Meaning: The quote by Clare Short, a British politician, addresses the deteriorating standards of targeting civilians in state violence and terrorist retaliation in conflict-ridden regions such as Iraq and Gaza. Short's statement reflects a deep concern about the escalating violence and the impact it has on innocent civilians caught in the crossfire of political and ideological conflicts.

Short's reference to "the world descending into worse and worse standards of targeting civilians" underscores the alarming trend of civilian casualties in contemporary conflicts. This observation is particularly relevant in the context of asymmetric warfare, where non-combatants are increasingly becoming the primary victims of violence. The deliberate targeting of civilians by state actors and terrorist groups has raised profound moral and ethical questions about the conduct of warfare and the protection of innocent lives.

The mention of "state violence in Iraq, Gaza and so on" highlights the involvement of national governments in perpetrating acts of violence against civilian populations. In the case of Iraq, the U.S.-led invasion and subsequent occupation resulted in widespread civilian casualties and human rights abuses. Similarly, the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict has seen numerous instances of civilian deaths and injuries due to military actions and airstrikes in Gaza. Short's criticism of state violence underscores the responsibility of governments to uphold international laws and conventions that protect civilians during armed conflicts.

The reference to "terrorist retaliation" acknowledges the complex dynamics of conflict, wherein non-state actors resort to violent means to retaliate against perceived injustices or to advance their political objectives. In the context of Iraq and Gaza, insurgent groups and militant organizations have carried out attacks targeting civilians, further exacerbating the humanitarian crisis in these regions. Short's inclusion of terrorist activities in her statement underscores the multifaceted nature of modern warfare, where the lines between combatants and non-combatants are increasingly blurred.

Short's use of the phrase "worse and worse standards" implies a sense of moral regression, wherein the principles of humanitarian conduct in warfare are being eroded over time. This characterization suggests a troubling trend where the protection of civilians is increasingly disregarded, and the rules of engagement are flouted with impunity. The normalization of civilian casualties as a byproduct of contemporary conflicts reflects a dangerous shift in the ethical norms governing armed conflicts.

In conclusion, Clare Short's quote encapsulates a poignant critique of the escalating violence and disregard for civilian lives in conflict-affected regions such as Iraq and Gaza. Her remarks shed light on the moral and ethical implications of targeting civilians in both state violence and terrorist acts, calling attention to the need for greater adherence to international humanitarian law and the protection of non-combatants in times of war. Short's words serve as a reminder of the urgent imperative to address the human cost of armed conflicts and to strive for a world where the targeting of civilians is unequivocally condemned and prevented.