Your take on the challenge is strong and the subject is interesting but the post processing really takes away the focal point of this image. Sadly, but the highlight blown rock at the bottom grabs the most attention. Maybe if you would have kept this as a color image, the sky would help bring the viewer's eyes back to the magnificent rock formation.
Current events? The colors you chose give this a dusty, parched look. Might wish for just a bit more range in the midtones of your duotones... maybe. BTW, I see a man in the mountain.