Reminiscent of the adage:

Just because you're paranoid, doesn't mean everyone doesn't hate you.

I had a glancing blow at Intelligence duties in the military and the problem is often everyone is judged by your own standards . . . (i.e., the particular country, not necessarily the individual)

This leads to rampant paranoia, therefore PERCEIVED threats are acted on, or planned for as if they are real. This then is exacerbated because each side then reacts to that and so on. This is how 'arms races' occur.

That is being 'kind', then we have the power brokers who most definitely HAVE an agenda that has nothing to do with defence, but everthing to do with those pulling the real strings. Controlling somebody else's resources, especially before you use your own. Better still, either don't pay for it, or get a really good deal.

I am so glad that's all behind me. I've since met many of those who were previously designated 'the enemy' and have been struck by how much like 'us' they are.

They want a home, a car, a good education for their kids, food on the table and a stable future. Obviously rabid commie bastards!

Isn't it sad?