yustr

Connor - first of all, welcome to the PS.

You're missing a major point; we're the occupiers in Iraq and in Afghanistan. Therefore, keeping the vast majority of the citizenry on our side is critical. If nothing else, that is the lesson of Iraq. Until the local Imam, politico's,and war lords came over to our side - things weren't going so well. Sure we could have leveled the entire place - think Faluga (sp?).

Regarding ethics of war. Is was not until WWII that the killing of civilians was considered acceptable. Sure there was the usual plunder and pillage and slave taking but for at least a couple of hundred years it was not OK to direct your wrath at civilians.

Also don't forget that its the winners who get to decide what's ethical and what's not.