One for Six

When it comes to history, my old friend and protege, William V, knows from whence he is speaking. During our last conversation, he presented ample evidence to show how the age of American world dominance is rapidly on the wane.

Since 1990, America has been involved in four wars. The first, Desert Storm, was a complete victory. The mission was to remove the Iraqis from Kuwait. Under General Schwartzkopf, it was accomplished with precision and a minimum of casualties. After total victory, we packed up our weapons and went the F home. No regime change. No political shenanigans. Hooray.

Then came Afghanistan- eventually ending in a very embarrassing and poorly planned exit. Then Iraq - same result. And finally, and most consequentially, Iran.

What did Meat Loaf say? Two out of three ain’t bad? That might be OK in love but when it comes to waging war, three out of four is horrendous.

Actually, if you go back to the 1970’s and throw in Vietnam, it’s four out of five. Add in Korea and it’s five out of the last six that we’ve lost. You’re welcome, Mister Kim.

What all of this unequivocally proves is that when it comes to modern warfare, pure military dominance is just not enough to overcome long entrenched political ideology.

Sorry, Mr. Dylan. As of last week they haven’t learned yet.

Militarily yours,

SL