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Tinashe Shamhu

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Is war a necessity or something that should be avoided at all cost?

War can be an unpleasant experience but sometimes it seems like it is tool which can be used to bring about peace. In the same way it can be a tool used for tyranny and greed. Is it a good thing for people to desire eternal unquestionable peace or is war a means of bringing about that peace?

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    Katarina Smetko 500+

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    TED AttendeeTED TranslatorTEDx OrganizerLanguage Coordinator
    Jul 20 2011: I would like to refer to what Mr. Valdernex said about fighting being in our genes. It is true that people have always fought. However, isn't this exactly what the evolution is about? About surpassing primitive urges and finding other ways of resolving disputes? I'm sure everyone (or at least most people) will agree that every penny and cent used for buying weapons and invading foreign territories would be of far more use if it was invested in education, economy, ecology etc.
    I come from Croatia, where we've had peace for 20 years now, but the scars of war are unfortunately still felt. Both young and old(er) people are still holding on to memories and attitudes from the war.
    I think we would all be better off if those people didn't have any such memories to hold on to in the first place....
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      Bob Van Oosterhout 20+

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      Jul 20 2011: Katrina, Do you have any insights on how healing can take place so the scars of war do not contribute to attitudes that contribute to other wars? South Africa had a Truth and Reconciliation Commission run by Bishop Desmond Tutu. Have there been similar efforts in Croatia?

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