Anyone who thinks that the "rules of war" are different now than they ever have been should pick up a copy of Victor Davis Hanson's "A War Like No Other". It's a study of the 27 year long war between Athens and Sparta during the 4th century (BC). The progression of that war into methods and tactics that no one foresaw at the outset will sound familiar to anyone versed in modern history, and the litany of atrocities reminds us that human nature hasn't changed over the milleniums - and idealists should take note that it's unlikely to change now, either.

I highly recommend the book - I finished it during my flight back from German this last week. Hanson is an engaging author, and he's working with a great subject here.

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