Those who have thought carefully about the moral dimensions of war know that the questions roused can be more than just troubling-they can also be complex. Is resorting to war ever morally permissible? Is it permissible even if it involves the killing of thousands or millions? even if it in volves-as it almost always does-the annihilation of innocents? Should we have a policy of never resorting to war? If so, should we stick to this pol icy even if our nation is attacked by another? even if the aggressor is bent on genocide? even if the aggressor intends to kill our neighbors, and only our going to war can stop the slaughter? If self defense is a valid reason for going to war, when is such action justified-only after we are attacked?
When we merely fear that we may be attacked?
Assuming we are justified in waging war, how exactly should we wage it? Does anything go-the