Sorry Teribus but I would dispute some of your contentions.

Firstly, opinions are just opinions and the opinions given here on both sides of the fence will not make an iota of difference to me, you or the world at large. I asked at the end 'what is the point'. I ask it again but it is rhetorical as I believe the answer to be 'purely for our amusement'. If that is the case, why get so heated?

Secondly, I still hold that study of history is purely academic. Yes, there SHOULD be lessons to be learned but the only ones we seem to learn about war is how to kill more people. Until the application of history actually prevents more conflict, in this case, it is academic.

Finally, if my life depended on it, I would not be asking a historian for advice!