Ask AI: Explain the brutality of the 'Scorched Earth Policy '.

The term "Scorched Earth Policy" refers to a military strategy that aims to destroy any possible resources that might be utilized by the enemy. This could include water sources, crops, livestock, transportation, communications, industrial resources, and even people's houses. The idea is to render the territory useless for the enemy after you have retreated from it. The brutality of this strategy comes into play because it does not distinguish between military and civilian resources. Anything that could possibly be used by the enemy is considered a legitimate target. This can result in severe civilian suffering. Homes are destroyed, leaving people homeless. Farms and food supplies are eradicated, causing starvation. Infrastructure such as bridges, roads, and railways are obliterated, leaving areas isolated and unreachable for help. Additionally, not only does this strategy affect the people living during the conflict, but its consequences can also be felt for generations to come. With farmland destroyed, it takes years for the land to become arable again. If factories, buildings, and other forms of infrastructure are ruined, this can stagnate the economy. In essence, a scorched earth policy can devastate the civilian population more than the actual fighting in some cases, making it a brutal strategy. However, it's important to note that while this strategy can be devastating, it has been used throughout history as a last-resort measure by armies that were retreating and had no other options left. Despite its harsh impacts, it has sometimes been seen as necessary for the sake of self-defense or preservation.