Civilians Quote by Michael Bar-Zohar
““To protect civilians, the state needs sometimes to do things that are contrary to democratic behavior. It is true that in units like ours the outer limits can become blurred. That's why you must be sure that your people are of the best quality. The dirtiest actions should be carried out by the most honest men.””
About This Quote
Source Speech: Interview on counterterrorism policy, 2015
State security may require actions that conflict with democratic norms, demanding highly ethical personnel to carry out the toughest tasks.
In simple terms: Sometimes security conflicts with democracy, so only the most honest should act.
Key Takeaway
Ensure integrity in those tasked with difficult duties.
Themes
security
ethics
leadership
democracy
integrity
Mood
tense
reflective
Type
political
ethical
When to use this quote
- military operations
- intelligence work
- policy making
- law enforcement
Key Concepts
moral compromise
civilian protection
ethical leadership
Questions to Reflect On
- How can societies safeguard democracy while addressing security threats?
- What safeguards ensure honest conduct in morally ambiguous missions?
A Different Perspective
Balancing security and democratic values is contentious and can erode public trust.
![“The other thing we did as government is to open gates for the civilians to leave that [ eastern part] area [in Aleppo], and at the same time for the humanitarian convoys and help to go through those gates inside that part of Aleppo, but the terrorists publicly refused any solution, so they wanted…” quote by Bashar al-Assad](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/6dc/bashar-al-assad-1027_areas_the-other-thing-we-did-as-government-is_37737.jpg)
![“[General Curtis] LeMay recognized that what he was doing would be thought immoral if his side has lost. But what makes it immoral if you lose and not immoral if you win?” quote by Robert McNamara](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/165/robert-mcnamara-12738_burned_general-curtis-lemay-recognized-that-wha_43443.jpg)
