War & family breakdown (in a child's mind).

Considering the Middle Eastern war (March 2026 - initiated by The West) and a child's perspective on family disturbance.

Whether born of economic bargaining , geo-political tension, hubristic machinations or perhaps more likely, Aeonic Eschatological currents, I began to picture this conflict as reflective of “parents at war" (family breakdown) in the child’s mind.

We as members, subjects or citizens look on, as those in positions of power negotiate a split from the old. We are aware that change is afoot. We watch as negotiation and arguments fail to bring agreement and renewal; the protagonists resort to acting out. Squabbling, tussling and eventually firing missiles towards each other.

We sit on the edge of the furthest stair from the disturbance. We lean forward, and for hours carefully listen. Occasionally we dissociate and continue our childlike thoughts, but are soon shocked into attending again.  

While the seriousness of it all and risk to life shouldn’t be trivialised, the current state of play perhaps reflects family breakdown where a couple, who’s ability to express themselves in words has been stymied and the otherwise manageable conflict has descended into violence. The couple begin indiscriminately lobbing objects towards each other, typically crockery, cutlery and items otherwise unused in that kitchen draw both sides agree need never be tidied.

We as children look on, puzzled, confused. Are they still together? Where is this going? Who is the aggressor, who is the victim and who should we believe? The keenness of assurances given by one parent exemplifies those of our homelands position (with all is alliances). The other parent demonised and dehumanised - oscillating between unjust aggressor and the victim to the propagandists control. 

We as children are unwittingly caught up in this thing, with little to no power or agency. We perhaps assume this is “for the best”? That somehow both parties have good reason and that they will arrive at a conclusion that we can all live with. Chaos and destruction surely isn’t their goal? The old will return in time? Denial of reality is the safest location in a child’s mind. Sadly, this is illusory.  Even as adults we gossip about this illusion and tease each other with the idea that this means irreparable damage and a new paradigm. 

What we are likely unaware of is that this argument, this break-up, has been brewing for years. It’s been “in the planning” albeit unspoken. The signs were there though. The moods at the dinner table. The sarcastic remarks which weren’t at all funny, but cold and hateful. The absences. The silences. The signs were there. 

The individual stories written for these parents was scripted long before they met. Long before they became who they have become. They are becoming themselves and their relationship to each other must now mould itself to fit the story of their lives.