Is it worth it? Spencer Parsons

I believe this topic of war is entirely determined on the circumstance. Often times war is justified and necessary, but in other circumstances, based on recent examples, war is not worth the cost of the lives we lose.
Two of the most recent wars include the US infiltrating Afghanistan to hunt the Taliban group responsible for the attacks on 9/11. In this circumstance it was justified and necessary for us to pursue Osama Bin Laden and the terrorist group he lead. We also succeeded in this pursuit, and then promptly left the nation. We did our job, avenged the lives of the families affected by 9/11, and then left. This is a clear case when an act of war is a righteous task to pursue. If our country is attacked, it is a smart decision if we respond with force, but in a controlled manner.
At a similar point in time, the US saw fit to enter a war in Iraq that we had nothing to do with. We decided it was our duty to help people in Iraq when they did not ask for it, nor want it. We lost many lives in this war and accomplished nothing. it was also very chaotic because it was nearly impossible for us to pull troops out. We were not attacked in this war and it was completely unnecessary for us to get involved.
in some cases an act of war is ok, but many times it is not a promising decision because it is unjustified.