Is war ever justifable and if so under what circumstances?

Question

I'm not simply talking about the war in Iraq. Any war throughout history. I mean diplomacy is a nice idea but it doesn't always work. Does the end justify the means? For what cause is war okay? Should we have to fight to protect what belongs to us and should we fight for our human rights even if it means the killing of others and maybe ourselves in the process. I would like to see peoples opinion on this. I haven't stated my opinion as of yet this is simply a question to find out how other people feel about it.

Answer 1

Most wars throughout history have been for reasons I personally deem unnecessary. Many have been little more than a “This is mine” statement – countries invading each other for more land, more power; the different churches of the world claiming this or that Holy Land is theirs exclusively; ultimately it boils down to one person or small group of people wanting to rule the world, if not in its entirety, as much of it as they can.

Some wars, though, I think deserved to be fought. The Eighty Years War, the American Revolutionary War – they were about oppressed people standing up for themselves. Both of the above examples were fought for multiple, complex reasons, but heavy taxation was a precedent. Foreign rule was a big issue as well (though in both cases there was an initial loyalty to the foreign king). There was also an issue in regards to personal freedoms in both cases (freedom of religion, freedom of self-government, ect.) People in those situations do not deserve the manner in which they are treated. In instances such as these, I find it justifiable to go to war.

The difference in what is a justifiable war and what isn't depends on who fired first, so to speak. Was the shot a blatant attack or self-defense?

In regards to the mentionings of WWII, just another example of a "This is mine" war. Hitler wanted to rule the world, his manifesto says so. WWII is not justifiable because countries defended themselves. Well of course they are going to defend themselves! That fact is incidental. If that were the case then all wars would be justifiable. It is not so. Hitler struck first; therefore WWII will ultimately go down in history as one more example of one man's ridiculous attempt to rule a world that does not belong to him.

Answer 2

It's never justifiable because it destroys civilizations. How can you justify bombing of buildings, killing people, for what? So I think war is never justifiable, it's all about suffering and oppression.

Yep not only in Iraq, but all wars throughout history. Remember the Greek mythology, the fall of troy? War is always about burning the house down, raping captive women, killing babies. World war 2 was the same. They are all the same, so it's not justifiable, like it defies human existence.

Answer 3

Any war is justified only with the consent of the President and the Congress. Otherwise, it should not be necessary to start a war. The President and the Congress must approve to start any war. Period. !!!

Answer 4

World War II was entirely justified. Adolf Hitler was bent on world subjugation, and the extermination of millions.

Guys like that don't stop because you asked him nicely.

Answer 5

I don't think it's justifiable. I've always thought it's insane!

Answer 6

it is never justifiable.
SEND THE TROOPS HOME!!!!!