This morning, I woke up contemplating where I fall on the political spectrum, especially in light of the ongoing wars in Ukraine and Gaza. My stance might seem contradictory at first—I’m against the war in Ukraine, yet indifferent to the war in Gaza – let me explain.

The War in Ukraine

My opposition to the war in Ukraine stems from the belief that it’s a conflict we could have easily avoided. For decades, NATO’s expansion has been relentless, pushing its boundaries right up to Ukraine. Every Russian leader, from Gorbachev to Yeltsin to Putin, has clearly stated that Ukraine is their red line. Yet, we ignored these warnings and fueled the flames of conflict.

What’s particularly disturbing is the absence of any peace talks. In my 54 years, I’ve never seen a war on this scale without even a pretense of seeking peace. The looming threat of a nuclear confrontation adds an existential dimension to this conflict, making it even more urgent for us to pursue de-escalation.

The War in Gaza

The situation in Gaza is equally complex. The horrific attacks by Hamas on October 7, 2023, left a lasting impression on me. The visuals of those attacks on Israeli civilians are seared into my mind. Predictably, Israel responded aggressively, a reaction that many anticipated.

What complicates matters is the denial from some quarters about the reality of these attacks. Despite overwhelming evidence, some people still claim it’s all a hoax, denying the existence of hostages and the provocation from Hamas. This echoes the proxy nature of the Ukraine war, with big powers playing their games while civilians bear the brunt of the suffering.

A Consistent Anti-War Stance

Reflecting on these conflicts, it becomes clear that I am fundamentally against war. This is a significant shift from my younger years, but it seems to come with age. I oppose any war and believe in respecting people’s autonomy. However, it’s crucial to recognize that instigating violence invites retaliation. The focus should be on de-escalation and avoiding provocations in the first place.

I am deeply ashamed of my country’s role in these conflicts. For the first time in my life, I see my country not even pretending to want peace. This morning’s reflection has helped clarify my thoughts on these wars. It’s a sad state of affairs when the quest for power and influence leads to such widespread suffering.