Ethical and moral questions abound when you think about war.

First of all, when is a war necessary? Or to phrase it a little differently, is there ever a Just War?

Secondly, if war is necessary, is it better to respond with great force and end it quickly or drag it out hoping the other side will give up? In short, Hiroshima or the Western Front?

Thirdly, is a pre-emptive strike (e.g., Israel in 1967) ever justified?

Fourthly, can the Utilitarian concept of "the greatest good for the greatest number" be used to justify actions in wartime?

I'm not going to try to deal with these -- better minds than mine have rassled with 'em. I know my personal answers (42, perhaps, maybe and yo' momma), but they should continue to be asked as long as humanity wants to be inhumane.