The Human Side of War

I'm tired and haven't been able to sleep much ever since Israel hit Iran on June 13, and assassinated their negotiator. I'm eventually going to post about as to why. I've been following it day and night, and have a good idea about what is going on. But this post is about the human side of war. It's about the civilians. It's about grandparents, fathers, mothers, children and extended families on both sides.

I'm not close to any of my family in Iran. In fact, I have not seen or talked to them in many years. But still, I'm concerned about them. So, I ask my brother, cousin, and extended family if they have any news. Is everyone okay? 

I also know people here who have friends, and relatives in Iran, as well as in Israel. Someone told me today that her family packed to leave the city of Tehran to a safer place. She said that her grandmother refused to leave because her pillow didn't fit in her suitcase, and she needed to have her pillow. They were all in a rush as they heard sounds of explosion from the surrounding areas. Even so, they made sure to find room for the pillow. Now, this may sound ridiculous to an outsider, but when you're in a situation like that, you're not thinking clearly. 

Another young Iranian told me that earlier they were talking to their friend in Israel. The friend was calling from a bomb shelter, scared. 

Someone else was texting back and forth with an ex Israeli boyfriend who used to be in the Israeli military, but was excused because of health reasons. She asked him about his family. He told her that they were okay, but he was concerned about his friends who were serving in the army. 

And this is just a small group of people that I know. On social media, I saw images of children buried under piles of rubble. Medics and journalists killed. Buildings destroyed. When something like this happens, tensions are high and you have to be careful about what you say or do. These wars are the result of decisions made by ruthless, morally corrupt goblins, and not by normal human beings. 

I see so many people on social media who cheer when the opposition loses their home or dies. But I'm here to say, don't cheer. Take heart. Both sides have families and people they love. War and devastation is tragic, and there is nothing there to cheer about. 

 

Lost

I have lost my path, and need to find it back. I'm tired of all the hostility in our world. lately, I haven't been in the mood to do anything. Motivational speakers say don't listen to what your brain tells you. Get over it. Just do it. Although I do agree with this philosophy most of the time, there are times when I know I need to shut down. (image by Graham Gercken)

If you have been following me on my blog, know me from twitter, or have read my work, then you already know that I'm not just a writer, but also an activist. I'm not big, known, or anything like that. I contribute in my tiny way to help make the world a little better. One example is The Conscience, the humanitarian aid flotilla, that was bombed by Israeli drones in Malta. Everyone around the world made so much noise, pushing Malta to agree to repair it. Otherwise, all the aid workers on that ship would have died.

People don't like activists, and find them annoying. Even most writers roll their eyes, and stay away from carrying a conversation about injustice, because all they want is to sell their books, and don't want to offend anyone. But if it weren't for activists, no one would be enjoying a better quality of life and have some freedoms. Activists are the ones whose legs the rest of the society stands on. They risk their lives everyday so that we can live a comfortable life.

And I'm not talking about me. I'm talking about the leaders of human rights organizations, Amnesty International, student activist leaders, journalists, conscientious politicians and speakers, and many others who have a voice and use it to make people's lives better. I have a big appreciation for them, and do what little I can to support them. 

Unfortunately, I'm also an empath and soak up everything like a sponge. So, I need to disconnect when things become overwhelming like right now, in this chaotic world. Because if I continue, then my health would deteriorate, and I'll be no good to anyone.

So, I'm disconnecting for a bit to remind myself that there is also good in this world. I'm turning inward so that I can unblock whatever is holding me back from writing. I believe that it is in the quiet moments of life where we can find ourselves, and feel whole again.