Summary: A wonder of the age is our continued confidence on people whose decisions proved wrong in the crucible of war, while those whose advice proved correct remain on the sidelines. It’s easy to distinguish the two groups by looking at their past work. Four years later this essay by Andrew Bacevich looks prophetic. That …
Our wars: using the military to do Social Work with Guns Read More »
Summary: Americans increasingly live in a world bordered by our amnesia. Our past lost, replaced by myths. Our recent history largely forgotten, replaced by a vague jumble of half-remembered events. To tell the story of our past decade requires someone with a clear understanding of geopolitical dynamics, able to place each step in our wars in a …
Summary: COIN will be seen by future generations as a manifestation of early 21st century American hubris. How will future generations see our nation-building in foreign lands at gunpoint (aka COIN)? Perhaps they’ll marvel at our self-esteem. Here are two examples. (1) One of the most arrogant statements in the entire military literature Article #1: Know …
COIN as future generations will see it (and as we should see it today) Read More »
Stop and savor this moment, amidst the rush of our daily lives. The Nobel Committee highlighted for us that we ate at a key moment in history. Andrew Bacevich explains why in “Afghanistan – the proxy war“, op-ed in the Boston Globe, 11 October 2009 — The most important and insightful part is at the …
Stop and reflect on this key moment in US history Read More »
Summary: the McChrystal’s Assesment consists of layers of absurdity, piled high. Future generations will study it as a prime example of early 21st century madness, when such a thing was taken seriously. Essentials of the McChrystal’s Initial Commander’s Assessment of the Af-Pak War, released 30 August 2009. Amnesia is the essential requirement The key strategic element …
Let’s blow the fog away and see what General McChrystal really said Read More »
