Its not war when you slaughter thousands of women and children in response to the acts of handful of terrorists.

War is generally defined as a state of armed conflict between different nations or states or different groups within a nation or state. It typically involves significant violence, destruction, and loss of life. Wars can be fought for various reasons, including territorial disputes, ideological differences, resource competition, or the desire for political power.

Characteristics of war often include organized military forces engaging in active combat, the use of weapons and tactics, and a formal declaration of war by one or more parties involved. The outcome of war is usually determined through force, and it often has a profound impact on the societies and individuals involved.

On the other hand, what is not considered war includes situations such as isolated incidents of violence, criminal activities, and civil unrest that may not escalate to a full-scale armed conflict between organized entities. Political disagreements, protests, and diplomatic disputes, while potentially intense, are generally not classified as war unless they escalate into armed conflict.

It's important to note that the definition and understanding of war can vary based on cultural, historical, and legal perspectives. International law, for example, provides specific criteria for when a situation can be officially recognized as an armed conflict or war.