Attack on Civilians in Afghanistan

Early last week the world was shocked when headlines announced that sixteen Afghan civilians had been killed in their homes by an American sergeant, at the time serving his fourth tour in Afghanistan. A total of three homes were broken into and the residents slain, amongst them nine children. The bodies of eleven victims, including those of four children, were also gathered and set afire.

Following the tragedy, many families and communities are devastated and are demanding answers. Although some speculative causes for the massacre have been publicized, including possible familial stress and intoxication, none have been officially verified. However, it cannot be disputed that for years prior to his rampage, the soldier would have experienced significant mental and emotional distress.

The strain of war is inevitable physically, but also psychologically. While in combat, soldiers are exposed to constant stress, trauma, and loss. Throughout the ordeal, there is the mission to defeat a perceived threat or enemy. In this way, clearly defined divisions are made between the warring parties; everyone involved is designated a side. And in the process, those from both factions are dehumanized.

The civilian killings follow weeks of tension between the United States military and the citizens of Afghanistan, resulting from disrespectful behaviour on the part of the American personnel. For instance,  one incident which had previously sparked hostility is the burning of the Qur’an last month.

While civilians are understood to be innocent, the loss of dignity is also unjustly transferred to them. Despite not being involved, civilians endure the havoc of war because it inescapably surrounds their homes and communities. They live their lives in the midst of suspicion and surrounded by violence.

Even when the consequences of a war are indeterminate, they are imposed upon those who reside in the midst of the central conflict. This tragedy reinforces that the effects of war are not always veiled. The level of violence that was displayed against civilians is entirely unjustifiable. The entirety of the military is not at fault for last week’s carnage. However, it is the responsibility of individual personnel and their leaders to ensure that their actions in Afghanistan, and in all cases of international conflict, uphold their full respect for humanity.