War ON Iraq (the uuse of prep. ON)

[BrunaBC]

Hi,

I came across the following sentence on a book:

- European Union could have averted war on Iraq.

As far as I know, the correct preposition would be in, not on. (since we're referring to a country: in Brazil, in the UK, in the US, etc.)

Can anyone tell me, please, if it's correct?

Thank you.

 

[SoothingDave]

You declare war on another country. We could declare war on Russia and fight them in Korea.

 

[BrunaBC]

I don't see that use avert war in Iraq is wrong.

Can I infer that declare war requires the prep on. But is it the same with avert, or avoid war in/on somewhere?

 

[Gillnetter]

I don't see that use avert war in Iraq is wrong.

Can I infer that declare war requires the prep on. But is it the same with avert, or avoid war in/on somewhere?

It's not wrong, it just has a different meaning. Look again at what Dave wrote. One country declares war on another country. The actual fighting may take place somewhere else. For example, Germany declared war on the United States and most of the fighting was not in Germany or in the United States.

 

[BrunaBC]

Hum...I guess now I see the difference. Thanks Dave and Gillnetter.