"Sheep Amidst Wolves : George Bush and the Cunning of Reason"

Real Politik ^ | 2002 | Lee Harris

[wildbill]

Then one day I remember thinking that the American policy had something peculiar about it. It almost seemed as if the Bush administration positively wanted to encourage the idea that we were just bluffing. Here and there came signals that, perhaps, after all, we really weren't quite serious, and that we would certainly settle for some kind of negotiated settlement of the Kuwaiti situation. This led me to ask myself, What advantage could there be in deliberately letting other think you were bluffing?

[wildbill]

This is a long blog and rambling at the beginning--but definitely worth a read. When everyone is saying these guys are in disarray and you wonder if they are smart enough to lead, perhaps you should step back and think.

[rdb3]

In other words, you must act stupid so that those you are trying to outwit will never suspect that you are trying to outwit them. But this means you must also actively encourage other people-not just your enemies!-- to think you stupid as well, lest they accidentally blow your cover.

This is from the blog in your link.

I like that tactic.

[31R1O]

All warfare is based on deception. Therefore, when capable of attacking, feign incapacity; when active in moving troops, feign inactivity. When near the enemy, make it seem that you are far away; when far away, make it seem that you are near. Hold out baits to lure the enemy. Strike the enemy when he is in disorder. Prepare against the enemy when he is secure at all points. Avoid the enemy for the time being when he is stronger. If your opponent is of choleric temper, try to irritate him. If he is arrogant, try to encourage his egotism. If the enemy troops are well prepared after reorganization, try to wear them down. If they are united, try to sow dissension among them. Attack the enemy where he is unprepared, and appear where you are not expected. These are the keys to victory for a strategist. It is not possible to formulate them in detail beforehand.

Sun Tzu "The Art of War"