Ace...the point isn't strict legal liability. The instruction of history is best served not in a sense of calculable guilt, but in instructive caution for future actions.
We thought we understood the situation, and that we could arm one side of a conflict to our benifit. It turns out that this had drastic consequences, and Saddam's use of our bio weapons proves that.
Again, we thought we understood the situation, and applied models of reconstruction and liberation that didn't apply...backing Chalabi and Iraqi National Congress...and it turns out they were fronting for Iran the whole time. So far, the consequences have been quite serious, and not looking to improve.
Hopefully...somewhere down the line, we'll actually use good judgment.
As for the right to retaliate? It depends. Do we as Americans have the right to export violence at our judgment? Do other nations? What legitimates a war? I don't think there are hard and fast answers...but there is a point to seeing the working of the logic that legitimates terrorism, even if we remain in strict disagreement with the conclusions.
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For God so loved creation, that God sent God's only Son that whosoever believed should not perish, but have everlasting life.
-John 3:16
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