Archive for January, 2006

Tipping period

Assessing the next phase in Iraq

American soldiers and strategists in the Vietnam War were forever in search of a “tipping point” that would tilt the balance of forces in Southeast Asia …

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To President Bush

The series of four speeches he made, along with the release of the National Security Council “Victory Strategy,” may or may not achieve the immediate goal of pumping up his poll numbers, …

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An open letter to President Bush

D ear Mr. President:

I served in the Pentagon as a political appointee in your first administration and support your policy in Iraq. I believe, as you do, that victory there is …

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Fallujah: The iconic battle

Two perspectives on a turning point for U.S. strategy in Iraq

There is considerable bloodshed, but little battle, in most accounts of the war in Iraq. Acts of terrorism and small-unit skirmishes, …

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Building an Iraqi Army

There was Sgt. Noah, the tough, squared-away Iraqi soldier who had no problem giving orders to anyone — including American journalists. And there was the nameless, smiling Iraqi private with his shopping …

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Strategic redeployment

The only measure of where and when to use our military forces is: Does it make us safer? More than 2½ years into the continuous deployment of more than 100,000 troops to …

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To Sen. Joseph Lieberman

For his courage — and possible political suicide — in following his conscience in regard to Iraq. Like McCain, Lieberman has, when necessary, been a severe critic of the administration’s handling of …

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No silver bullets

Fighting the insurgency in Iraq

Along with impatience, a great American weakness is our belief that every problem has a straightforward solution, if only we can figure it out. Especially in complex …

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Standing Army not needed

The biggest mission creep the Regular Army faces is its continued existence.

Now that the Cold War is over, we have no more possessions to guard in China and the Philippines, and …

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Much ado about QDR

Quadrennial Defense Review triggers great anxiety, little change

The QDR is winding down, at last. The Quadrennial Dread Ritual, that is.

Every four years, senior military officials and defense industry executives drive …

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