Israel's "Iron Dome" defense system, because of the speed required for
it to react, has been entirely computerized. That is to say there are no
humans in the loop. There has always been the problem--in government
and science fiction--of human input in weapons use. This has been a
practical and ethical concern: Would a guy in a bunker launch a weapon
that would stimulate homicidal response? Would he freeze? (Recall the famous Castro "Armageddon Letter" described by Khrushchev where the esteemed leader of the Cuban people hysterically lobbied for a Russian First Strike against America, a strike that could only result in the evaporation of Castro and the people he represented and presumably cared for.)
The question of a man's willingness to create or participate in such a fateful weapons exchange is important and Israel has answered it in a worrisome way.
The question of a man's willingness to create or participate in such a fateful weapons exchange is important and Israel has answered it in a worrisome way.
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