Question

In what way is the war in this area wasteful

Answer 1

destruction by war. "Wasteful war" means destructive war, like the kinda archaic meaning of "to lay waste."But instead of focusing on violence against actual people, the speaker focuses on violence against art. He warns that statues will be toppled and "broils"—another word for "commotion," like "brawls"—will smash up the stonework.