[ClearCase_guy]

"I have been through the Russians," he said. "I have seen Hekmatyar in action and the Northern Alliance. This is just incredible. The Americans appear to have been 98 per cent accurate."

In the Gulf War we faced the world's third largest army. We were told to fear the elite Republican Guard. We were told it would be a bloodbath. Instead, we smashed them in short order and with little loss to our own forces.

We were told that no one can beat the Afghans. That the fierce Taliban fighters would be supported by a general rising of the Afghan populace. It would be a quagmire. It was hopeless. Instead, we have shown the world (again) that the US military is an unbelievably capable fighting force. Amazing surgical strikes, backed up by just enough presence on the ground. A workable relationship with indigenous rebels and a flexible international coalition. We kicked butt.

Next up (I hope) is Iraq. Round 2 in more ways than one. Can anyone doubt that the US will approach this in a calm and careful manner? Is there any question but that we will triumph over the Iraqi forces in the field and then roll on to Baghdad and deal with Sadaam Hussein as he deserves?

Through our long war on terrorism, our forces will be gaining experience in a variety of environments, facing guerrillas hiding in caves, armored forces in the desert and any other approach our enemies may find. Our military will be getting stronger and more experienced all the time. Our intelligence gathering skill be be increasing. Our logistical support will be stronger. And the fear will spread, that when Uncle Sam points his finger and says, " Cast out the terrosists!" you better listen, or there will be hell to pay.

I think this will all take time, but in the end, the world will be a better and more civilized place. The 21st century will remember this campaign as the start of a long period of peaceful prosperity for all.

I am reminded of Pompey the Great's war against the Mediteranean pirates in the 1st century BC. Common Wisdom of the day was that the pirates were too widespread, decentralized and entrenched in their ways to ever be destroyed. Pompey rolled forward in a careful, methodical and ruthless campaign. He got the job done. And the Mediteranean was free from pirates for about 500 years.

[Mr. Lucky]

In the Pantheon of cogent analysis, your post #5 will be placed upon the pedestal of honor.

[spectre]

Your post #5. Excellent. The only thing I could add is that we toppled the Taliban govt - a country 8000 miles away - in only two months of our being hit.

America has the right military, AND the right leadership.

[NeonKnight]

Great post. What we have shown the world is that we can topple any regime in the world with remote control. The truth is, if you had asked the greatest military minds in America their worst nighmare war scenario before Sept. 11th, it probably would have involved Afghanistan. In less than 2 months, we have toppled the Taliban, and sent our enemies to the hills.

Me thinks standing armies are cake.

[SamAdams76]

Excellent analysis. I think the 1991 Gulf War really helped us improve our smart bombs and other technologies over the past 10 years. There are still many veterans of that war in the military today. There is nothing like real combat experience to keep the military sharp and it looks like by the time all is said and done, we will create another generation of warriors. Not only that but we are going to learn from any mistakes and correct them for next time around as well as continue to improve our tactics and weaponry. This will give our enemies great pause before they try attacking us again and will help make this a more peaceful world.

What our military has achieved so far has been awesome.

[mlocher]

well said!

[Ernest_at_the_Beach]

And this shows the resourcefulness of our fighting force: