i'm not sure why, but this photo seems "bland" to me. its very static (this is not a negative criticism) in its framing and as such i would like to have more powerful imagery. or perhaps manipulated a bit more "heavy-handedly"
US implies two people. i see one.
nice pic, but (for me) does not fit the challenge well - it doesn't say 'conflict' without an explanation. Show the pic to strangers, and say nothing. Ask "What is the first thing that comes to mind?" or even 'What is the conflict in this image?' and let me know if anyone gets it.