When it comes to winning small wars, air power is more than putting steel on target. Air Force strategic thinking continues to be grounded in a theory of strategic attack that fails to maximize air power's utility in small wars. Continuing to adhere primarily to this policy relegates other uses of air power to afterthoughts and shortchanges America's military capability as the nation faces a form of warfare that essentially grants air supremacy. This form of warfare, whether called small wars, asymmetric warfare or fourth-generation warfare, is a classic David vs. Goliath affair, and we are Goliath. Having witnessed the "shock and awe" of American firepower, modern insurgents understand the message loud and clear: They cannot achieve victory by fighting America on its own terms. To neutralize the technological strength of U.S. forces, modern insurgents have adapted their strategy and tactics to capitalize on our weaknesses, including our over-reliance on strategic attack.

http://www.armedforcesjournal.com/2007/01/2371536