Israel Quote by Wafaa Bilal
““More than 100,000 soldiers will soon return home with the post-traumatic stress I know so well, not to mention the mysterious effects of deplted uranium...and the ripples of resentment and animosity this war has sent throughout the world will inevitably wash up on U.S. shores. As I write this, mainstream political dialogue is still focused on the crazy idea that we can somehow still "win" the war in Iraq. For someone like me, a citizen of both countries, what outcome would constitute a victory? When you're talking about war, about so many thousands dead, so many families shattered on both sides, how can anyone claim victory?””
About This Quote
Source Interview: Public Talk, 2008
It questions the true cost of war, both human and environmental, and doubts the notion of victory.
In simple terms: War’s damage is deep and victory unclear.
Consider the human and ecological toll of conflict.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- policy debate
- personal reflection
- peace activism
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- What defines a just outcome in war?
- How can societies heal post‑conflict?
Victory is a contested concept in war.