The use and abuse of history: Munich, Vietnam and Iraq

Article Abstract:

Proponents of the Iraq war and decision-makers utilized the historical analogies of Munich and Vietnam to mobilize public opinion for the Iraq War in 2003. Compared to Munich, the lesson of Vietnam, which revealed the U.S. inability for effective reconstruction of Vietnam and the collapse of domestic political support for the war, better informs Americas' dilemmas and challenges to post-Ba'athist Iraq.

Germany, Vietnam, International aspects, Political aspects, Postwar reconstruction, Foreign policy

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The limits and temptations of America's conventional military primacy

Article Abstract:

The US is enjoying a measure of conventional military primacy unprecedented in world history, though it involves a number of disadvantages. Primacy has accelerated enemy investment in asymmetric responses, renewed the US interest in preventive war, and heightened Pentagon insensitivity to the difficulties of converting easy military victories into lasting political successes.

International Affairs, Military Exercises & Maneuvers, Military Action, Insurgency, Military policy, Military operations, Military maneuvers

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Threat confusion and its penalties

Article Abstract:

The Bush government assumed a global threat that combined specifically al-Qaeda and Saddam Hussein's Iraq after the attacks on the United States (US) on September 11th. The penalty of the threat confusion has been a needless defensive war against Iraq that has alienated key friends and allies, diverted US strategic attention and resources away from the war on terrorism.

Defense Operations & Maintenance, Military administration, Strategic aspects, War on Terrorism, 2001-, Al-Qaeda

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