Veterans Left Behind: New Gulf in Justice Episode Exposes “The War After the War”

A powerful new episode of Gulf in Justice shines a spotlight on the hidden struggles facing military veterans long after they leave active service — from unresolved trauma to legal vulnerability abroad.

In this episode, Radha Stirling, CEO of Detained in Dubai and a leading expert on international legal systems, speaks with trauma coach and author Dr John A. King about what he describes as “the war after the war.”

Dr King draws on his extensive work with veterans to explain how trauma, identity loss, and the challenges of reintegration can leave former service members exposed, often without adequate support systems in place.

Stirling connects these insights directly to her own casework, highlighting numerous military veterans she has assisted who became entangled in foreign legal systems, particularly in the UAE. Cases discussed include John Murphy, Joseph Lopez, Robin Berlin, Robert Dobbs, Perry Coppins, Charles Wimberly, and Andy Neal.

“We are seeing a troubling pattern where veterans, already dealing with the psychological aftermath of service, are finding themselves criminalised or detained in jurisdictions that offer little protection or understanding,” said Stirling. “These are men who have served their countries, yet too often they are left to navigate complex legal systems alone.”

The discussion explores how unresolved trauma, combined with high-pressure environments and insufficient institutional support, can increase vulnerability — particularly for those working or travelling internationally.

Dr King emphasised the importance of recognising and addressing the long-term impact of service:
“The war doesn’t end when you leave the battlefield. For many veterans, that’s when a different kind of battle begins.”

The episode calls for greater awareness, stronger protections, and improved support systems for veterans worldwide.