But others now say this period after the Civil War was a necessary step in creating a different kind of South from the one which had existed before.

VOA: special.2010.02.04

For most conservatives, the Cold War was a necessary evil.

MSN: Read an excerpt of Joe Scarborough's new book

Experts are already pointing to the build-up to the first Gulf War in 1991 when President Bush senior - while insisting such a resolution was not necessary - did indeed seek and obtain congressional support for the war to oust Iraqi troops from Kuwait.

BBC: Analysis: Making the case for attack

Mr Obama will be incandescent if Israel provokes a war which he has said is not yet necessary, and on the eve of an election.

ECONOMIST: Lexington