SOURCE: "The War Over the Bomb," in The New York Review of Books, Vol. XLII, No. 14, September 21, 1995, pp. 26-34.

[Buruma is a Dutch-born journalist and nonfiction writer who specializes in the study of Japanese culture. Below, he discusses the bombing of Nagasaki and remarks on several books about the atomic bombing of Japan, focusing on questions concerning the motivation, purpose, and necessity of the attacks.]

The flight of the bomber called Bock's Car on August 9, 1945, from Tinian to Nagasaki was blessed but not smooth. In a Quonset hut at the air base before takeoff Chaplain Downey had prayed for the success of the plane's mission. "Almighty God, Father of all mercies," he said, "we pray Thee to be gracious with those who fly this night." He also said: "Give to us all courage and strength for the hours that are ahead; give to them rewards according to their...