Opinion
Tuesday marks Veterans Day, coinciding with the anniversary of the cessation of hostilities in World War I, once humorously dubbed the “war to end war.”
This historical moment serves as a stark reminder that conflict is an inescapable aspect of human existence.
Initially established as Armistice Day, this day commemorates the moment in 1918 when silence fell over the Western front. The devastation of the Great War was staggering, claiming around 16 million lives, both military and civilian. This figure pales in comparison to World War II, which resulted in an estimated 75 to 80 million deaths, predominantly among civilians.
Marshal Ferdinand Foch, who led French forces during World War I, famously remarked that the Treaty of Versailles was not a peace agreement but merely a two-decade truce. His prediction proved chillingly accurate as World War II erupted just two decades later.
The so-called “war to end war” was succeeded by numerous conflicts including World War II, Korea, Vietnam, and more recently Iraq and Afghanistan. According to research from the University of Uppsala in Sweden, there have been 285 distinct armed conflicts since 1946.
While we may wish for peace, it is often elusive. Historical attempts at reconciliation amidst profound evil frequently lead to greater violence over time. The Munich Accords are a prime example; hailed by British Prime Minister Neville Chamberlain as “peace in our time,” they ultimately facilitated the onset of World War II.
The proposed ceasefire plan for Gaza may provide temporary relief for Hamas but fails to address underlying issues. When faced with adversaries who openly express their intent to harm you—those who commit atrocities and invoke religious warfare—one must take such threats seriously.
In contemporary America, we find ourselves embroiled in an undeclared conflict against radical elements within our society. Under President Biden’s administration, millions have entered the country illegally—including potential threats—leading to unrest from Los Angeles to Chicago. Attacks on U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers have surged dramatically since deportations began under President Trump.
This situation aims to maintain a large undocumented population while straining national resources. Ongoing government shutdowns partly stem from demands by Democrats for comprehensive healthcare funding for undocumented individuals—a strategy aimed at securing future votes.
Mr. Trump remains actively engaged both domestically and internationally; he has even reverted the Department of Defense back to its original name—the Department of War—to emphasize our commitment to national security.
The United Nations was founded amid post-World War II optimism but has often exacerbated rather than alleviated global conflicts over its eight-decade history. This sentiment was echoed by Mr. Trump during his address at the General Assembly last September.
An organization once dedicated to peace is now influenced by authoritarian regimes and extremist groups. The ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine has resulted in significant casualties exceeding one million people while tensions with China persist over Taiwan’s status.
The United Nations has shown consistent bias against Israel—the only democracy within its region—condemning it multiple times while largely ignoring other global aggressions. The recent attack on October 7th saw Hamas brutally kill approximately 1,200 Israeli citizens.
War remains an undeniable truth throughout human history; even prehistoric tools were likely designed as weapons. Religious texts suggest that true global peace will only be realized during a messianic era; until then, readiness is paramount as Mr. Trump proposes a significant increase in defense spending for fiscal year 2026 after years of neglect.
No rational individual desires war’s destruction; however, it can only be mitigated—not eradicated.
