Kunduz – Saturday October 3rd, on what would have been just another chaotic day at the charitable hospital in northern Afghanistan tragedy struck of unimaginable proportions. When the smoke and debris cleared, 19 people, to include three children and 12 aid workers, were killed with many more injured.

Unfortunately, this is war, it has happened before and will likely happen again. Even more horrific, the local civilian population suffer the most during conflict, a tragic reality repeated throughout history. This is a brutal fact of combat. Please don’t misunderstand, this in no way diminishes the sacrifice of each man and woman who gave their lives providing medical service so that others may live. Nor does it dismiss the three innocent lives lost without ever having a chance to realize their potential.

Within hours, the world press and international officials began to fire off accusations against US and Coalition Forces, throwing around allegations such as ‘deliberate’, ‘barbaric’, ‘war crimes’, and one official stated this was ‘a grave violation of international humanitarian laws’.

As expected, the Taliban denied any of their fighters were in the area, and have claimed the attack was a deliberate act perpetrated by ‘the barbaric American forces’. These statements coming from the very same people that brought the world:

  • The rape, murder, and other assorted heinous acts committed against over 300,000 residents in the city of Kunduz. This includes the rape of females and children, the murder of local police and Afghan soldiers, and any other disgusting opportunities that may arise to liven up their Friday nights.
  • They looted, burned, and destroyed the homes of Kunduz citizens and specifically targeted women’s shelters.
  • In addition, they infiltrated government offices, freed violent prisoners (many sexual predators), and destroyed institutes of higher learning, obviously fearful of an educated community.

And these are just what they have done in Kunduz during the last few weeks prior to this tragic and accidental airstrike. The list of atrocities committed by the Taliban is endless, going back well before 1998. But, no, the US and our Allies are the barbarians. That is exactly the sort of lies these militant, extremist groups are counting on the world to believe. America: the big Satan. America: a land of bloodthirsty infidels.

Kunduz Afghan Map

War, as any veteran or civilian who has experienced life in a combat area, is, at best, controlled chaos. Horrible mistakes will and do occur. Does it excuse this tragedy? Of course not. Will any words or admission of wrong doing bring back those they lost? Sadly, it will not. This is a terrible tragedy that should and will be investigated, according to top DOD officials, if nothing else than to determine what needs to be implemented to prevent a repeat occurrence.

With that in mind, take a minute to simply consider the following.

Every day there are countless missions executed around the world, secretly and silently and done as planned, no one gets the glory. Many of which are designed specifically to improve the lives of those suffering under tyranny and corruption that Americans could never imagine. Consider the thousands of lives changed because of these selfless serving warriors fighting against the Taliban, ISIS, and countless other extremists groups. These men stand ready at a moment’s notice to do the impossible and even give their lives, so we and our families can live peaceably at home without worry.

In addition, contemplate the thousands of our men and women in uniform and as civilians, who left their beloved homes across the U.S. and around the world to make a difference in the lives of those they have never met, only to return in flag covered coffins received by their friends and families.

Mourn the loss of these aid workers, volunteers and children. Honor their sacrifice, but do not be fooled by the misdirected emotions. Question the garbage being force fed to the masses. Read, discover and think rationally. Remember their names, their sacrifices and the heavy burden of their grieving families. We must mourn the men and women who died in Kunduz just as the many thousands lost from all nationalities and religions since this ever-widening conflict began.

Perhaps one day this horrific sacrifice, this ongoing brutality within our world will cease and just maybe our children’s children may finally live in peace.

Sources: Washington Post; BBC News, Al Jazeera, Voices of America.

Featured image courtesy of scmp.com.