The Lodestar

The tragedy unfolds repeatedly in the harrowing theatre of war: young men, full of promise and potential, are sent into battle to fight conflicts not of their making. They lay down their lives on the altar of political agendas, economic interests, and historical grievances. This grim reality exposes a profound injustice: the youth bear the heavy burden of old men’s wars.

The Human Cost

The toll of war is measured not only in casualties but in shattered dreams, broken families, and communities ravaged by loss. Young soldiers, barely out of adolescence, are thrust into the crucible of combat, where the brutal realities of warfare strip away their innocence and vitality. They become mere pawns in the hands of those who wield power and influence, their lives sacrificed for geopolitical ambitions and ideological struggles.

Consider the case of Private James, a bright young man from a working-class background who enlisted in the army out of a sense of duty and patriotism. He believed he was defending his country and upholding its values. However, he soon found himself deployed to a foreign land, fighting a nebulous enemy whose motivations he could scarcely comprehend. His idealism was shattered amid the chaos and carnage of battle, leaving behind a shell of the person he once was.

Political Machinations

Behind every war lies the machinations of politicians and leaders who manipulate public opinion, exploit nationalist sentiments, and pursue their agendas at the expense of the vulnerable. Old men in positions of power make decisions that condemn young men to death, often without fully grasping the consequences of their actions.

The biblical adage, “And the Lord said, ‘What have you done? The voice of your brother’s blood is crying to me from the ground’” (Genesis 4:10), resonates with chilling relevance in modern warfare. The blood of fallen soldiers cries out for justice, accusing those who bear responsibility for their untimely demise.

Economic Imperatives

War is also driven by economic imperatives, with industries profiting from producing and selling weapons of destruction. The military-industrial complex perpetuates a cycle of violence, perpetuating conflicts to sustain its profits at the expense of human lives.

Consider the case of Corporal Ahmed, a young man from a disadvantaged background who saw the military as his only escape from poverty. He enlisted to secure a better future for himself and his family, only to find himself embroiled in a conflict fuelled by greed and exploitation. His sacrifice served to enrich the wealthy elites who profit from war, while his loved ones were left to mourn his loss.

The Call for Justice

In the face of such injustice, there arises a moral imperative to challenge the systems that perpetuate violence and exploitation. We must hold accountable those who profit from war, demand transparency and accountability from our leaders, and work towards a world where conflicts are resolved through dialogue and diplomacy rather than bloodshed.

The biblical injunction, “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God” (Matthew 5:9), reminds us of our duty to strive for peace and justice in a world torn apart by strife and conflict. It is only through collective action and solidarity that we can honour the sacrifice of the young men who have fallen in old men’s wars and build a future where their deaths are not in vain.

Disclaimer: While honouring the dedication of our armed forces who safeguard our peace and security, this article advocates for resolving conflicts peacefully through diplomacy rather than resorting to war.

(Thangchinlian Guite, from Dorcas Veng, New Lamka, Manipur, is a dedicated member of his local church and serves as a Sunday School teacher within the Baptist Children's Department. With a lifelong passion for writing, he finds joy in weaving his imagination into words on paper.)