More to the point, is it conceivable that an intervention could transpire that was not motivated by narrow, crass motives?
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Conceivable? Yes.
But can anyone name an instance in which a nation dedicated what was once called "blood and treasure" for anything other than power projection, power preservation or self-defense?
People who recommend "humanitarian" military intervention rarely seem to consider the logistics and mechanics of modern war. If your goal is to alleviate suffering, how will you (the rescuing nation) justify the 'collateral damage' sure to come from the carpet bombing and cruise missile 'softening' campaign, followed by the Marines hammering organized resistance to powder via close-in artillery and house-to-house combat, followed by an occupation?
.d.