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


Friday, September 27, 2013

War News for Friday, September 27, 2013


Canada lost Afghan war, says author


Reported security incidents
#1: A helicopter carrying relief goods to earthquake stricken Awaran was attacked in Mashkay Tehsil. According to security sources, small arms were used to fire at the helicopter which did not receive any damage.

#2: Unknown armed men attacked Nato container in Hayatabad area of Peshawar on Friday, injuring driver. According to details, the Pakistan-bound container was coming from Afghanistan through Torkham border when unknown gunmen opened firing on container.

#3: At least 19 people including two women were killed and dozens injured in a blast on a bus carrying Secretariat employees at Charsadda Road in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province before Friday prayers, Geo News reported.

#4: A heavy explosion rocked southern Helmand province of Afghanistan late Thursday evening. The incident took place in Lashkargah, the central city of Helmand province, According to local residents and eyewitnesses in the area, the incident took place after a vehicle laden with explosives was detonated ny a suspected suicide bomber. There are no reports regarding the casualties as a result of the incident. The main target of the suicide bomber was not clear.

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