[notpc]

It will only become easier and easier to do great harm to many people. And so there is no number of terrorists that is an acceptable risk.

We can't allow these savages to keep developing their capabilities, growing their numbers, and inspiring sympathizers around the world. The only option is to eradicate ISIS and similar groups from the face of the Earth. We must strike fear deep into the hearts of any who would think to do us harm.

[Taek]

That's more or less how we got here in the first place. The tech isn't going away, and genocide is not a great way to make friends.

[notpc]

"It is better to be feared than to be loved, if you cannot be both."

Muslims are the primary victims of terrorists groups. They would be very happy to be rid of the likes of ISIS and Al Qaeda.

>That's more or less how we got here in the first place.

I don't agree. We got here because Western institutions and ideas were causing dramatic and rapid social change in the Muslim world, and inspired a violent counter-reaction.

[john312]

They are also the primary denizens of these groups.

How much money does Saudi Arabia etc spend on combatting these groups again?

[Wildgoose]

How much money does Saudi Arabia spend on SUPPORTING these groups again?

[FrancoDiaz]

So you're worried about the genocide of ISIS?...only on HN.

[cyberferret]

Take your second paragraph and replace the word ISIS with "The USA". That is essentially their recruitment speech for their operatives in the rest of the world. Checkmate.

[notpc]

I can't put together a proof that we're the 'good' and they are 'bad' in some objective moral sense.

We have our vision for what we want for the world and our nation, they have theirs. It's better for us if we win.

[cyberferret]

So there has to be a "winner" and a "loser"?

What a strange game. The only winning move is not to play. - WOPR (War Games)

[notpc]

Yes, there does have to be a winner and a loser. Given that ISIS aims for a global caliphate and the destruction of the US and Israel, I sure hope you want them to lose...

[Grangar]

The problem behind ISIS isn't their numbers, or their land, or their weapons, or their tactics. It's the mentality behind it. And that has already gone worldwide.

You can kill people with violence, but an idea will only grow stronger.