A thought provoking article on the dangers (perhaps) of being too civilized and the rights and wrongs of intervening in the affairs of other countries.

We are rightly proud of the accomplishments of western civilization over the past 500 years. We have not been perfect – not by a long shot. But gradually, western values and attitudes have permeated the planet, softening the rough edges of civilization, and providing a framework of law where the strong do not always ride roughshod over the weak.

Imperfect, but viable. Flawed, but as a practical matter, better than any alternative.

There is one glaring weakness from which the west suffers in particular that has been exposed time and time again over the last 70 years; our inability to deal with individuals who are determined to act outside the boundaries of “civilized” norms and commit acts of barbarism so profoundly disturbing that they shake our faith in our institutions and belief systems.

It’s really worth reading all the way through.