By now, we’ve all seen some of the graphic images coming out of Ukraine, and in the back of everyone's mind is the same thought: “Is this real?”

It’s not that we think the Ukrainians are lying, or that Russia is incapable of committing these horrific atrocities.  No, that’s not why we question the truth of what we’re seeing – we do it because in our minds, we simply can’t rationalize how one human being can do this to another.

As a 1^st-generation Syrian immigrant, I can tell you from experience that unfortunately, not only are these pictures authentic, but chances are there's still much more – and even worse – that hasn’t come out yet.

I spent years watching these same types of images and videos come out of Syria, to the point where I can’t do it anymore. When the news anchor says "Warning: These images may disturb some viewers,” that is my cue to change the channel. I know all too well what they are about to show me, and I pray for the victims and their families … but for my own mental health, I have to look away.

I set this boundary for myself after several years of watching every bit of news I could find coming out of Syria and gradually recognizing the toll it was taking on me. It had gotten to the point that I couldn’t sleep or even close my eyes without envisioning atrocities that no human being should ever have to see – let alone commit against their fellow human beings.

The war criminals that commit these types of acts have lost sight of what it means to be human – instead, they’ve become the embodiment of evil. If you look into their eyes, you see nothingness; it’s as if they’ve lost their souls, or the very spark that makes them human.

I hope the media continues to report on what's happening in Ukraine because it needs to be documented, but I strongly urge you to look away when you need a break. Prioritize your mental health and pray for the victims.

Here’s another thing can tell you from my lived experience: Many of these images of brutalized civilian victims in Ukraine are being intentionally released by the Russians. They want to send a message to Ukrainians in the rest of the country to let them know what awaits them if they keep fighting back against the invasion.

Sadly, I can tell you this awaits them regardless.  The Russian authorities are not to be trusted; they have a long history of continuing to brutalize occupied civilian populations long after the invasion is complete.

The only way out of this for Ukraine is to keep fighting, and I have no doubt they will do so. I’m pleased by the news coming out of Washington that the U.S. is stepping up its efforts and providing the Ukrainian army with the weaponry they need to defend themselves, and we are not doing it alone. NATO countries are all pitching in, sending equipment and funds to Ukraine so they can not only fight the Russians, but have a real chance at defeating them.

The idea that Ukraine could defeat the “mighty Russian army” seemed like fantasy a few weeks ago, but now we see that it’s a real possibility. The Ukrainians see this, too, and they are more determined than ever to fight.

Meanwhile, the Russians are retreating from Kyiv … but unfortunately, that’s just so they can regroup and come up with a new attack plan – they’ll be back. This war will go on until Putin can no longer afford to keep it going.

The good news is, the sanctions are taking a toll on Putin – he had to beg the Chinese for help, and to my (pleasant) surprise, they refused him. We don't know China's motives, but for now, they are staying on the sidelines, which is probably the best-case scenario for Ukraine and everyone else.

Here at home, we have our own battle to fight: There are some in this country who crave the authoritarian style of government that Putin uses to control the Russian people.

Members of the Republican Party have praised Putin and spread his lies and propaganda right here in the U.S.A. They must be stopped, and it’s up to us to do it, because their own party leadership refuses to do the job.

The Republican leadership seems to be terrified of Putin wing of the party. Marjorie Taylor Greene, Lauren Boebert, and Madison Cawthorn, and the rest of Putin’s fan club have been openly aiding and abetting our enemy while President Biden tries to prevent WW3, and the Republican leadership remains silent. 

They won’t condemn anything these traitors say or do, no matter how outrageous or anti-American, and that makes them complicit!

I am not really a fan of the term “one-issue voter,” but if that issue is America’s survival as a free nation, well, I think that is something we can all get behind.

When you vote for the Democratic Party this November, you’re voting for democracy, you’re voting for freedom, you’re voting for America.

The Party of Putin – the Republican Party – wants to take us down the dark road to dictatorship, so long as they’re the ones in charge. Unfortunately, they are very well-funded by dark money from corporations, special interests and the 1%, so it’s going to take all of us pitching in to stop them. 

I believe that, like the Ukrainians fighting Putin’s army, we can defeat our opposition even if it feels like we’re the underdog.  All it takes is all of us committing to the fight.

Regards,

Hassan Martini, Executive Director