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


Sunday, November 17, 2013

News of the Day for Sunday, November 17, 2013

ISAF reports a death on Sunday. "An International Security Assistance Force service member died following an improvised explosive device attack in southern Afghanistan Nov. 17." As usual, no further information at this time.

Death toll in Saturday suicide attack in Kabul now stands at 13. Interior Ministry says 3 members of security forces and 10 civilians died, and 29 people were injured, as a result of a car bomb attack near the site of the upcoming Loya Jirga. Seventeen vehicles and 18 shops were damaged or destroyed.

Suicide attack on Mohammad Zahir Wahdat, the deputy governor of Balkh province, fails to injure the governor who was in an armored vehicle. However a passerby was killed and 2 injured, along with 2 of his bodyguards. The attacker jumped from a roadside ditch and ran toward the governor's vehicle before detonating a bomb apparently strapped to his body.

Decapitated bodies of 6 construction workers found in Kandahar province. The men worked building police facilities. This story also reports six other bodies found elsewhere but gives no details.

Interior Ministry claims 29 Taliban killed and 19 injured in various operations. As usual, this report does not mention any civilian or government casualties. As usual, believe it if you will.

Karzai approves list of Loya Jirga participants. Three thousand people are expected to convene at Polytechnic University in Kabul on Thursday to discuss the security agreement with the U.S. Security is a major concern, as yesterday's attack demonstrates the area is not yet safe.





Posted by Cervantes at 4:55 AM

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