A Pyrrhic Victory 

When a story is reported of the cost of WAR, it is framed with a monetary tone, yet the true cost of WAR is the removal of our mental and social connection with ourselves and towards one another.

A recent story, not unique, is the mental and social cost of the soldier’s minds and sense of purpose after 2+ years as Russia seeks to annex the Ukraine for the umpteenth time. The loss of human life for strategic and rear minerals has to take into account the emotional anguish of those that are doing the KILLING!

Look back at the wars in Sudan, Democratic Republic of Congo, Pakistan, Myanmar, and Sahel (Mali, Burkina Faso). Why do I list these particular WAR’s, because for those who have been born in the last 20 years, a child’s currently understood optimum period of social, educational and ‘dream-like-hopes’ for a better future, there is little if any for most. And yet, within the last two years of WAR between Israel and Palistine, what has emerged is the common denominator recognised in all WARS by the attackers, is that they are experiencing a breakdown of their own identity and purpose leading to an estimated 279 IDF soldiers committing suicide and approximately 40% experiencing PTSD. Now think for a moment and ask yourself, what about the toll on both immediate and extended family members on both sides?

These numbers reflect nothing new to be sure, except we as a race are reading, seeing and feeling this humanitarian holocaust real time and as they said back in the 70’s in techno-color. By the way the full effect of these experiences and subsequent disassociation from one another and ourselves is seen in every day life back home. Look at reports emanating out of, IES-R and the mhGAP program and Global Burden of Disease (GBD) studies, which track prevalence (like PTSD, depression) and disability (Years Lost to Disability - YLDs). The agencies are recognized providers that report on the quantified trauma and related disorders in veterans and civilians, though historically defining war-specific syndromes.

Intent: Are you able to look past the emotional fire that burns inside you when reports show such hostility of one group to another and look to build common bonds instead of feeding the hate that benefits a small minority. This requires a maturity of mind, understanding both your purpose and role of the limited time you have on earth to make a meaningful contribution to the human race.

The next generation is bearing the cost of which they have not subscribed.

Now read on: Israel-Hamas War: 2 Years of War Bear Witness to Its Horrors | WION


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