"pre-emptive retribution" is a contradiction in terms. The word "retribution" is nearly synoymous with "revenge".
Retribution is an act precipated by an earlier act. Without the first act there can be no retribution.
it is like saying "pre-emptive revenge"
Either way it is not Christian to engage in malicious acts or violents acts without justifiable need.
In the case of Iraq there is no question whatsoever of the need to conquer an enemy. The risk had become too high once it was determined that those in the Mid East were prepared to commit suicide with any sort of WMD they could acquire. And Iraq was very wealthy and able to do much damage.
The same is true for Iran, even more so. Iran is a murderer pointing a gun at our heads and screaming he will kill us. Iran must be conquered since they choose to be our enemy.
You should go back and read the context of the discussion thread you jumped into. It was being used in terms of the idea of "getting them before they get us."
In the case of Iraq...
I find it both amusing and annoying that so many people here feel the need to turn every discussion of Asia Minor or the Middle East into an apologetic for the Bush Administration's adventurism in Iraq. It has nothing to do with the discussion at hand. The issue in this article is the Pope's trip to Turkey.