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I’m no military expert, and these figures might not be…

“I’m no military expert, and these figures might not be exactly right. But as best as I can tell, we’ve launched 114 Tomahawk cruise missiles into Afghanistan so far. Now take the cost of one of those missiles tipped with a Raytheon guidance system, which I think is about $840,000. For that much…” quote by Greg Mortenson
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““I’m no military expert, and these figures might not be exactly right. But as best as I can tell, we’ve launched 114 Tomahawk cruise missiles into Afghanistan so far. Now take the cost of one of those missiles tipped with a Raytheon guidance system, which I think is about $840,000. For that much money, you could build dozens of schools that could provide tens of thousands of students with a balanced nonextremist education over the course of a generation. Which do you think will make us more secure?” (295)””

Greg Mortenson

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Investing in education yields far greater long‑term security than expensive weaponry.

In simple terms: Spend on schools, not missiles.

Key Takeaway

Redirect funds to education for lasting security.

Themes

education security budget allocation

Mood

urgent thoughtful

Type

political advocacy

When to use this quote

  • government budgeting
  • NGO programs
  • community development
  • policy advocacy

Key Concepts

human capital peacebuilding long‑term stability

Questions to Reflect On

  • How can societies balance defense and education spending?
  • What are effective ways to reallocate defense budgets?
A Different Perspective

Military needs may argue immediate defense priorities.

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