Kamal Ghorui
Sometimes, war happens because a country needs to protect its people from being attacked. This idea is called a “just war.” Even then, wars cause a lot of pain, loss, and damage. But there is something even worse — a war that begins because leaders don’t tell the truth.
When leaders start a war using half-truths or false claims, the results are usually very harmful. Sometimes, a leader might start a foreign conflict to distract people from problems at home, like a struggling economy or poor election results. This is often called “wag the dog” — meaning creating a big drama outside the country so people stop noticing troubles inside.
For example, former US President George W. Bush started the Iraq War saying that Iraq’s leader, Saddam Hussein, had dangerous “weapons of mass destruction” and links to the 9/11 attacks. Later, it turned out those weapons were never found. The war removed Saddam, but Iraq became unstable and violent for many years.
Now, critics say something similar about former President Donald Trump and his actions toward Iran. They argue that he claimed Iran was directly threatening the United States, even though some experts and officials said there wasn’t clear proof of that. When wars are started without strong evidence, people question whether they were really necessary.
There are other examples too. Under President Barack Obama, the US joined a military action in Libya that removed its leader, Muammar Gaddafi. But Libya has struggled with conflict and instability ever since.
Wars based on unclear or untrue reasons often leave behind long-term problems. Countries can be damaged for years. Soldiers and their families suffer. Veterans may struggle deeply even after they return home.
When wars are started for the wrong reasons, they don’t even have the moral support that a “just war” might have. Instead of protecting people, they can send a dangerous message to the world: that powerful countries can do whatever they want.
That’s why wars based on untruths are often the worst kind.
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