That the United States needs to avoid wars that are not
directly related to self-defense. I find at least three parallels in history
from past foreign wars.
First, the U.S. is much more committed, and much more effective, when our turf is either under attack or in danger of attack. In the Revolutionary War, the powerful British army was on our soil, but General Washington was persistent and eventually won a key battle at Yorktown…… Second, the U.S. should avoid threats to nations overseas that do not threaten us. When President Obama threatened Mr. Assad with some kind of retaliation if he used chemical weapons, that line sounded good in an election year, but it has forced the president’s hand unnecessarily. Certainly we should condemn the use of chemical weapons, but with actions short of war. The U.S. is a better “city on a hill” in defense of liberty than it is a policeman of world grievances…… Third, wars are more complicated than its instigators ever imagine. In World War II, Hitler underestimated the U.S., and Prime Minister Neville Chamberlain of Britain underestimated Hitler. Leaders often misjudge, and the consequences can be enormous…… Before going to war in Syria, we need to ask two questions: First, what is our purpose and our goal in making an overseas attack? Second, what will be the consequences of our actions? We have received little clarity on the first question, and on the second question our leaders do not and cannot know the answer…..To Read More….
First, the U.S. is much more committed, and much more effective, when our turf is either under attack or in danger of attack. In the Revolutionary War, the powerful British army was on our soil, but General Washington was persistent and eventually won a key battle at Yorktown…… Second, the U.S. should avoid threats to nations overseas that do not threaten us. When President Obama threatened Mr. Assad with some kind of retaliation if he used chemical weapons, that line sounded good in an election year, but it has forced the president’s hand unnecessarily. Certainly we should condemn the use of chemical weapons, but with actions short of war. The U.S. is a better “city on a hill” in defense of liberty than it is a policeman of world grievances…… Third, wars are more complicated than its instigators ever imagine. In World War II, Hitler underestimated the U.S., and Prime Minister Neville Chamberlain of Britain underestimated Hitler. Leaders often misjudge, and the consequences can be enormous…… Before going to war in Syria, we need to ask two questions: First, what is our purpose and our goal in making an overseas attack? Second, what will be the consequences of our actions? We have received little clarity on the first question, and on the second question our leaders do not and cannot know the answer…..To Read More….
My Take - If anyone has any delusions as to the
complexity of this conflict please take a look at this map. Please remember
all these Islamic nations are in reality nothing more than medieval tribal societies
with modern trappings and military equipment.
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