how much force is too much. "to bomb or not to bomb that is the question"

[johnnycombat]

I think some of you have ducked the real question, which is ashamed because it is a quite interesting one. It seems to me that the question is how do you determine how many innocents you are willing to kill, to kill a terrorist or terrorists? The follow on of, is it different in say New York is also interesting because it forces the question; is an American life worth more than a Pakistanis one (or which ever 2 country you prefer)? Obviously in the logic I put forth you would bomb New York or Baghdad equally since the over all goal is served equally, admittedly easier said than done. By saying one or both questions are not relevant you only duck the question, by saying kill them all you sound ignorant.

[Warthog]

I just see far too many unique scenarios to put down some hard fast rule. Methods of eliminating the target, etc. Will there be a chance to take him out when he's by himself...Is our intel reliable...Whatever. Everyone always wants these hardfast rules and answers. Wait 'til you're on the ground someday and you have 30min to act on intel you just recieved and make the command decision.

Warthog

[engracio]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Warthog

I just see far too many unique scenarios to put down some hard fast rule. Methods of eliminating the target, etc. Will there be a chance to take him out when he's by himself...Is our intel reliable...Whatever. Everyone always wants these hardfast rules and answers. Wait 'til you're on the ground someday and you have 30min to act on intel you just recieved and make the command decision.

Warthog

"command decision." What is that? Does it come with fries and soda? What do you mean it is not in the playbook???? You mean I have to make a decision? Can I really do that???

e

[johnnycombat]

The question has nothing to do with hard fast rules just general principals. Obviously ever situation is different and will have to be decided by the person on the ground but what principals should guide him or her. Not looking for a command decision so much as commander’s intent.

[Chuckiechan]

Quote:

how do you determine how many innocents you are willing to kill, to kill a terrorist or terrorists?

The question is: None.

When the bomb goes off however, there are sometimes innocents around. The problem with the "innocents" is that they or their parents want to hang around with people with a big red bulls - eye painted on their heads.

You won't see the US blowing up a shopping center full of innocent people to kill a handful of terrorists. We try to keep the mayhem to a minumum, but there is still a job to be done.

[ClubMed]

Goes both ways,

Living in a country who's government pursues unjust foreign policies, will put you in harms way too.

[Chuckiechan]

Quote:

Goes both ways,

I guess you mean the terrorist habit of detonating bombs in crowded places? I'm surprised you're cool with that. But then I guess it's why we don't see the Muslim world killing off these criminals themselves. Just a different "belief set" I guess...

We'll agree to disagree on this one...

[RADAR1797]

Quote:

Originally Posted by ClubMed

Goes both ways,

Living in a country who's government pursues unjust foreign policies, will put you in harms way too.

Another statement supporting UBL and his ilk. Predictable.

[ClubMed]

Yeah possibly Chuck,

The point is, supporting a leader who follows unjust foreign policies will put you in harms way too, so don't be surprised when attacks are carried out.

[ClubMed]

You can hide from the truth all you like Radar.