The quote from Arturo Pérez-Reverte's book "The Siege" emphasizes that the true issue surrounding war is not merely the conflict itself, but rather the chaos and destruction it causes. This perspective highlights the broader repercussions of war, which extend beyond the battlefield to impact the lives of individuals and communities. The turmoil that accompanies warfare leads to suffering, loss, and a breakdown of society, suggesting that the effects of war can be far more devastating than the conflict alone.

Pérez-Reverte's insight invites readers to consider the human cost of war, focusing on the disorder that disrupts normalcy and forces people into dire situations. The passage serves as a reminder that the chaos of war reverberates through lives, altering the fabric of communities and leading to lasting trauma. It lays bare the argument that war, while presenting itself as a political or military issue, ultimately cultivates a deep-seated mayhem that transcends the initial reasons for conflict.