[Petronski]

...does not, in and of itself, provide grounds for sending US troops into harm's way.

Yes, but I did not say that. It is one of the favorite strawmen of the handwringing class, though, so I understand your use of it.

[churchillbuff]

favorite strawmen

Sorry, but the idea that our troops should be deployed only in defense of our own interests is not a strawman, it is a basic, historic tenet of American conservatism.