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Politics : Foreign Affairs Discussion Group -- Ignore unavailable to you. Want to Upgrade?

To: cnyndwllr who wrote (147771)	10/13/2004 4:46:15 PM
From: Neocon	Read Replies (1) \| Respond to of 281500

As far as I am concerned, in stating that war is primarily about resolve, I am doing no more than stating a basic truth, like the second law of thermodynamics. Obviously, although the ability to inflict damage or hold territory matters, it is possible for an inferior force to succeed against an superior force. If the inferior force can minimize its casualties and maximize its damage, it can win, provided that the superior force does not care enough to fight endlessly, or will not invest the means for a decisive victory. If Churchill had not rallied his countrymen during the Battle of Britain, Hitler would have won. If Stalin had not exacted a terrible cost on the Germans, and lured them deeper and deeper into the Russian interior, even though the Soviets were suffering terribly, Hitler would have won. Yes, in the end it took the Americans to resolve things, but the Allies had to have the sheer grit to hold out at crucial periods.

To: cnyndwllr who wrote (147771)	10/13/2004 7:24:49 PM
From: Bruce L	Read Replies (1) \| Respond to of 281500

<< War is primarily about will, about resolve, about how much one can and will suffer and/or risk to achieve one's goals.>> Ed: The above statement is in the present tense. In other words, it presupposes that war is aleady underway. In that light, Neocon's statement is not only accurate, but poetic. I agree with you that here are other considerations when deciding whether or not to engage. The 9/11 attack amounted to a declaration of war against the United States. I believe that the tactical decision to invade Iraq was appropriate and part of that same war; you may reasonably disagree and I don't hold it against you. I realize your opinion is based on principle. I can only hope that you accept my opinion on the same basis. Your Brother, Bruce