PUBLISHED: Weigh the good against suffering

[Actual published text in bold]

The recently publicized atrocities committed against Iraqis by US troops are deeply dismaying. But the sad reality is that crimes against humanity – even rape, torture and wanton murder – are quite common during war. It is part of war’s inherent nature, in which widespread chaos, violence, loss and dehumanization both incite and provide cover to a minority of twisted psychopaths to perpetrate despicable acts against others.

In America we are lucky to have been insulated from the horrors of war for many years, but we’ve forgotten one of its basic truths. Atrocities are committed in all wars, and by individuals from all sides. War is always hellish, and its human cost is always staggering. There are no exceptions. Before we can justify going to war, we must somberly weigh the good to be gained against the tremendous suffering that is certain to result.

Does anyone remember us gravely deliberating these things before we invaded Iraq? Not that I can recall.