The military should be used to fight wars and not nation build.
I think they go hand in hand. While the natural inclination is to punish the nation which we've had to expend our blood and treasure defeating, more thoughtful leaders will recognize that being magnanimous in victory, and seeking to create the social and political structures that will prevent a reoccurence of the conflict, as well as bind our nations together as future allies, is the proper approach.
I remember reading that during FDRs administration, Morgenthau was strongly pushing to de-industrialize Germany in order to prevent another war. He wanted to leave it an agricultural backwater. Thank goodness he didnt' have his way.
I could probably say the same thing about Japan, especially with the animosity that existed over Pearl Harbor. Again, I think our relationship is stronger as allies.
As for Bosnia and Serbia, I think we've seen a turn around there for the better as well. But mind you, this was a situation where the US got involved in something because the EU failed to manage the situation.
What we should bear in mind with Iraq, if we don't act to reshape Iraq into a peaceful, stable, but strong partner for regional security, we'd best stick to our guns. If we don't, then some other regional power will do the influencing.
Btw, just picked up a new Dell XPS.. Just managed to get it installed and I'm posting from it now.. Very simple assembly and a very sweet system.
Hawk |
