Humanity demands fairness and goodness. Even in war civility is the way for a more peaceful world. That's what our instincts say and that is what is most ethical.

However, when one goes back to history, one sees that those who were ruthless and not shy of completing a hostile exercise to its logical end, were more successful. Whether it is right or wrong.. good or bad, the truth is that the in war and in fighting half-way never works. Either you go the full way or don't start at all.