'Sacred' rules of engagement defeat rationality in war - life - 16 February 2011 - New Scientist

'Sacred' rules of engagement defeat rationality in war - life - 16 February 2011 - New Scientist: "When told that their action would result in all hostages being saved, both groups endorsed the plan presented to them. Told that one hostage would die, however, most 'diplomats' became reluctant to endorse the proposed response. 'Militarists' had no such qualms. In fact, the most common response suggested that they would support military action even if 99 hostages died as a consequence. Similar results were found in studies of Nigerian and Palestinian volunteers."