Quote:
Originally posted by seer
The real question is this: Why should the USA have a unilateral first strike... against ANYONE!?!?
|
How do you define "unilateral first strike"?
Threat asessment is a judgement call. Are you saying a nation or person must actually be overtly attacked before defending themselves?
The standard for the use of deadly force in self-defense by individuals here is only that they must reasonably believe that it is necessary to protect themselves from death or serious injury.
There are also rules of procedure and engagement between nations. When the threat is from a covert or guerilla force, things are less clear. But certainly a nation harboring a threatening force is a belligerent too.