"Looking back: WWIII remembered" Topic

"The first ever nuclear war — "exchange" doesn't capture it, nothing captures it. Millions dead. The skies are full of ash, dust and soot. There are rumours of forthcoming famines and a little Ice Age. The plight of refugees.

Only recently, optimists announced that war was obsolete. Violence was out, from dropping bombs to spanking children. Permanent peace and prosperity was at hand. Major conflict between great powers was in history's dustbin. Nuclear war was unthinkable. I suppose the gap between "one" and "zero" is a rounding error we must live with.

Because the war was nuclear, it was different from 1939, 1914, 1803 or 1756. The difference isn't some new scale of death. As Thomas Schelling noted, our ancestors could wipe out civilisations with ice picks. But then, back in the pre-nuclear world, you had to win on the battlefield first before annihilating the enemy's cities. Then, the defeated enemy couldn't inflict the apocalyptic dying sting that China just landed on Los Angeles. Then, the megadeath wasn't so mutual. Then, "victory" meant something. Now it tastes of ashes…"
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Amicalement
Armand

2029? I'm going to retire in 2028. I swear if I only get to enjoy retirement for one year I'm going to be miffed. I'll tell you that for nothing.

Ha!Ha!….

Amicalement
Armand