War is almost always presented as an Us Vs. Them conflict in order to sway people who might otherwise oppose action. The truth is it’s entirely possible, and often the case, that both sides are wrong as nations put power consolidation over the needs and safety of their people.
In this case, with the United States and Iran, you have two nations that have engaged in illegal, murderous, undemocratic behavior and two peoples who have been misserved, betrayed, and continually endangered by those behaviors.
Once you move beyond nations, the reality is stark
Once you move beyond nations, the reality is stark
With tensions rising between nations, the paradigm is simplified in our narratives to the point all reasoning is lost. History and context simply disappear until boldfaced nationalism and xenophobia remain to fuel the fire. It’s incredibly reductive and incredibly dangerous.
Meanwhile, as nations engage in war games and brinksmanship, the people suffer. Arms races and perpetual states of fear create perpetual austerity. The people COULD live better, fuller, longer lives, but the ambitions of the ruling class suck up virtually every last resource.
What we’ve been watching, what’s been causing so much fear and dread, is a game that has nothing to do with us beyond our endangerment. We have to Reject these tired lies and see nation state warring for what it is. A ploy for the powerful to become more powerful.
