JACK'S BLOG
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OpinionChairman Mao wrote the book on guerrilla warfare. He advised insurgents to lose themselves among the population like fish swim in the sea, indistinguishable from any others. It proved to be an excellent strategy. However, today's conflicts require a different strategy for small nations to resist larger ones. Regardless of which state is in the right, small states now adhere to a new mentor, one who successfully flummoxed stronger opponents in the ring – Muhammad Ali. All stand in awe of Rope-a-Dope. The United States will deliver its punches, massive punches. When it's tired, its stamina drained, the Syrians will crawl out of their holes and resume killing each other just as happened in Iraq, Afghanistan, and so many other places.
Strategic bombing has never gained victory in any conflict. No amount of bombs brought Germany to its knees. In fact, Germany's industrial output rose during the heaviest of allied night and day bombing. Nuclear bombs, arguably the ultimate strategic weapons, failed to defeat Japan. Leaders of the Japanese Imperial armed forces were tempted to continue prosecuting the war even after atomic devices were detonated over two of their major cities. Likewise, strategic bombing of North Vietnam, Yugoslavia, Afghanistan, and other small nations accomplished nothing. Dumb bombs. Carpet bombing. Smart bombs. Cruise missiles. Hellfire missiles launched from drones. All may temporarily demoralize an enemy and limit their ability to fight, but only an infantryman armed with a rifle can occupy and dominate enemy territory. As the debate to win the support of Congress and the American public for bombing Syria advances, keep in mind these three tests: Is it militarily necessary? What is the military value of the proposed targets? Although nonmilitary facilities and personnel will be affected, will their losses be acceptable? Yes, the answers to every one of these questions is subjective. Although a consensus may be achieved, any decision will not be unanimous. However, we must all be prepared to accept the consequences. Moreover, don't set your expectations too high. Like I said, strategic bombing has never accomplished anything by itself. All the enemy has to do is take a break (just as Ali rested against the ropes) while the United States flails away with its might fists until it tires itself out.
3 Comments
9/4/2013 12:08:17 am
I believe a strike on Syria is just another waste of time, money, and lives. If you fight a war, turn it over to the military and fight to win. With politicians at the controls, we never stand a chance. In the Middle East, men have been killing each other since the Book of Genesis. Our air strike won't make any difference.
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Jack Durish
9/4/2013 03:23:20 am
I hope I'm wrong. As we discuss this, Republican Congressional leaders are queuing up to support the President's planned air strike against Syria. Let's hope that if they do, they will defy the historical precedents and accomplish some good through strategic bombing and not kill any more noncombatants than have already been murdered and maimed by gas attacks launched by someone.
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Jm Bob
9/6/2013 04:46:20 am
Hi Jack, great post well done boxing is a great sport and the sportsmen get great coaching and share interesting info about their experience. Youtube has been a great source of info around the world and is used by White House as evidence to justify an attack on Syria and prove what they said last week and everyone writing for them in the news and on the web is correct. I have not studied this topic much. Its a terrible thing war lets hope some truth comes out about who did what.
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