The breakout of Covid 19 instilled a fear in us that was never there earlier. What if another unknown disease, more powerful and deadlier than Covid 19 breaks out, how will we stop them? Isn't there any precaution? Even if there is precaution available you will never know until we get affected by one of the next disease. The Invisible Enemy by Girish Kuber, translated from his Marathi book 'Yuddh Jivanche' shows concern on this topic and the history of chemical and biological warfare from its inception to date. With an unyielding writing style, Kuber delves into the darkest chapters of human history, exposing the social, cultural, and humanitarian implications of diseases, pandemics, bioweapons, and warfare.
- The narrative embarks on a journey through time, beginning with the haunting history of the plague when carcasses and cadavers were wielded as weapons, strategically spreading disease to gain an advantage in warfare. It was often affluent foreign travellers who introduced deadly diseases and pandemics. Kuber's book also delves into the realms of immunology and the history of vaccines, offering readers a comprehensive understanding of our ongoing battle against infectious diseases.
- World War I emerges as a turning point, as Germany employed poisonous gases in a harrowing new form of warfare against Russia, Britain, and the Allied forces. This marked the inception of gas warfare and the horrors it unleashed upon soldiers and civilians alike. The book delves into the aftermath of these attacks, revealing the gory details of the victims and the alarming symptoms they experienced. It begs the question: Was Hitler driven by a personal vendetta?
- The suppression of press freedom and the control of expression during this era are also explored. Animals often bore the silent burden of this warfare, suffering as unsuspecting victims. It was during this period that Sarin gas was introduced, forever etching its place in history. While primarily focusing on the historical aspects of chemical warfare, the book provides a comprehensive account of World War I and the dawn of World War II.
- The narrative then shifts to the atrocities committed by Japan and China, particularly with the opium trade and the Fugu plan. Chinese prisoners were subjected to deadly experiments, exposing the depths of human cruelty. Unit 731 and its gruesome experiments are vividly depicted, alongside the infamous Pearl Harbor attack and the subsequent Tokyo Raid. Astonishingly, Japan's inhumane warfare surpassed even Hitler's atrocities, largely evading widespread exposure due to support from the United States. The rise of Russia further adds to the complexities of this dark era.
- During this phase, intelligence agencies took a backseat, allowing biological and chemical warfare to become disturbingly prevalent. Kuber's writing vividly captures the ruthlessness of leaders like Churchill, who referred to it as a "trend and fashion." Operations Anthropoid and Paperclip were launched under Churchill's regime, highlighting the bloodshed the United States would eventually be held accountable for.
- The book uncovers Russia's preparations for Anthrax bombs in 1979, a mere seven years before the Chernobyl disaster, where countless lives were lost. Russia's biological warfare not only claimed the lives of soldiers but also inflicted immense suffering on innocent civilians. Although Operation Enzyme was launched, bioweapons were fortunately not deployed during the war.
- The narrative highlights the worldwide proliferation of bioweapons, fueled by the greed for dominion. Every country had its share of the blame, as their ruthless pursuit of power led them to deploy weapons against their own people. Operation Artichoke exposes the sinister use of LSD for planned murder, while the involvement of the Bush family in various historical disasters raises intriguing questions. The book further delves into SEATO and the devastating effects of toxic chemicals during the Vietnam War, forever cursing an entire generation and leading to war crimes such as the infamous My Lai Massacre.
- The focus then shifts to Iraq and Saddam Hussein, labelled the "Butcher of Baghdad" by the West. While the US believed Saddam possessed weapons of mass destruction, they conveniently ignored their own supply of such weapons to Iraq. Motivated by fear and a desire to maintain control over global oil resources, the US orchestrated fake news, propaganda, and agendas to remove Hussein from power. It was once again the Bush family involved in the war crimes committed in Iraq and Iran. The repercussions of these actions haunted the returning soldiers, who became victims of Gulf War Syndrome with little hope of recovery.
- The book also sheds light on instances of biowarfare such as the Bulgarian refugee in London and the Racin poison attack. South Africa's role in biowarfare is explored, although it is Mandela's battle against apartheid that often dominates historical narratives. The introduction of briefcase bombs, assassinations, and poison-based murders all contributed to maintaining stability and governance. Shockingly, even spiritual gurus became embroiled in bioterrorism, using innocent individuals as unwitting test subjects.
- Acharya Rajneesh, Ma Anand Sheela, and Japan's Aum Shinrikyo cult all find their place in this grim history. Sheela orchestrated the first germ attack, constituting the largest bioterrorism incident to date. Under the guise of helping the poor and homeless, these individuals callously used them as guinea pigs. Religion and narcissism became catalysts for bioterrorism, leaving a trail of devastation in their wake.
Throughout the book, Kuber highlights the pollution of seas and water bodies since the inception of chemical and biological warfare. Genetic weapons have been developed with the sinister intent to target specific races. The looming threat of bacterial warfare is discussed, an issue we may have already experienced but cannot definitively name until substantial evidence comes to light.
In "The Invisible Enemy," Girish Kuber delivers an alarming account of the horrors and atrocities committed in the name of chemical and biological warfare throughout history. His unyielding writing style captivates readers, providing a smooth and engaging narrative. This thought-provoking book serves as a stark reminder of the dark side of humanity, urging us to confront the consequences of our actions and remain vigilant against future threats. Definitely a book worth possessing for current and future generations.
See you again next week with anything artistic!
