WAR AND PEACE

The May 1991 issue of Al-Risala was published as “Khaleej Diary.” On February 2, 1991, I wrote in my diary: in this war, no matter which side claims victory, the suffering of ordinary people will increase enormously. These hardships will spread worldwide, even to the country that wins.

A month later, when the cease-fire was declared, that is exactly what happened. The war ended, but the problems did not. Time magazine (April 15, 1991) published a detailed report showing how, despite victory, new problems had arisen:

“America and its allies confront a new dilemma.” (p.18)

In the May 6, 1991 issue, Time published readers’ letters. One American wrote:

“It looks like Bush has won the battle….. and lost the war in the Gulf.” (Lloyed Ringuist, Marshfield, Wisconsin)

War only creates destruction. It cannot bring construction. A battle may be won on the field, but in real life outside the battlefield, victory brings no joy. Why then do people rush toward war? Because war looks impressive, while in truth peace is greater and war is smaller. If people understood this, everyone would run toward peaceful construction, and the battlefield would be empty forever.

War may be called heroism, but it has no positive outcome. Peace may seem like nothing, but in reality all the greatest achievements come only through peace.