War Has A Political Objective

"Terrorism is the war of the poor, and war is the terrorism of the rich." ~ Peter Ustinov

"We have guided missiles and misguided men." ~ Martin Luther King, Jr.

"I have seen children starving. I have seen the agony of mothers and wives. I hate war." ~ Franklin D. Roosevelt

"You must not fight too often with one enemy, or you will teach him all your art of war." ~ Napoleon Bonaparte

"We will not learn how to live together in peace by killing each other's children." ~ Jimmy Carter

The notion that war can be waged without bloodshed is an aspirational idea. However, it may be viewed as unattainable by many. Conflict such as presently in Gaza, by its inherent nature, involves overwhelming military violence and destruction against the majority of women and children. It encompasses a complex set of circumstances, extending beyond mere clashes of military versus a terrorist person or individuals. A comprehensive understanding of war necessitates exploring the broader strategies, moving beyond the sensationalized battles.

Victory in the war against a terrorist in Gaza involves more than just prevailing in levelling and destroying all the buildings. It's about understanding the human cost and the impact on both sides. It's important to realize that beyond the loss of a few soldiers and 100,000 killed or injured Palestinian lives, there is the emotional trauma toll and the devastating effect on the morale of the Israeli military and the Israeli public.

In times of war and conflict, armies must demonstrate a unique moral and professional endurance. They must endure hardship for a more extended period than their adversaries without traumatizing the civilians. This demands a deep commitment to their cause and a strong sense of duty without causing war crimes against humanity.

The nature of war continues to evolve, and there is no singular formula for achieving success. It involves making quick decisions and adjusting to shifting circumstances. While shrewd tactics are important, their effectiveness is ultimately determined by the individuals who implement them. Courage, discipline, and loyalty are fundamental qualities for any moral soldier.

Another vital part of warfare is planning and preparation. This means a government with a transparent, achievable political objective, professional soldiers, organizing supplies, and thinking about how to use troops in battle. While there's some science to it, it also means being flexible and ready to tackle unexpected challenges. Suppose a nation-state government leader—a Prime minister or a President—does not have a transparent, achievable political objective. In that case, the military invasion or attack will be futile.

The objective of any conflict is to achieve a particular outcome, which could include gaining new territory, defending one's homeland, or initiating political change. Successful conflicts accomplish their goals without unnecessary loss or suffering and, most importantly, without committing crimes against humanity or engaging in ethnocide or genocide.

In conclusion, warfare is a complex and tragic event. While it involves the use of force, extreme violence, and traumatization of civilians, it is also shaped by human factors such as strategy, leadership or lack of direction from a political leader and the desire for peace or extermination of a people. Understanding the causes of warfare and the challenges of preventing crimes against humanity is essential for building a better future for all.