That these two irreconcilably opposed powers, directly or indirectly,
held the lives of countless millions in their hands (whether through
action or non-action) was disheartening, but not at all atypical.
Contending governments and heads of state had managed to keep their
peoples at odds, away from any sense of shared humanity and mutual
need, from the beginning of history. In this sense at least, those who
knew something of the nature of war could prepare themselves, if only
for the worst.
"For as you lean," spoke the prophet, "so shall you fall."