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


Saturday, August 2, 2014

War News for Saturday, August 2, 2014


US drone strikes in Pakistan

Polio's Surge In Pakistan: Are Parents Part Of The Problem?

The Hidden Costs Of Fighting Polio In Pakistan

Taliban In Pakistan Derail World Polio Eradication


Reported security incidents
#1: One security official was killed in Bajaur Agency when militants attacked a security forces’ checkpost in border area of Mamond Tehsil, on Friday. According to ISPR, a group of militants entered Pakistani territory from Afghanistan’s Kunar province and attacked the border post in Ghakhai pass area. The assault was carried out using heavy weaponry, killing one FC official.

#2: At least three militants were killed on Saturday in Pakistan's North Waziristan region. The militants were killed in an operation conducted by security forces in the Mir Ali area, Dawn online reported.

#3: Eight people, including three security personnel, were killed in parts of Charsadda district in targeted attacks and other incidents during last four days.

#4: In a separate attack, two paramilitary soldiers were killed and several others injured when a roadside bomb hit their vehicle in Dera Bugti, a town in the country's southwest Balochistan province.

#5: At least 29 Taliban militants were killed during counter-terrorism operations in Afghanistan. The interior ministry of Afghanistan following a statement said Saturday that the militants were killed or injured during coordinated operations in the past 24 hours.

Posted by whisker at 3:44 AM

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