The Dark Side of War: The Tragic Incident of Live Burial During the Iran-Iraq War

The Iran-Iraq War, which lasted from 1980 to 1988, is a testament to the brutality and inhumanity of war. In the midst of this conflict, one of the more horrific examples of the wars brutality involved Iraqi soldiers burying surrendered Iranian soldiers alive. This incident, alongside other human rights violations, highlights the dehumanization, retribution, psychological warfare, and lack of training that often plague such conflicts.

Dehumanization and Ideological Warfare

The intense nationalism and ideological fervor were key factors in the mindset that dehumanized the enemy. Iraqi forces often saw Iranian soldiers not merely as combatants, but as ideological threats. This dehumanization blurred the lines between civilians and soldiers, leading to a lack of empathy and respect for human life.

Retribution and Revenge

Historical animosities and recent conflicts between the two nations fueled deep-seated grievances. Some Iraqi soldiers may have acted out of a desire for revenge against Iranian forces for previous attacks or losses. This retaliation created a cycle of violence that was difficult to break, with neither side showing mercy.

Military Culture and Lack of Discipline

The military culture during the Iran-Iraq War was often characterized by extreme violence and a lack of accountability. Orders from higher-ups or a culture of impunity may have led some soldiers to commit atrocities without fear of repercussions. The chaotic nature of the war, combined with poor training and discipline among some Iraqi troops, contributed to instances of extreme violence against prisoners of war.

Psychological Warfare

Such brutal actions could also serve as a form of psychological warfare, intended to instill fear in the enemy and deter further resistance. The psychological impact of seeing comrades buried alive would have been immense, creating a sense of terror that could affect the morale and effectiveness of enemy forces.

Historical Pattern of Human Rights Violations

The incident of live burial was part of a broader pattern of human rights violations during the Iran-Iraq War, which included torture, executions, and other forms of inhumane treatment of prisoners. Both sides committed atrocities, and many of these actions remain a painful part of the historical narrative surrounding the conflict.

War as a Brutish and Nasty Business

War is, indeed, a brutish and nasty business that defies conventions and wisdom. The Iraq-Iran War was particularly total, with chemical weapons, bombing of civilian infrastructure, and the use of child soldiers all occurring during the conflict. The fact that a couple hundred Iranians got buried alive is not surprising, given that it was the most destructive war between two developing countries to date.

However, the symmetry of violence was not limited to just one side. The veteran Iraqi troops, who had experience digging trenches and plotting strong points after their time fighting the Iranians, faced similar challenges when US armored divisions encountered miles of barbed wire and trench systems on the Kuwaiti border. The US forces, equipped with plows and armored bulldozers, strategically buried Iraqi soldiers.

Conclusion

While the use of live burials is undoubtedly a tragic and inhumane act, it is a part of a broader narrative of the Iran-Iraq War. The conflicts reveal the dark side of war, where national pride, revenge, and psychological warfare often supersede the humanitarian principles of warfare. It is crucial to remember these events and learn from them to prevent such atrocities in the future.