Originally Posted by Azimyth

You answer your own question by stating that you would seek revenge for a perceived offense. Revenge is an emotional response. Emotionalism rarely intersect with intelligent/prudent conduct. Each side of the scenario you have presented for discussion is emotionally locked to a position the same way you are emotionally bound to revenge.

A civilized society seeks justice where immediate defense/preservation of life is not required by circumstance. Nations collide and have done so throughout recorded history. Human nature will prevent any solution to the ME question where emotionalism and ignorance is present.

There is a better way, but it is usually rejected by virtue of it's source.