I Survived War and I Condemn Militarism Everywhere

Putin's brazen aggression against Ukraine is a contemptible assault on humanity.

Photo by Abdulhamid Hosbas/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images

I grew up in Beirut. My youth was consumed by violence. Endless nights in bomb shelters, huddled next to terrified friends and neighbors, candles flickering as missiles rained down and the earth trembled. Brutal street battles. Snipers stalking us like prey. Kidnappings and disappearances. Bloodied and broken bodies lying in the street. Hell on earth.

When I see the terror in the eyes of the Ukrainian people, particularly children, my heart breaks. I know their fear and apprehension viscerally.

Peter Daou @peterdaou

As a survivor of a bloody Mideast war, there are no words to describe the terror of being a civilian under heavy artillery and missile attack. Here's a prayer for the people of #Ukraine. Especially the children.

This needs to be repeated:

• If you don’t oppose imperialism everywhere, you don’t oppose imperialism.

• If you don’t oppose militarism everywhere, you don’t oppose militarism.

• If you don’t oppose aggression everywhere, you don’t oppose aggression.

• If you don’t oppose oppression everywhere, you don’t oppose oppression.

• If you don’t oppose propaganda everywhere, you don’t oppose propaganda.

Vladimir Putin’s attack on Ukraine is despicable and reckless. As the world reels from a deadly pandemic, it is an attack on our collective conscience and an assault on humanity.

Axios @axios

"Putin go home": Protesters worldwide rally against Russia's attacks on Ukraine axios.com/photos-people-…

As human beings, it is incumbent on us to hold all world leaders accountable. As Americans, that includes our own ruling parties, from the war crimes of Bush and Cheney, to the droning of civilians under Obama, to the child torture of Trump and Miller, to the starving of Afghan children under Biden and Harris.

Peter Daou @peterdaou

I am FOR the people and AGAINST their oppressors, no matter where in the world. I'll go after despots like Putin, migrant torturers like Trump and child cagers like Biden.

We must condemn imperialism wherever it rears its ugly head. We cannot remain silent or take sides with one oppressor or another. If we do so, we lose any claim to moral principles.

Peter Daou @peterdaou

Dear Democrats/liberals: Understand that when you cage children, abuse migrants, drone civilians, enable mass slaughter in Yemen, and starve Afghan children... You lose the moral standing to pontificate against other human rights abusers. #UkraineCrisis #Putin #Biden

I appreciate everything you do to stand up for those who need our compassion, attention, and support.