obscene with the mass fire and nuclear bombings of WWII and continued undiminished to the present. In fine Western fashion we comfort ourselves on our pristine motives and values while venting rage against the mindless brutality of the savages we seek to expunge. We profess our intention to spare the innocent while increasing the lethality and deployment of armaments all the while setting aside the instruments of diplomacy and the search for the difficult compromises to curtail conflict.
19th century: Civilian fatalities were 5%.
World War I: Civilian fatalities were 15%.
World War II: Civilian fatalities were 65%.
1990s—2000s: Civilian fatalities were more than 90%.
The current Israeli-Hamas war and, perhaps, the ongoing Israeli-Hamas-Hezbollah war is simply a continuation of the fate we have imposed on humanity since the dawn of the 20th century.
Thank you for coming to this article, really appreciate it. You have provided an excellent review, based on the history of what happened. In fact, you convey a perception that is based on data. Understanding human values based on facts will provide more certain knowledge to the public. I like your thinking.
It's not the data that moves me. It's the broken and shattered cities, the fragmented gristle bone and flesh. I was a soldier and then an academic hoping to leave war behind me only to discover it is always there close behind always in view.
Thank you for reading and giving a review on this article. The current reality is true, but there are some people who think otherwise. Have a beautiful day
Thank you for reading and commenting. This is the reality that the world is not good, I agree with your thoughts, almost everyone is shouting about the desire for peace. Have a beautiful day
Very important to focus on the fact that the idea of "that could never happen here" could. Bravo!!!
Thank you for reading and your appreciation on this writing. I appreciate your thoughts. Have a beautiful day.
thank you. jybyky, this is brilliant, timely and we need to do our part.
Thank you for understanding this writing and the praise. I really appreciate it. We can only do what we can. Have a wonderful day.
That pierced my heart 💔
Thank you for reading and commenting. Have a nice day
This is SO good, thank you for this hard hitting piece!
Thank you for your review and appreciation of this post. I am glad you understood and enjoyed it. Have a nice day.
This is incredible writing, Jybyky!! So emotive & carrying such an important message.🙌❤️🩹✨
Thank you for your comment, and understanding this writing well. I really appreciate it. Have a nice day.
We in the West have so broadened theaters of lethality that none of us can make credible our appeals for humane values or mercy in war as a simple accounting of the percentage of civilian deaths of the total in wars over the past two centuries clearly attests. Beginning with the end of the 19th century, civilians and civilian infrastructure has increasingly been targeted for destruction. The trend became obscene with the mass fire and nuclear bombings of WWII and continued undiminished to the present. In fine Western fashion we comfort ourselves on our pristine motives and values while venting rage against the mindless brutality of the savages we seek to expunge. We profess our intention to spare the innocent while increasing the lethality and deployment of armaments all the while setting aside the instruments of diplomacy and the search for the difficult compromises to curtail conflict.
19th century: Civilian fatalities were 5%.
World War I: Civilian fatalities were 15%.
World War II: Civilian fatalities were 65%.
1990s—2000s: Civilian fatalities were more than 90%.
The current Israeli-Hamas war and, perhaps, the ongoing Israeli-Hamas-Hezbollah war is simply a continuation of the fate we have imposed on humanity since the dawn of the 20th century.
Thank you for coming to this article, really appreciate it. You have provided an excellent review, based on the history of what happened. In fact, you convey a perception that is based on data. Understanding human values based on facts will provide more certain knowledge to the public. I like your thinking.
It's not the data that moves me. It's the broken and shattered cities, the fragmented gristle bone and flesh. I was a soldier and then an academic hoping to leave war behind me only to discover it is always there close behind always in view.
Thank you for your participation who have experience on this, especially the sense of humanity. I am glad to hear it.
💔
Thank you for reading and leaving love on this writing. Have a beautiful day.
Beautiful and heartbreaking. And true.
Thank you for reading and giving a review on this article. The current reality is true, but there are some people who think otherwise. Have a beautiful day
This speaks to my soul. The world is crying out for peace. I hear the pain resonating around the world. Peace in our lifetime. 🙏
Thank you for reading and commenting. This is the reality that the world is not good, I agree with your thoughts, almost everyone is shouting about the desire for peace. Have a beautiful day