Why do we not ever learn?

The poppy painted on a shard from a broken rum jar commemorates the Battle of Delville Wood 14 July-3 September, an engagement in the 1916 Battle of the Somme in the First World War. The battle is of particular importance to South Africa, as it was the first major engagement entered into by the South African 1st Infantry Brigade on the Western Front. The casualties sustained by this Brigade were of catastrophic proportions, comparable to those encountered by Allied battalions on the first day of the Somme. On the Western Front, units were normally considered to be incapable of combat if their casualties had reached 30% and they were withdrawn once this level had been attained. The South African Brigade suffered losses of 80%, yet they managed to hold the Wood as ordered. 


As I watch the tragedy developing on the border of Ukraine I wonder if we will ever let the people do the talking and resolve international problems rather than let our "leaders" create yet more tension and danger?