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We, as educators, are supposed to be modeling to students what a logical, fallacy-free debate is.

Hang on, you dismissed the UN on the illogical claim that it has never prevented any war!?! Spare me the lecture please.

As a Brit, I'm not going to explain how the peace process in N.I. is a text-book example of stopping violence with negotiation, because it simply is. There are plenty of websites with the facts. Your claim that 'they' will not rest until 'they' get independence is an extremely 'hasty generalisation'.

Re the Ukraine... they are extracating themselves from the Russian 'sphere of influence' without, hopefully, the need for violence. With intense EU and UN backroom help, potential war has been avoided on several occasions.

Frizzyperm, why can't you seem to post a response and maintain professionalism at the same time? 

Good question, I think it is because I'm not American. I'm British. I teach my students that ignorance must be vigourously exposed and shot down. We set different benchmarks. I will especially strongly contest people foisting religious opinions on students who asked non-religious questions.

Here's a brief Youtube clip. It answers 2 points you raised, first, Professor Schama's awesome slam-dunk shows how you can be professional and strongly opinionated. Second, his reply describes how American attitudes towards war tragically damages itself and the world.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XNiIvGqvYDw

War we have with us always. There will not be an "all out war" as was the case in WWII; that type, and indeed the causes of the world wars have ceased to exist.  It's possible an all out global conflict will arise, but it will be "nasty, brutish, and short," and the end of humanity.  Countries engaged in their national self-interest will not engage in such a conflict, so no, there will not be a WWIII.  But there will be endless skirmishes.

With regard to the other posts in this topic, by vigorous debate, one learns not only flaws in ones arguments, but more importantly, points that may have been unconsidered.  If I'm proven wrong, I learn something.  To those who think it's politically uncorrect to hold strong opinions, and not be offensive to anyone, defend yourselves! I'm about to offend. Although my opinions are held strongly, due to as rigorous analysis as I possess, I retain the ability to be flexible and modify if shown where.  Can you say the same? Let's learn from each other.