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Air Quote by John Pilger

“When the invasion began, the British public was called upon to 'support' troops sent illegally and undemocratically to kill people with whom we had no quarrel. 'The ultimate test of our professionalism' is how Commander McKendrick describes an unprovoked attack on a nation with no submarines, no…” quote by John Pilger
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“When the invasion began, the British public was called upon to 'support' troops sent illegally and undemocratically to kill people with whom we had no quarrel. 'The ultimate test of our professionalism' is how Commander McKendrick describes an unprovoked attack on a nation with no submarines, no navy and no air force, and now with no clean water and no electricity and, in many hospitals, no anaesthetic with which to amputate small limbs shredded by shrapnel. I have seen elsewhere how this is done, with a gag in the patient's mouth.”

John Pilger

About This Quote

Source Documentary: "The War on Gaza", 2021

War forces civilians into impossible choices, highlighting moral failures of leaders and the human cost of conflict.

In simple terms: War creates moral dilemmas and suffering.

Key Takeaway

Recognize the human impact of war.

Themes

conflict ethics humanitarianism

Mood

somber urgent

Type

political reflective

When to use this quote

  • refugee crises
  • medical shortages
  • military decisions

Key Concepts

war crimes political accountability

Questions to Reflect On

  • What responsibilities do leaders have to civilians?
  • How can societies prevent such crises?
A Different Perspective

Complex geopolitics can obscure responsibility.

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