U.S. Involvement at the International Level

Most recently, I have been reading a book titled, "Why Nations go to War" written by political analyst Dr. John G. Stoessinger. I must confess, I traditionally find myself towards the right side of the political spectrum. As I have further contemplated war in general, especially U.S. intervention in Japan during World War II and more currently, the war in Iraq, I have asked myself what and who is exactly benefited. Billions of dollars and more importantly, human lives, are invested in accomplishing a greater purpose; What exactly is the greater purpose? Many support U.S. involvement today in Iraq for: controlling terrorism, establishing democracy, protecting human rights, and even protecting our homeland. If these motives listed above give reason for war, I ask the following questions. 1. Where was the United States and the rest of the world during the genocide of Rwanda? 2. Why are we not more involved in regional wars in Africa such as Darfur or Uganda? I fully understood the U.S. does not have the means nor necessarily the responsibility of protecting the world. I do, however, believe our motive for war should not be founded upon "how the U.S. will benefit". I do not believe that thought process is morally ethical. Rather, I believe decisions of war must be based on: "Which intervention will benefit the greater amount of people", regardless of nationality or ethnicity. I have written this post with the intent of some enlightenment of why we are in Iraq. If it be for the reasons listed above, I then ask; Will this benefit the greater amount of people? Or are there other problems in the world that may be far more damaging, outside U.S. interests? Interestingly enough, a war in Africa or Eastern Asia would be far less costly (economically) than a war in the Middle East.