The military, however, is facing another Viet Nam if things do not change soon over there.
And what neutral sanctuary are they going to hide, re-supply, and regroup in? Iran? Syria? Saudi Arabia?
And what major internatiional power is going to supply them with the tonnes of weapons, ammunition, and other miscellany needed to sustain long-term operations?
And how will they get these supplies to their troops in the field? Jungle Road?
Vietnam was so much worse, for so many more reasons... It was not so much that the enemy defeated us, it's that we defeated ourselves. And our political leadership defeated us.
But I think the majority of American people understand why we overthrew Saddam. And they understand that, once broken, we own the problem and have to rebuild the country, fending off all potential threats from other states and power who want to, once again, subject the Iraqi people beneath their power.
And Iraq has become the front line in the fight with Islamic militants throughout the world.. This was also part of Bush's strategy, IMO.. Force them to defend their own territory, expending their resources on "defense", than in attacking the US.
I would much rather fight them there, than fight them here.
And if you understand the demographics of the mid-east, where approximately 50% of the populaltion is under 18, then you know the next couple of years is crucial to putting militancy on the defensive as an alternative ideology.
But equally important is requiring the corrupt and incompetent regimes of the region to provide some sense of economic and political hope to their people, so they have less inclination to fall under the spell of militancy.
Bottom line, you don't drain a swamp and plant a economic garden overnight. This is going to take years.
Get used to it.
Hawk |
