I guarded detainees in Afghanistan for a small stint. I can say with confidence that within the scope of war, there are actions that are more horrific than others.<p>Having to stare into the face of a man who killed your friend a week ago is mentally taxing. The natural urge to take the butt of my rifle to his chin was nearly over-whelming, but what separates me from horrific people is that in those trying times, I still treated him like a human being.<p>What does breaking his jaw achieve? My friend is dead. No amount of torture would ever bring him back. All I would get in return is a piece my humanity ripped from my soul as I watched a defenseless man writhe in pain. Congrats, self. Do you feel vindicated?<p>War damn sure is horrific, but it doesn&#x27;t <i>have</i> to be barbaric.