The Analyst (RICHARD PERLE,Paul Wolfowitz Alert)

Boston Globe ^ | 5/18/03 | Neil Swidey

[Valin]

Strategy guru Albert Wohlstetter spent decades arguing for military flexibility and precision targeting. But have his Washington disciples learned his real lessons?

IN 1959, RICHARD PERLE was just another California high-school kid struggling to pass Spanish. But even then, the future Pentagon adviser and TV pundit was gripped by subjects far weightier than the next sock hop. Albert Wohlstetter, a classmate's father, had written an article in Foreign Affairs entitled ''The Delicate Balance of Terror,'' and Perle found it riveting. When they met poolside at the Wohlstetter family home in the Hollywood Hills, Perle says he was dazzled by the older man's ''uncontrollably analytical'' mind. ''Maybe if I hadn't been seduced by the discussion about strategic policy, I might have passed Spanish,'' he says.

[Iris7]

Why the hagiography?

[Valin]

hagiography?

[Iris7]

Looks like a hagiography of Saint Wohlstetter to me.

More than once I've been irritated by the pretense of objectivity in academic analysis. Wohlstetter seems even more conceited and arrogant than most. As a subordinate I suspect he would have to kept on a short leash.

[Valin]

Wohlstetter seems even more conceited and arrogant than most.
Maybe, but is his analysis valid or so much hot air?

[Iris7]

The Air Force base siting study sounds good, I've done a little of that sort of thing. What is not mentioned is the change from B-47 to B-52 and development of moddern mid - air refueling made the switch to US basing practical. The tankers were often based overseas, as their mission is not as critical (not carrying nuclear weapons), time and fuel flight logistics, etc.

The B-52's would do training missions where they refueled over the Pole. Trigger and analyze Soviet defences. Elint, sigint, and to freak them out. Ah, the old days.

[Maigret]

Why the hagiography?

Wow, is that all you can take from this?

I'm grateful it was posted, how could anyone not be interested in what and who helped to shape the policies that Perle, Wolfowitz and others are putting into play?

[Iris7]

This article was mostly about Wohlstetter, an academic who spent most of his career at the University of Chicago. He did some analysis for RAND that was notable for it's thorough examination of all details that could be quantified. He was influential in Perle's and Wolfowitz's education. the article gave me further insight into Wohlstetter's character, and I enjoyed it.

I am familiar with the political tendency of which Perle and Wolfowitz are a part. Perle and Wolfowitz do not noticiably depart from that tendency's line. I have watched them for years. I believe that I understand them adequately. They are both extremely ambitious, and not remotely as smart as they believe themselves to be. For instance, they have no real training in geopolitics or even languages.

Valin is a pretty smart guy, and I was curious about his motives in posting this piece. If you have other questions I will try to answer them.

[J. L. Chamberlain]

More unadulterated Perle and ivory tower fawning over here.

I wonder how much of the Ameraqi pie is winding up on Richard's plate? Maybe Sey can tell us...that is if Perle doesn't tie him up with all those lawsuits!

J

[Maigret]

If you have other questions I will try to answer them.

LOL, No doubt!

[Valin]

Actually my motive is quite simple, I'd never heard of the guy and hope to learn more about him, also that others here may not have known about him.