DEAR News Of The Area,
THE growing instances of inhumane violence and mass killings represented by that most sickening of all nouns, war, have led me to write.
Most recently, the ongoing bombings in Kiev, Gaza, the Middle East, and the more recent brutal attack on the Washington Post journalist in the West Bank by civilians were disgusting.
All the more so since these examples all occur by choice. Aggression by choice, not negotiation.
For some considerable time now, my anxiety about human civilisation has been rising.
I have always been interested in history and have tried to understand the flawed human propensity to undertake mass killings that define war.
I have not been able to reach an understanding despite having read widely and heard many reasons, attempted justifications, rationales and polemics on the subject. The subject remains extreme and distressing.
I was a willing and eager army cadet at high school and became an officer specialising in weapons. I learned and talked with many regular soldiers, for whom I have the greatest respect, and have been a regular attendee at both Anzac and Remembrance Day activities.
I have had the privilege of friendships with those who served, notably at Tobruk and in Iraq and Afghanistan. Honourable humans all, and among the most committed peaceniks I have ever spoken with. Their common theme and values are defence and safety.
I have also spoken to many refugees. I am always left with a sense of palpable and lingering trauma, sometimes serious.
When talking to those impacted by current conflicts in Asia, Africa, Europe and in the Middle East in particular, one hears the raw emotion alongside their stoicism. This is always moving and instructive. These conversations also lead me to question why we all can’t do more to stop wars before they start, to de-escalate them when they do and to learn from the mistakes.
The current war in Ukraine, the endless killing in Gaza and Lebanon, the ongoing persecution in Congo and, and the long-term killings and mass dislocation in Myanmar are a blight on humanity.
It behoves all of us to take action and speak out loudly. This cannot, and must not, be selective depending on the conflict. It must be clear and non-negotiable.
No more war. Stop the killing.
No political ambiguity can justify the denial of the most basic human right to live peacefully. We must demand international diplomacy be more than words and posture. We must also accept that this is all our concern.
To my mind, the governments of Russia, Israel, Myanmar and the US must prioritise peace, not killing.
Our Government must clearly do the same – without exception.
Regards,
Paul Sekfy,
Yarranbella.
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