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"Bombing Afghanistan back into the Stone Age" was quite a favourite headline for some wobbly liberals. The slogan does all the work. But an instant's thought shows that Afghanistan is being, if anything, bombed OUT of the Stone Age.
Christopher Hitchens
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Interpretation

What this quote means

The quote critiques simplistic views on warfare and progress, suggesting that conflict can lead to development rather than regression.

Christopher Hitchens' quote reflects on the often misleading narratives surrounding warfare, particularly in Afghanistan. He challenges the notion that bombing the region would revert it to a primitive state, instead arguing that such actions might actually propel it towards modernization. It calls for deeper contemplation on the effects of military interventions and highlights the complexities of cultural and technological evolution in the context of conflict.

Themes

WarProgressAfghanistanModernizationConflict

In practice

Example use cases

In a debate about military intervention, this quote can serve to remind us of the complexities involved.

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