The present-day U.S. military qualifies by any measure as highly professional, much more so than its Cold War predecessor. Yet the purpose of today’s professionals is not to preserve peace but to fight unending wars in distant places. Intoxicated by a post-Cold War belief in its own omnipotence, the United States allowed itself to be drawn into a long series of armed conflicts, almost all of them yielding unintended consequences and imposing greater than anticipated costs. Since the end of the Cold War, U.S. forces have destroyed many targets and killed many people. Only rarely, however, have they succeeded in accomplishing their assigned political purposes. . . . [F]rom our present vantage point, it becomes apparent that the “Revolution of ‘89” did not initiate a new era of history. At most, the events of that year fostered various unhelpful illusions that impeded our capacity to recognize and respond to the forces of change that actually matter.

Andrew Bacevich


Monday, January 23, 2012

War News for Monday, January 23, 2011

Afghans hit by food price hikes as Pakistan shutdown bites

Afghan soldier killed French troops over U.S. abuse video


Reported security incidents
#1: At least five Afghan policemen have been injured in a roadside bomb attack in Afghanistan's eastern province of Khost, officials say. The blast took place on Monday morning when a police vehicle hit a roadside bomb in Mando Zayi district near the Khost city.

#2: A suspected U.S. drone fired missiles at a house and a vehicle in northwestern Pakistan on Monday, Pakistani intelligence officials said, killing four alleged militants in an attack that could signal the program is picking up steam after strained relations halted strikes late last year.

#3: Sixteen insurgents have been killed in a series of operations conducted by Afghan and NATO-led coalition forces over the past 24 hours, the Afghan Interior Ministry said on Sunday. "Afghan National Police (ANP), Afghan National Army and Coalition Forces have launched six joint operations in Kabul, Kapisa, Kandahar, Helmand, Wardak and Khost provinces over the past 24 hours," the ministry said in a statement.

#4: International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan following a press release on Monday announced, Afghan and coalition security force conducted an operation in search of a Taliban leader in Sayyidabad district, Wardak province on Saturday. The source further added, the leader, Farid, served as a Taliban judge in Wardak province. He was responsible for multiple ambushes, roadside bomb and direct-fire attacks against Afghan and coalition forces throughout the area. He was also known for mistreating the local populace and facilitating a kidnapping operation.

Posted by whisker at 3:56 AM

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