The evidence thus far leads to the conclusion that this was a war of choice and not a war of necessity.

CNN: Commentary: What the Iraq mission cost Bush

"He spoke in terms no American president has done before, " Aslan said, citing Obama's description of the invasion of Iraq as a war of choice, and the word "occupation" in relation to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

CNN: Obama draws questions, praise from Muslims

Johnson's strategy was a war of attrition, a disastrous choice for a democracy.

FORBES: Fact And Comment

This choice symbolizes an attitudinal challenge to war as a normal function of statecraft.

FORBES: Obama Wields Hagel Cudgel on Two Fronts

Both nations have a choice to avoid a return to war, Obama said in a videotape message to citizens of both nations .

CNN: STORY HIGHLIGHTS