Reflections on International Conflict
I feel deeply conflicted when I consider the tension between individualism and collectivism in the context of global conflict and politics, especially in light of the recent U.S. attack on Iran. I struggle with the question of who—if anyone—is truly "right" in these situations, and I’m uneasy with the idea of any one nation acting as the world’s police, including my own. At the same time, I want the United States to be a safe place for everyone who lives here, just as I believe every country deserves safety, dignity, and peace for its people. That’s where the conflict lies: I reject domination and unilateral power. I also fear the consequences of unchecked violence and instability.
How do we pursue peace that isn’t rooted in control? How do we create safety without injustice? These are the questions I continue to hold.
I am deeply troubled by the United States’ military action against Iran. Violence, whether by individuals or nations, cannot be our best or only response to conflict. Even when carried out in the name of security or justice, military force often deepens wounds, escalates fear, and obscures the possibility of true peace.
I grieve for all those impacted by this violence: the innocent who suffer, the soldiers sent to carry out orders, the families left in fear on both sides of the border. I ask: How can we, as a people, imagine and advocate for peaceful alternatives when the world seems so invested in cycles of retaliation?
How can truth be discerned when narratives are shaped by power? Who gets to decide who is innocent or guilty? And how do we keep from being complicit in violence through silence or apathy?
As regular people, we must resist the temptation to numb ourselves to conflict. We must ask hard questions, hold our leaders accountable, listen to those most affected, and seek—fervently and unceasingly—for wisdom, compassion, and peace.
What can one person possibly accomplish towards healing a broken world?
We may not have the power to call off airstrikes or redraw borders, but we do have power. Here are a few things we can do:
1. Pray, but don't stop there.
Pray for peace, for the protection of civilians, for the softening of hardened hearts—including our own. But let your prayer move you to action. If you are someone who reads the Bible, you can reference “Matthew:25” —faith in action.
2. Stay informed with humility.
Resist sensational headlines and simplistic narratives. Listen to multiple perspectives, especially from those closest to the conflict—Iranians, diasporic voices, veterans, peacebuilders. Let the complexity remind you of shared humanity.
3. Contact your elected officials.
Call, write, and speak up for diplomacy and de-escalation. Tell them you do not support violence as a first or default response. Demand accountability and transparency about military actions.
4. Speak peace into your circles.
At your dinner table, in your workplace, on social media—model a spirit of compassion, restraint, and moral clarity. Challenge dehumanizing language. Promote dialogue, not division.
6. Give to humanitarian aid efforts.
If conflict escalates, people will suffer—displacement, trauma, poverty. Organizations like the Presbyterian Disaster Assistance (PDA), the Red Crescent, and other reputable NGOs will be critical in offering relief.
7. Hold onto hope.
Hope is not naive—it is faithful. It tells us that war is not inevitable. That resurrection follows crucifixion. That peace is possible—even if the road there is long.
