Asking Quote by Michael Hastings
“And there's this talk that we're asking soldiers to make the greatest sacrifice, but the reality is that civilians bear the burden of war more than the combatants. You're much more likely to get accidentally blown up or killed by a death squad than you are to die in a firefight.”
About This Quote
Source Book: The Operators: The Wild and Terrifying Inside World of the CIA's Special Activities Division, 2012
War’s civilian toll far exceeds that of soldiers, with non‑combatants facing greater accidental danger and death.
In simple terms: Civilians suffer more in war than soldiers.
Key Takeaway
Recognize and protect civilian lives.
Themes
war
civilians
justice
risk
policy
Mood
somber
urgent
Type
political
analytical
When to use this quote
- humanitarian aid
- policy reform
- media reporting
- public awareness
Key Concepts
asymmetrical harm
collateral damage
military ethics
Questions to Reflect On
- How can societies better protect non‑combatants?
- What policies could reduce civilian casualties?
A Different Perspective
Civilian suffering is often under‑reported and ignored.
![“An information operations team was sent to Afghanistan to conduct various psychological operations on the Afghans and Taliban. The team was then asked not to focus on the Taliban but on manipulating senators into giving more funds and troops [to the war].” quote by Michael Hastings](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/44d/michael-hastings-6810_afghanistan_an-information-operations-team-was-sent_395510.jpg)
