>>>>I "get" the whole American Exceptionalism theme. However, there are other successful nations out there. Germany, for example, was absolutely trashed in WWII but came back to be a European powerhouse. Ditto Japan. Both of them obviously have lessons about rising from adversity.
>>>>
>>>>Now let's see: who helped rebuild western Europe after WWII? Oh yeah, it was America, wasn't it? I am sure that you are familiar with the Marshall Plan...
>>>
>>>Some of the same folks that help blow it up - oh yeah it was America wasn't it? - I'm sure you you're familiar with all the bombs we dropped.
>>
>>During unrestricted warfare, rules go out the window (except nominally various Geneva Conventions etc. in the case of WWII). Carpet bombing or nuking your opponents confers no obligation, legal or moral, to help with rebuilding once hostilities are over.
>
>hmmmm... well yes I would have to agree that there would be no obligation from a legal perspective - but don't you think there is some type of moral obligation from a humanitarian standpoint for the sake of our fellow humans that were innocent civilians? Maybe not an obligation, but a responsibility?

Total warfare Victor. The trick is to get it done quickly. The rebuilding is then done to your advantage. In this case a pro west Nato of viable economies.