Remember the Maine. And the Polish Invasion of Germany. And the Bay of Pigs. And the Liberation of Russian Crimeans. Not to mention that the US Military is now the biggest jobs program in the country. 2 million people (1.3 active, .7 reserve) work in the military. Or, the 10 months of continuous job growth that it would take just to get back to even if the military didn't employ a standing force. We have war because it's an effective way to advance political goals. That's it. There's no super moral way to look at it as the article asks for. Why does Russia hold Crimea? Why does the US have Texas? Because they took it by force. Simple. War is not complicated. It's probably the fastest way to decide who's 'right'. How long have the Israelis had to be diplomatic about their borders? Concering themselves with inches and settlement rights. But how long did it take for them to own the Sinai until they decided to be gracious and give it back. (Answer: Six Days)