Writer, Mouna Saquaque on We Long for Peace, but Even Wars Have Rules!

More than ever we are pressed to voice our opinion in what is happening in the Middle East now.

If one remains silent or indifferent, they are labeled as insensitive.

Expressing compassion towards both sides is seen as a hypocritical attempt at political correctness.

Taking a stand for one side automatically brands you as a monster by the other group. 

Unfortunately, there doesn’t appear to be a right approach to this complex issue.

It has become a “war” that has infiltrated even platforms and apps originally intended for leisure and entertainment, capturing the attention of younger generations. 

Personally, I have been observing silently, not because I lack concern or have nothing to say about the matter. The difficulty lies in finding a conversation that doesn’t lead to the question: which side are you on? 

When conflicts arise, there are typically three different attitudes: seeking revenge, advocating for justice, or desiring peace and human dignity above all else.

While I acknowledge the role of the first two groups, I want to focus on the latter. Wanting peace is not just an idealistic and fantastical notion; it entails establishing rules for warfare in order to address the root of the problem. It requires a paradigm shift

Wanting peace means moving beyond the surface-level conflict and delving deeper to understand the underlying mechanisms at play.

It demands a change in the paradigm, ushering in a new era where solutions are not mere patches but transformative approaches to problem-solving.

It is insufficient to merely make small changes or improvements to existing conditions or resort to temporary solutions for present and future challenges. Instead, we must revolutionize our way of thinking.

Take, for example, the laws once created for slaves.

Initially, these laws aimed to regulate their treatment, forbidding outright murder or extreme deprivation.

However, a paradigm shift occurred when people recognized that the very existence of slavery was immoral and unacceptable. This shift in thinking was not instinctive or easy to achieve.

While everyone envisions a future, few can conceive of one that breaks free from the chains of current causes and conditions.

In our situation, the problem lies not with war itself, as countries and nations have historically resorted to war as a last-ditch effort to pave the way for peace.

Our aspiration is a world free from conflicts, but when wars do occur, we wish for them to adhere to rules and guidelines.

Unfortunately, nowadays, wars are conducted in a savage and archaic way, reminiscent of Dark Ages. Even our ancestors from those times would be appalled by the brutality witnessed in modern warfare.

However, I have faith in progress and the evolution of humanity.

I see a continuous moral growth unfolding before us. As individuals, we have overcome abhorrent practices such as incest, cannibalism, and slavery. We now live in a safer world where legal frameworks compel us to respect other religions, races, genders and each other.

It is perplexing that while society consistently urges us to become better humans through these legal measures, war crimes and atrocities continue to occur unchecked in many parts of the world.

As individuals, we are expanding into better versions of ourselves, embracing empathy and compassion. Yet, when it comes to the collective actions of groups and nations, we still seem to be trapped in a cycle of violence and disregard for human life.

In our pursuit of peace, we must strive for a harmonious coexistence that transcends the limitations of traditional warfare.

We need to establish clear guidelines and hold accountable those who perpetrate war crimes. By doing so, we can ensure that conflicts are conducted with the utmost humanity and respect for human dignity.

In a world plagued by conflict and destruction, it is high time that we reevaluate our approach to war.

We must acknowledge that our current methods have proven ineffective and have led to devastating consequences. It is imperative that we put ourselves in check and recognize the urgent need for change.

Taking sides and getting mired in historical explanations may seem tempting, but in doing so, we risk losing sight of the real issues at hand.

We have become so desensitized to the horrors of war that our methods have become alarmingly detached and remote. Military operations are now conducted through the use of civilians as avatars, creating a virtual reality for those involved.

This detachment from the human cost of war is dangerous, as it makes it easier to disregard the atrocities being committed.

The grim reality is that we are just one button away from repeating the devastating consequences of pressing the nuclear button.

The potential for destruction and loss of innocent lives is real.

It is in this moment, faced with the darkness of our actions that we must strive for a higher form of consciousness.

We need a new paradigm when it comes to wars.

A treaty for peace sounds ideal, but the sad truth is that wars persist.

However, by implementing new rules and regulations, we can significantly reduce atrocities and change our ways of solving problems.

By Mouna SAQUAQUE , Writer
https://www.mounasaquaque.com