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 9, 2016

Update for Friday, September 9, 2016

U.S. deploys an additional 400+ troops to Iraq as preparations continue for the assault on Mosul, bringing declared forces in the country to 446. (It has previously been revealed that individuals on short rotations in the country are not counted in the declared total; there are probably special forces and other operatives (e.g., CIA) who are not counted as well.) UPI gives the new deployment as 500.

As Gary Legum points out, it is somewhat disingenous for Hillary Clinton to say that she will not put U.S. troops in Iraq since they are already there.

Time magazine discusses the upcoming battle for Mosul. I recommend this for those looking for a brief, accessible overview of the complex political and military situation.

In Afghanistan,  an official claims that government forces have regained control of Tirin Kot, but I can find no independent corroboration. TOLO relies on the official claim but also gives casualty totals and credits reinforcements from Kandahar for the success.

Rocket attack in Baghlan kills 8, injures 14.

U.S. commandos fail in attempt to rescue American University professors held by the Taliban. The hostages were not at the targeted location.




3 comments:

Unknown said...

I know for a fact that there's bombs going off in Afghanistan tonight.m y son is a civilian worker for Targeting. And he's baracaded in his housing unit, shrapnel going everywhere. So us government can stop lying.

Unknown said...

I just love it when news sources who feel entitled to information air the information on the net for everyone to see. Thanks for letting the enemy know exactly how many are in country and what their next move is. Try being a responsible journalist next time.

Madonaldo said...
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