Dmitry, The words 'goal' and 'target' can have the same meaning, i.e., something you are trying to achieve. I think the writer is playing with words to make an impression. The word 'target' has another meaning associated with weapons and war and the word 'goal' does not. Thus the word "goal" is more appropriate when talking about peace. Target....something you shoot at with a gun or some other weapon; a purpose Goal......a purpose; something associated with peacetime sport: football, hockey, etc.

Actually, the words "target" and "goal" are synonyms when I looked them up in a thesaurus. I think the author had an image in his/her mind of target being something abstract to shoot for and goal being a solid, recognizable achievement. I disagree with the choice of words - it's too fine a point. I would have said it: "Peace is not some abstract target, but a real goal."

"Target" and "goal" have a similar meaning: something you are trying to do or achieve. However, "goal" is usually used when explaining something general, while "target" is a more specific goal. "Target" also implies a certain level of seriousness, that this is something you will/must do in order to fulfill certain requirements you've set for yourself. So in your sentence "Peace is not a target, it's a goal," I'd assume the writer is saying that peace is something they are hoping to achieve (goal), but it's not an absolute outcome that they are focusing all energy on or that must happen as a result of whatever actions they are doing (target).

I think for target you can do anything even bad to get it but for a goal you enjoy everything of it.