Dear Editor,
The irony of wars is that nations go to war to survive not to die, and yet, dying seems to be the central aim of wars.
Considering that the current conflict between Israel and Palestine, along with Russia and Ukraine, has severely damaged both the human and material capitals on each sides engaged in the conflict.
If there is a main reason for armed conflicts, the reason is apparently complex and multifaceted. But, generally, it overlaps with economic, political, and social factors such as disagreements over territory, resources, as well as ethnic tension and ideological differences.
The expensive wars presently being waged fall into one or more of these categories. They are highly funded conflicts, which have only accelerated the impoverishment of the weak and defenceless to new levels of suffering.
The repercussions of these conflicts have largely to do with ‘warring ova ol’ lan’ or ‘ded lef’. While Russia and Ukraine are hardly motivated differently, the contradiction continues to grow where the greater the loss of human lives and material wealth, the greater the pride.
There is a quote attributed to Albert Einstein, “I know not with what weapons World War III will be fought, but World War VI will be fought with sticks and stones.” Perhaps, it would be a good idea if the destruction of civilisation would only leave the skeletons of present day weapons lying on the battlefield — smothering with the idea that wars mean strength and survival. Think Psalm 46:9.

Homer Sylvester
Elmsford, New York, USA
h2sylvester@gmail.com