From Time, Obama: Prevention, Not Containment (March 5, 2012)
I'm convinced the shift from "containment" to "prevention" was well thought out; and that the President is well aware of this spectrum:In photo-op before closed-door meeting Monday morning, Obama tells reporters his commitment to Israel's security is "rock solid," says the U.S. will focus on stopping Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon.
POTUS: "My policy here is not going to be one of containment. My policy is going to be of prevention."
Containment > Responsive War > Preemptive War > Preventive War
and what "Preventive War" means:
Someone else can suggest the various options for waging "Preventive War". I'm still in "Containment > Responsive War" mode; and intend to remain there. And, no, a back and forth between Israel and Iran would not justify an armed response by the US against Iran. But, I don't write the US playbook.A preventive war or preventative war is a war initiated to prevent another party from attacking, when an attack by that party is not imminent or known to be planned. Preventive war aims to forestall a shift in the balance of power by strategically attacking before the balance of power has a chance to shift in the direction of the adversary. Preventive war is distinct from preemptive war, which is first strike when an attack is imminent.
Regards
Mike
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