LoL at the USA haters in the thread. Oh well, it is the fashionable thing to do after all.
On the other hand, the USA as well as any country has certainly done plenty wrong to the rest of the world. Only, it isn't as politically correct to snipe at any country besides that which is PERCEIVED as being a "superpower."
Anyway, here is the issue about war, it sucks. People (most of them innocent) die. That is the very nature of war. The purpose of armed forces is to achieve peace through victory - before your enemies acheive their peace with you.
Now, before you go lableing me a "war monger", consider this...
Were it up to me, the USA would not involve itself in any conflicts. We would be friendly to all nations desiring a cordial relationship, and work for the prosperity of all. Trade would be open and respect would be a "two way street."
On the other hand, we would have a strong national defense, and any nation would know that, to attack us, is to invite retaliation with full conventional force (irrespective of collateral damage), and harboring those who attack is tantamount to a direct attack. Furthermore, any attack with non-conventional weapons will be met in kind.
As for "humanitarian missions", decisions about such things should be left to the UN, but also equally supported by all nations desiring an "intervention". The USA would not be the "police of the world". In fact, I imagine that the rest of the world would appreciate a less invasive stance.
