### When the U.S. Struck Three Sites in Iran: A Personal Reflection
When the U.S. struck three sites in Iran, my initial response was a mixture of hope and sorrow. Hope arose from the belief that these actions could help curtail the spread of weapons of mass destruction. In contrast, sorrow emanated from the inevitable loss of innocent lives and the heightened dangers faced by American citizens overseas.
I expressed these feelings in my newsletter, alongside my investment strategy. Historically, conflicts haven’t drastically impacted the long-term course of the stock market. Therefore, should the ongoing conflict prompt a market correction, I indicated my willingness to “buy the dip” again if the situation allows.
After sending out the newsletter, I received a wave of three critical emails from readers, branding my opinions as misguided, naive, and incorrect. While I’m not an expert on Iran, I was astonished that merely sharing my feelings could provoke such intense reactions.
As the U.S. State Department subsequently issued a “Worldwide Caution” warning for American travelers, alerting them of possible disruptions and protests linked to the attacks on Iranian nuclear sites, my yearning for peace seemed trivial to those who criticized me. They ridiculed my hopes as nonsensical. For those who actively support warfare, I wished them the best, especially if they or their children chose to serve.
### Why The Yearning For Peace
My journey toward appreciating peace began in middle school in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, amid the early stages of the Persian Gulf War. On August 2, 1990, Iraq invaded Kuwait in a dispute over its oil reserves, resulting in U.S. intervention. Operation Desert Storm lasted merely 43 days but caused the heartbreaking loss of around 2,300–3,500 Iraqi civilians. This prompted many, including my friends and the Malaysian media, to adopt a critical stance towards U.S. actions.
As a Muslim-majority country, Malaysia found itself torn between upholding international law and showing solidarity with fellow Muslim nations. This conflict sparked public unrest, and with my parents employed by the U.S. embassy, tensions heightened. One of my close Muslim friends turned against me, mockingly calling me names that underscored my American identity. At 13, I was shocked by this sudden shift in our relationship.
The situation worsened when a bomb threat compelled my school to evacuate, leaving an enduring effect on my sense of security and freedom as an American overseas. I longed for peace as tensions heightened.
### Additional Encounters With War and Terror
In January 2001, I was dining at the Windows on the World restaurant at the top of the North Tower of the World Trade Center during Goldman Sachs’ Latin America conference. Tragedy struck on September 11 when terrorists carried out attacks, destroying the towers and claiming nearly 3,000 lives.
The attacks were executed by 19 al-Qaeda members, led by Osama bin Laden, motivated by grievances against U.S. military presence in the Middle East and perceived wrongs faced by Muslims worldwide. The trauma reverberated through the financial sector, with many knowing individuals who lost their lives that day.
A decade later, in November 2008, 10 terrorists from Lashkar-e-Taiba carried out a horrific attack on the Oberoi-Trident Hotel in Mumbai, where I had stayed just two weeks earlier. The realization that I narrowly escaped such mayhem haunted me.
### The Stakes Have Increased As A Parent
Before I became a father, my concerns about personal safety primarily revolved around my own well-being and the impact of my potential loss on my family. Today, as a parent, my primary obligation is to safeguard my family’s well-being. With escalating geopolitical tensions, the threat of war looms large, and my worries are intensified by the necessity to travel often.
Many have questioned my decision to maintain life insurance instead of relying solely on my assets. The comfort that a tax-free death benefit would provide ongoing stability for my family brings me reassurance. If the worst were to happen, I know financial burdens will not add to the emotional trauma they would already endure.
### Peace, War, Death, Love
Peace signifies more than just the absence of conflict; it serves as the foundation for love, friendship, and community unity. From my childhood as a young American in Malaysia to witnessing terrorism as an adult, I acknowledge peace as both a fragile and essential asset.
Peace affords us the freedom to live authentically and love without boundaries, unclouded by fear. I hope we can cherish peace and prepare for our loved ones’ safety, especially in chaotic times.
I may be perceived as naive for aspiring to peace, but that does not diminish the authenticity of my feelings regarding war and its ramifications. The potential for further conflict in the Middle East is tangible—as is the weight of a “forever war” that continually entraps us.
### A Call for Readers’ Reflections
I encourage readers to share their insights on death, war, and personal experiences.