[afnamvet]

Petraeus needs to familiarize himself with the concept of total war.

[Psalm 144]

Petraeus needs to familiarize himself with the concept of total war.

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I agree with you, but we have not fought to win decisively at a strategic level since WWII. That was 65 years ago.

The closest exception was Reagan’s bankrupting the Soviet Union, which was inspired genius.

[carton253]

I’m sure Petraues is familar with the concept of total war, but he’s not the one setting the strategy for Afghanistan.

[GingisK]

Petraeus needs to familiarize himself with the concept of total war.

I'm sure he did well at the War College. You might consider the differences in waging war and provoking hatred to fan the war. Wage war on the warriors, do not rebuff their religion. This is especially wise if it is not a particularly peaceful religion. But, of course, you are older, wiser, and have more experience in theater than the General.

[MECfist]

I think Petraeus’ point is that our troops are serving with the local army, who are of course Muslims, and burning a Koran endangers not only that relationship, but the safety of our troops.

If you don’t want us serving with Muslims and fighting on our own, that’s what I guess you mean by ‘total war’, then we’re talking about the draft. That’s another can of worms altogether, though.