Should the Lives of Civilians Be Viewed as Collateral Damage in War?

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http://www.techtimes.com/articles/96122/20151016/leaked-military-documents-show-drone-strikes-kill-more-than-they-were-intended-to.htm Cover stories portrayed in the media regarding international wars tend to spark debates on the extremities of war and the need to completely terminate it or a mild disconcern that ignored the drastic aftermath. From the perspective of a less informed civilian, one may perceive the more practical side of war by allowing minimal collateral damage. Although no human life, whatsoever, is expendable, the cost of war requires the sacrifice of a few in order to save the lives of an entire nation. This being said, anyone, including myself, can die due to the attacks made on my country from another. On the other hand, a pacifist may argue that not instigating violence at the provocation of conflict would eliminate any chance of innocent deaths from opposing sides. Unfortunately, human mentality makes war inevitable. However, unnecessary casualties can and should be avoided; for instance, using ground forces or conventional manned aircrafts in situations like this particular recent one. Even though war requires certain risks of numerous deaths, fighting sides tend to go overboard through lack of consideration.