[WOSG]

2. Whatever else this engagement is, it's excellent practise for the US military for 21st century style warfare. Whether or not we're "stretched thin" is a debatable point (size of our military being subject to change, 100k not being a large percentage of nearly 300b), but one thing is certain: every time we fight a war we as-a-nation get better at fighting wars. Not only does practise make perfect, but in this case, the practise is worth it.

This is a profound and excellent point. We must win in Iraq, and we must win these low-intensity guerilla-style anti-terrorism conflicts, because our future will have many more conflicts like it - especially if we fail to win now.

[samtheman]

We must win in Iraq, and we must win these low-intensity guerilla-style anti-terrorism conflicts, because our future will have many more conflicts like it - especially if we fail to win now.

Right. Just as in the age of nuclear showdown we won by being ready willing and able to fight, and developing by far the best arsenal for that war, so we win now by showing ourselves ready, willing and able to fight this new kind of war.

It's the only way we can win. The alternative is surrender, capitualation, John Kerry and a french-fried USA.