Wars of Aggression and the Global Impact of Tyranny and Terrorism
In recent times, events like the conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East have demonstrated that wars of aggression, acts of genocide, tyranny, and terrorist atrocities are not isolated occurrences. These events have deep roots and consequences that extend far beyond their immediate contexts.
An example of this is the Holocaust, which was born out of a strong-arm regime in Germany and fueled by virulent antisemitism. The extermination of Jews across Europe was a continent-wide travesty that still casts a long shadow today. Western societies are built on the principle of “never again,” yet disturbingly, antisemitism continues to rear its ugly head. Jewish communities in Europe and America face vile acts of discrimination and prejudice, while veiled justifications for heinous acts committed by groups like Hamas persist under the pretense of “peace.”
The oppressive legacy of the Soviet Union still reverberates throughout the world. From the Bosnian genocide and the Yugoslav wars to poverty, oligarchism, and Russian invasions in Chechnya, Georgia, and Ukraine, these events did not occur in isolation. Countless individuals, especially in Eastern Europe and Ukraine, grapple with a fractured history of deported, killed, or incarcerated ancestors. Addressing and healing these generational traumas requires time and understanding.
The Syrian war, with its unique horrors, did not emerge spontaneously. The alliance between Hezbollah, a notorious Lebanese terrorist entity, and Russia, a once widely accepted partner of the free world, began in 2015 in Syria and continues to this day.
The repercussions of past atrocities have global consequences. The same culprits, repeatedly emboldened, perpetrate murder, torture, and degradation while the world searches for reassurance and an illusion of peace.
Iran and Russia have become allies for various terrorist groups. Hamas, responsible for the deaths of countless Israeli families, finds camaraderie in Moscow. Syria’s Assad regime deploys chemical warfare on its own population, bolstered by support from Hezbollah and Russia. Hezbollah, in turn, launches attacks on Israel with the backing of Iran, Syria, and Russia.
Russia’s savage invasion of Ukraine continues, with Iran applauding and providing weaponry. African nations are inundated with Russian propaganda, providing a platform for ruthless mercenaries. Meanwhile, China quietly expands its influence in the continent, piece by piece. China’s menacing stance toward Taiwan and support for Russia’s aggression in Ukraine pose a broader threat to the free world.
Unfortunately, the free world is not merely an idle observer. Much of the technology used by Russia and terrorist groups originates from the West. Humanitarian aid intended for Gaza ends up lining the pockets of Hamas leaders or financing militant activities, including weapon smuggling. European aid items, such as water pipes, are repurposed by Hamas to construct missiles aimed at Israel.
Microelectronics from the West are incorporated into missiles that harm civilians in Ukraine and other locations of terrorist activities. Despite bans, embargoes, and sanctions on international companies, Russia continues to utilize Western tools to manufacture advanced weaponry. These machines are still maintained by their manufacturers, many of whom are based in the West.
Why do these companies persist in servicing equipment that aids a nation led by an accused war criminal in producing arms? The answer is likely greed. The convenient “ignorance” about the end-users, in this case, Russian arms manufacturers, does not absolve them of responsibility for enabling silent war crimes.
For those who argue that Europe or the United States should refrain from intervening in distant conflicts, a reality check is necessary. Their involvement is already apparent, although not in the way most people imagine. For example, German exports to Kyrgyzstan increased by 949% last year, with a significant portion finding its way to Russia.
Furthermore, the inability to curtail purchases of Russian resources, such as the United States’ acquisition of uranium from Rosatom, effectively funds the adversary’s military operations. Meanwhile, China capitalizes on its position as the manufacturing hub for Western technology, seeking to replicate and steal Western innovations.
The sobering truth is that countries like China, Iran, Belarus, and Russia are already waging a covert war against the free world. It is high time for the free world to acknowledge this reality and cease fighting against itself.
True global tranquility cannot be achieved until the world recognizes that witnessing brutality is never an isolated event. The civilizational war has begun, and it is time for all to choose their allegiances.
Anastasiia Marushevska, co-founder of the Ukrainian nonprofit PR Army of communication experts, is editor-in-chief at Ukraїner International and a lecturer at the Projector Institute.
Opinion alerts: Get columns from your favorite columnists + expert analysis on top issues, delivered straight to your device through the USA TODAY app. Don’t have the app? Download it for free from your app store.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Israel-Hamas, Ukraine wars don’t just happen. Look at Russia, China
