Armistice Day--Ending of One Conflict and Beginning of Another--21st Century Applications

Armistice Day, 11/11/1918 at 11:00AM--marked the end of conflict on the western front during World War I (WWI).  Referred to as Rememberance Day in the British Commonwealth and National Day in many other European countries, it was changed to Veteran's Day in the USA after World War II (WWII).

Unfortunately, the terms of the peace agreement on 11/11/1918, did not sit well with Germany  and marked the beginning of what eventually became WWII. 

In the 21st Century, there are many similar examples in terms of multinational conflict.  To take only one, the experience in the USA of 9-11-2001, was the trigger that has prompted billions or trillions of US dollars expended on conflicts in the Middle East.  Iraq, Afganistan, Islamic terrorists who operate across borders, Pakistan, Iran, the USA, allies from the British Commonwealth, Europe, and throughout the world keep taking one next step or decision which eventually foments more conflict elsewhere.

Sacred texts to the Hebrews, the Christians, and the Moslems all point to conflict in the Middle East that dates back to about 3,000 years before Christ (5,000 plus years ago).  While personalities in this conflict reflect the 21st Century, many of the traditions of the conflict have deep historical roots.

"Those who do not learn from history are doomed to repeat it."  We need to pay attention to the lessons of Armistice Day, 11/11/1918 and what came out of it.  How can we apply what we learn from those lessons to decisions about funding current conflicts today.

There is a lot of violence in the streets in the USA and elsewhere these days.  Hundreds of school-age children are killed in Chicago and its suburbs.  Some gangs are inspired by what they learn of terrorists.  Some terrorists can extend their influence to people who might not otherwise be connected with their goals and ideals.  Even officers serving in the U.S. Military are not immune to seeds of violence and distruction.

What can we do to end the conflicts in the world around us in ways that do not lead to more conflict later?