(C) Minnesota Reformer This story was originally published by Minnesota Reformer and is unaltered. . . . . . . . . . . War is everywhere — just look around and you’ll see it [1] ['More From Author', 'December', 'Abdulrahman Bindamnan'] Date: 2023-12-04 When the war erupted in Yemen, I could hear the deafening sounds of bombings. I felt relieved that I hadn’t witnessed the explosions, even though I knew they were happening within my own psyche. Fear gripped me, and I could see it mirrored in the faces of everyone around me. We were all traumatized, forced into survival mode as the war raged on. People hurriedly stocked up on groceries, and the police presence increased significantly. The rules of our lives had been transformed overnight. We had to quickly adjust or face dire consequences. In academia, it’s often said that you “publish or perish,” but in Yemen, it’s “adapt or die.” War is a malevolent force. However, the cessation of armed conflict marks the commencement of a different, albeit equally challenging, battle. After my departure from the region, I found myself grappling with the enduring and adverse consequences of the war’s aftermath. This protracted struggle with trauma demanded sustained attention and resilience. Having spent my formative years in an environment rife with trauma, I acquired an intimate understanding of its intricate mechanisms and their profound impact. Trauma exerts a transformative influence on the human brain. A pervasive sense of disorientation engulfs us. Given that the brain serves as the central cog for decision-making, including choices of both profound and mundane significance, its compromised functionality in the wake of trauma significantly impedes one’s ability to navigate life’s complexities. The ramifications are evident in the recurrent malfunctioning of this cognitive engine. During my time in Yemen, I adhered to a principle of impartiality and neutrality, until I clearly knew the good from the evil. My writing revolved around the predicaments and consequences of political decisions. I firmly believe that a crucial facet of political engagement involves the capacity to adopt a depolarized stance when warranted. To mourn the loss of life, regardless of the location or the circumstances, does not necessitate the embrace of a specific political position. It is a testament to our innate empathy and compassion, transcending the boundaries of political allegiance. I am mindful not to adopt an overly simplistic perspective when considering any conflict. I recognize that human behavior often adheres to tribal norms, shaped by deep-seated loyalties and affiliations. This awareness stems from my upbringing in Yemen, a nation renowned for its robust tribal societies. Having been immersed in this cultural milieu, I am intimately acquainted with the dynamics of tribal allegiances. In such societies, the destiny of an entire tribe often rests in the hands of its chief leader. This traditional structure underscores the profound impact of leadership decisions on the collective well-being of the tribe. I discern analogous manifestations of tribalism in contemporary society, albeit expressed in different forms and contexts. When we contemplate war, it’s easy to fall into the misconception that it only unfolds in distant, remote regions, particularly in the Middle East. In reality, the specter of war looms much closer to us, unfolding right before our eyes, if only we scrutinize our surroundings with a critical eye. War is the chaotic, unjust use of force, often hurting innocents, which means war permeates our global reality. Consider the poignant example of George Floyd. His tragic ordeal serves as a stark reminder that acts of profound injustice can be analogous to the horrors of war. Although I initially struggled to personally connect with his story, recent firsthand experiences have brought this issue into sharp focus for me. Witnessing a close friend’s encounter with the police has illuminated the pervasive nature of injustice and the semblance it bears to the brutality associated with warfare. Unfortunately, a distressing incident has unjustly upended my friend’s life. After a disagreement with a person he was seeing, the person contacted the police. Despite his unblemished record and reputation as a dedicated teacher, the responding officers sided with the person making the complaint without hesitation. My friend was subjected to a grueling interrogation, held in custody for three days, and faced serious felony charges — all without being afforded his rightful Miranda warnings or access to a public defender. The system that should uphold justice appeared to falter at its core. The financial burden to clear his name was beyond his means, an exorbitant cost of $40,000 for legal representation. The consequences of that one phone call were catastrophic. The treatment he received has also left an indelible mark on me. As a witness, I found my words twisted into tools for prosecution. Our world is marked by growing dangers. If you don’t share this sentiment, consider yourself exceptionally fortunate. I, too, have been grappling with this feeling for quite some time, a sentiment that intensified when I witnessed wars and underwent profound trauma, leading to significant alterations in my neural pathways. If you, too, have experienced the horrors of conflict and bear the weight of trauma, take solace in the resilience of the human spirit. Thankfully, most people can overcome trauma and even sublimate it, allowing us to become more compassionate, and more resilient. We may carry these wounds with us, but it is not in spite of them that we find our strength; rather, it is because of them. [END] --- [1] Url: https://minnesotareformer.com/2023/12/04/war-is-everywhere-just-look-around-and-youll-see-it/ Published and (C) by Minnesota Reformer Content appears here under this condition or license: Creative Commons License CC BY-NC-ND 4.0. via Magical.Fish Gopher News Feeds: gopher://magical.fish/1/feeds/news/MnReformer/