Chinese Communist Party
1921 - 2021
✮
'At first it was a lie, then a strong delusion and, at last, downright madness'
Wellington
[As acknowledged admirers of the American, British and NATO Military and their know-how and, sometimes, supporters of their military actions, we would be forgiven if we try to make a critique of the extended and naïve views expressed by the author, without questioning the bravery of combatants on all sides.]
The Veterans
Was the blood of veterans wasted...? This is a difficult question to answer, especially when considering that most soldiers are, as a rule, professionals and, therefore, not involved in the same way as properly volunteer and ideological fighters. Indeed, although hard, it should be acknowledged that, for many, war has been just another job or lucrative business, a way to advance careers or life.
However, from a general military and political perspective, the military effort and blood of soldiers, especially in defeat, is not, necessarily, a waste. On the contrary, if assessed in the right way, the blood and effort of veterans could be extremely important assets for the nation and humanity at large. Those who risked life and limb in good faith, those who put their lives on the line, even when the political reasons given for war could be shaky, have an important expertise that can and should be analysed, criticised and used to avoid new mistakes, warned others and lead new responses to failing and untrustworthy elites.
Defeat should be the detonator of new thinking. Soldiers, especially defeated ones, when spur by a clear political conscience, are common vectors of the most important historical changes. A vanguard among citizens and a catalyst for critique and progress in society. In politics and war, nothing is wasted.
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