That's an entirely valid point in relation to WWII (although as I'm sure I've seen research suggesting that Japan was already trying to mediate a peace, and tha

That's an entirely valid point in relation to WWII (although as I'm sure I've seen research suggesting that Japan was already trying to mediate a peace, and that the US were aware of this, before the bomb was dropped so it may not be as clear cut as those figures suggest). However, my point was that even if it is true for WWII, it doesn't make it automatically true for any war as the quote seemed to be suggesting. The quickest way to finish a war isn't always the best.