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, November 7, 2014

War News for Friday, November 7, 2014


Afghan soldiers dying at record rate in Taliban fight:  --  This year 4,634 have been killed in action, compared to 4,350 in 2013.

Demolition derby at huge US base as Afghan exit quickens

New NATO chief in Kabul as combat mission wraps up

More Than 600 Reported Chemical Exposure in Iraq, Pentagon Acknowledges



Reported security incidents
#1: At least five suspected militants were killed and 10 injured Friday when forces targeted hideouts in Pakistan`s Khyber Agency. According to officials, artillery and mortars were fired in the Sipah and Akakhel areas, Dawn online reported.

#2: Unknown gunmen opened fire on security personnel in Bannu on Friday and killed a policeman while another sustained injuries, Geo News reported Friday. According to police, the incident occurred in Miryan area od Bannu when the armed assailants opened fire on two policeman who were standing outside their house. Resultantly, one cop was killed and the other got injured who was shifted to Bannu District Hospital.

#3: At least 11 civilians who were murdered by Taliban militants in southeastern Paktia province have been identified as government employees. According to local government officials, the individuals were on their way in Zurmat district when they were captured by Taliban and were shot dead. The provincial police chief Zalmai Orya Khel said the dead bodies of the slain individuals were found on Thursday morning from Mamozai area.

Posted by whisker at 3:30 AM

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