I am tired of seeing politicians laying wreaths or crying crocodile tears on television regarding lives lost in wars now & past,these are the very people who send all personnel in the Army,Navy,and Airforce and cause the loss of civilian lives in countries through war,why do they do this when they are the perpetrators of death to all

Of the 500 US Congressmen only one had a son in active duty during the Gulf War.It is all about raising the bravado levels so pollies can bathe in the sunlight.

As General Smedley Butler said in 1930,"War is a racket." Those who promote it are disgusting murderous criminals.

David G,

Nodoubt war is horrible.

But idea of a 'just' v 'unjust' war not as simple as you say.

With prospect of dangerous weapons, and some rogue states appearing most intent to use them, there may indeed be more conflicts you dissaprove of.

I was listening to US public radio last night, and they were now indicating a possibility of action against Iran given concerns about cyber terrorism and that state's capacity and intent to use it.

I don't think any powerful state, whether it be the US or someone else, is just going to sit back and let things unravel before responding.

Yes, it is frightening, but it is also reality.

Chris, that 'war is reality' is what we've been indoctrinated to believe. It surprises me that you help to spread such ridiculous indoctrination!

DAVID G you are correct,the USA is very much a rogue state as much as any where else,the politicians there love war as long as they are not fighting it themselves. Royalty and politicians go hand in hand with wars, take a look at Gallipoli and previous wars

No, i never support war. Rather I understand why it occurs.

Sure, i may sound crude and simple with my support of the West, but that is the judgement I make, rightly or wrongly, after many years of thinking about the issues. I will never be one of those academics that make everything sound like a lovefest if only we did this and that.

I just ask you from what you know of history, just which nation would have filled the world leadership void if Britain and the US had not done so in the last two centuries.

Are you sugggesting that we would have been better offf without them?

And despite their many wrong actions, do you not recogise the benefits of liberal ideas over totalitarian or other extreme ideologies? Do you not see the flaws of govts who deny people their voice?

As one reader suggests, we have to make hard choices about our allies and Aust would not be alone in choosing the US. Perhaps you could make a list of China's closest allies?

Maybe write a piece for OLO and show us why things would be better without Western influence. Maybe your facts can convince me.