Originally Posted by Ardy
So as I now understand what you are saying is that wars are mosyly started for economic reasons... but the people who start the war have no reasonable assurance that the war will achieve it's intended economic goal.... and, in fact, a review of recent history would suggest that war seldom ACHIEVES ANY SUSTAINABLE ECONOMIC OBJECTIVE THAT WOULD JUSTIFY THE COST.

Now do I have it?
No, you still do not have it, Ardy.

Why are you fixated on the view that wars are designed to achieve national goals?
That is certainly possible, but definitely not necessary.
All the modern wars of the United States are fomented and sustained by very private interests for personal profit -- the war contractors, war profiteers, etc.
They have no interest in helping their country -- they just want to feather their own nests.
The country can go down in flames and hellfire, as long as they are all right, Jack !