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


Thursday, December 19, 2013

War News for Thursdayy, December 19, 2013


Soldier killed in Afghanistan helicopter crash has local ties - crew chief Chris Bohler

Soldier From Elkhart, Ind. Killed In Helicopter Crash In Afghanistan - Army Staff Sgt. Jesse Lee Williams

71 Journalists Killed in 2013


Reported security incidents
#1: At least 23 militants were killed during a clash with security forces in Pakistan's North Waziristan tribal region, where a suicide attack had taken place earlier, officials said. According to a security official, the militants tried to ambush a security forces' convoy which was returning from Khajuri checkpost area in Mir Ali of North Waziristan tribal region where the suicide attack had taken place, the Dawn reported Thursday. The gun battle between the security forces and the militants continued for several hours during which the 23 militants were killed. Three security personnel were injured in the clash.

Posted by whisker at 4:28 AM

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