Faith Under Fire: The Ethics of Conflict and Sacrifice
Remembrance and the aftermath of war
This lesson examines the 1991 Dhahran barracks attack through the lens of religious ethics, exploring the concepts of just war, the sanctity of life, and the moral weight of military duty.
Suggested age
14–16
Duration
30 minutes
Type
Lesson pack
Conflict / period
Gulf War
Subjects
Religious Education
Content note
This lesson deals with the topic of war and casualties. Please approach the discussion with sensitivity, ensuring students understand the human cost of these events.
Overview
This lesson examines the 1991 Dhahran barracks attack through the lens of religious ethics, exploring the concepts of just war, the sanctity of life, and the moral weight of military duty.
Learning objectives
- Identify key ethical dilemmas faced by soldiers in conflict zones.
- Evaluate the concept of the 'sanctity of life' within the context of war.
- Apply religious perspectives to the actions taken by military personnel during the Gulf War.
Materials required
- Internet access to https://10secondwarstories.online/en/gulf/dhahran-scud-attack-1991
- Printed worksheet
- Pens and paper
Historical context
On February 25, 1991, during the Gulf War, an Iraqi Scud missile struck a US military barracks in Dhahran, Saudi Arabia. It was the deadliest attack on coalition forces during the war, killing 28 soldiers. The incident highlights the vulnerability of troops and the swift nature of modern missile warfare.
Reading material
In the Gulf War, military personnel were stationed in locations like Dhahran, far from the front lines, yet they were not safe from technological warfare. On 25 February 1991, an Iraqi Scud missile struck a barracks, resulting in a tragic loss of life. To understand this event, watch the short video here: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/erIbOdB0_KI. For more detailed historical information, read the full account: https://10secondwarstories.online/en/gulf/dhahran-scud-attack-1991. From a religious perspective, war raises difficult questions. How do we balance the duty of protection with the commandment to preserve life? Soldiers often carry the weight of these ethical choices, reflecting on their conscience even in the most chaotic circumstances.
Student worksheet (preview)
Activity:
1. Watch the video above.
2. Write a short paragraph (3-4 sentences) explaining the ethical challenge: If your role is to protect, but you are unable to prevent a sudden attack, how might a person of faith reconcile their duty with the reality of loss? Use the space below: [Space provided for writing].
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Discussion questions
- Can war ever be considered 'just' according to religious teachings? Why or why not?
- How does the suddenness of the Dhahran attack complicate our understanding of the 'sanctity of life'?
- What role does community and faith play in supporting those who survive such traumatic events?
Extension task
Research the 'Just War Theory' (Jus in Bello) and create a poster illustrating one of the principles and how it relates to the events at Dhahran.
Support prompts
- Think about the difference between the intent to protect others and the outcome of the attack.
- Consider the idea of 'conscience'—is it possible to be a person of peace while serving in the military?
- Focus on the human experience of the soldiers rather than just the political reasons for the war.
Sources and credits
- https://www.youtube.com/shorts/erIbOdB0_KI
- https://10secondwarstories.online/en/gulf/dhahran-scud-attack-1991
- Imperial War Museum (iwm.org.uk)
- BBC Bitesize - Religious Studies (bbc.co.uk/bitesize)
Designed by a qualified History teacher for the 10 Second War Stories educational outreach project.
Last reviewed: 2026-09-26