Successes and Setbacks in the "Long War"

Conservative Crusader ^ | 02-01-07 | David M. Huntwork

[TheConservativeCitizen]

A year ago the Pentagon released its Quadrennial Defense Review. It was essentially a strategy for a 20-year "long war" and a generational battle plan designed to prepare the military for a Cold War type struggle against the forces of militant Islam.According to the official unveiling:

"Since the attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, our nation has fought a global war against violent extremists who use terrorism as their weapon of choice, and who seek to destroy our free way of life. Our enemies seek weapons of mass destruction and, if they are successful, will likely attempt to use them in their conflict with free people everywhere. Currently, the struggle is centered in Iraq and Afghanistan, but we will need to be prepared and arranged to successfully defend our nation and its interests around the globe for years to come."

It is apparent that the United States and its assorted allies are still seeking to adequately define its enemy, reach a consensus on tactics, and achieve some sort of victory in (or graceful exit from) Iraq. In this age of round the clock news and information it is easy to get caught up in the crisis of the moment. But it is also important that we examine the big picture in the War on Terror and take the time to look back at some of the successes and setbacks experienced since 9-11.......

[Eagles6]

Good.

[CutePuppy]

We can deal with enemies foreign, I am not so sure we have enough strength or willingness to deal properly and effectively with enemies domestic, as they are pretending to be [supposedly] "us".

[CutePuppy]

That said, regime change in Iran will go a great way to cool a lot of hot spots in ME - Hamas in Gaza & West Bank, Hezbollah in Lebanon, government in Syria and, most importantly, Shias in Iraq - as they're all relying on financial and logistical support from Iran.

Iran is the key to "winning" in Iraq and the ME (however "winning" is defined by the media and Dems), second only to primary key of political victory here at home over "hearts and minds" of American people by explaining the concept of "Long War". Iraq is now a battle in GWOT just like Vietnam was a battle in the Cold War; we didn't lose Vietnam in Vietnam, we lost the will to fight here because people didn't understand the stakes - we may be repeating that experience, i.e. the long will last longer, cost more and more people will die.

Doesn't it feel like '70s all over again?

[Maj. Elvis Newton]

It's not clear whether the quoted defense review ever uses the word "Islam".

If it doesn't, that's a major entry on the "failures" side right there.

[Tolik]

Simple and clear description of successes and setbacks in the "Long War" with Islamism.  This article was also posted as a guest writer on Orson Scott Card's website The Ornery American.

David M. Huntwork:

...Portions of the War on Terror have been pursued brilliantly while others have been poorly implemented with disappointing results. The dynamics are fluid and the unconventionality of the war has resulted in unexpected and unforeseen setbacks. It is a conflict where adaptability is a constant necessity and a long term vision and sense of context is essential.

The citizens of the United States and their allies around the globe must realize that they are engaged in a "Long War" for which there are no easy answers or quick victories. The battles and foes they face differ from conflict to conflict and from region to region. Perseverance, understanding and patience will be just as important as military and political victories in this struggle. It is imperative to not forget the dramatic successes that the West has accomplished, and to remember and learn from the setbacks that it has experienced. We are still at the beginning of this war, not the end, and the strategies, successes and setbacks we face in the future will be shaped and determined by what we have both achieved, and failed to achieve, in the past.

 

Nailed It!

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