Originally Posted by
chitown
I did not post this in issues because I am not looking for an argument. That seems to be the area where the boxing always happens. Mods, feel free to move there if posting this in the lounge was a mistake.
What I am looking for are some answers to questions I have about war. Past wars, present wars and future wars. This internal conflict I am having inside comes from a conversation I had with a friend a few weeks ago. He is a lieutenant in the US Army and a career military man.
He asked me what I thought about Afghanistan and Iraq. I told him we need to get the hell out of the ME altogether. He reminded me on 911 and at that time I was a full supporter of a war with both countries. Since then, I have actually had a total change of heart. I admit, it is not that I feel any love for either country. There I said it. But rather feel both places are hopeless in not only victory in war, but also those folks do not want democracy.
He asked me about our successful mission in Libya. My thought? None of our concern.
He asked me if I supported American military action in Syria. My thought? Same as above.
My friend then said war is a necessary evil that has always been and will always be, He is confident Iran is our next hot spot. He repeatedly told me that war is something that is justified when someone provokes us into military action. He said it is also justifeed to protect the freedoms of others and to promote democracy and human rights in our ally countries around the world.
It was late and I told him I had to get to bed. I went to the bedroom and got into bed. But I did not sleep well that night. I kept thinking - Is war necessary? Is there ever a justification for war? What justifies it?
Am I having a revelation moment?
I am not looking for an argument, a fight, name calling, insults etc. In fact, I will not respond to such posts. I will happily read all thoughts on this subject that are given respectfully.
I am searching for some sort of resolution within myself to the question below.
Is there ever a justification for war / military action?
Thanks!