We feel sorry for the poor people who died,' one soldier…
““We feel sorry for the poor people who died,' one soldier said. 'But how are we to know who is a terrorist and who isn't?' said another. 'They mingle with the people, with the civilians, and we cannot question each one of them individually. It is either them or ourselves. But in war who has time for pity? We see our men blown up in landmines. The flesh has to be scraped off the Claymores. They are shot by snipers. Reprisals and massacres take place - are these happenings not inevitable in a time of war? Killings will go on. The civilians will always suffer.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
War blurs moral lines, causing civilian suffering and making it impossible to judge individuals.
In simple terms: War erodes empathy, leading to civilian casualties.
Key Takeaway
Question war’s moral cost.
Themes
war
civilians
morality
conflict
suffering
Mood
somber
critical
Type
Civilians:1
Poor people:0
Time:0
War:1
Killings Civilians:0
Civilians Suffer:0
People Civilians:0
Civilians Question:0
When to use this quote
- military strategy
- journalism
- human rights advocacy
Key Concepts
ethical dilemmas
humanitarian law
Questions to Reflect On
- How can societies protect civilians in war?
- What moral responsibilities do soldiers have?
A Different Perspective
War may be justified by some.