I'm no military expert analyst but wouldn't common sense dictate you never announce what you plan to do? And while I'm on this rant didn't we learn anything from Vietnam? ie. don't let the politicians run the war. It seems to me the U.S. military did one hell of a job of kicking butts in the beginning of this war, why did we veer off path?
2006-11-29 17:38:54 · 10 answers · asked by chuck y 2 in Politics & Government ➔ Military
we veered off path when we stopped listening to the generals... and didn't have a plan to rebuild the nation...
that's a start...
2006-11-29 17:42:20 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
I've seen evidence that we've done wonders in Iraq, but it's still a mess there. Everyone knew it would be exhausting to try to stop the terrorists this way, but someone had to do it. Clinton said to take out Saddam back in 98, but we knew he wouldn't do it. I sometimes feel sorry for Bush for having to take on such a task as well as all the criticism for doing something everyone else wanted to put off to the next guy. We should really praise the guy instead of berate him, but maybe history will show his bravery.
As for Vietnam, you're right. The media took over that war and caused millions to be slaughtered when we pulled out. Back then the media went unchecked and we believed them. Now we know we were fed a bunch of lies and we won't let the biased media dictate how to run a war. In fact, I bet very few know that the Tet assault was an enormous win for the US. It was portrayed by the media as a dismal loss.
All in all, I think we're a very generous and selfless country. Did anyone see how the average American gives over 14 times as much out of their pocket to help others as any other country? And that's above and beyond government aid. Makes you think, doesn't it?
2006-11-30 04:37:29 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It is fundamental to Democracy that Civilians control the Military. To change would require a Military Coup and the Top General would become the Dictator. This might be an improvement over George W. Bush.
2006-11-29 17:46:03 · answer #3 · answered by fatsausage 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
In general, NO it isn't wise.
BUT, displaying the MOAB sure got the Iraqi Army to fold QUICKLY at the beginning of the war. That was a terrific example of the positive effect of announcing intention / capability.
Also, our announcement to cross the Gulf of Sidra (Libya) in the 80's was sound. It let the WORLD know we would apply our right to free transit of INTERNATIONAL waters... so when Libya acted like idiots, we were justified.
Also our announcement of intent to create "Star Wars" drove the Soviet Union to bankruptcy...
Yep... politicians running a war is a bad-idea... Rumsfield and McNamara screwed up their wars. Politicians should set the GOALS and LIMITS... and then step BACK.
Generals Powell & Schwarzkopf were given the political limitations and requirements... and they kicked butt. NOTE... you BARELY heard a WORD from the then SecDefense (Cheney).
Sadly after the war, political considerations screwed the Iraqi population... and fueled the intent of Iran, Syria, and Al Queda to screw with the US.
2006-11-30 05:07:27 · answer #4 · answered by mariner31 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Because people are now some how weak to death. It is a fact of war that you can not escape. Innocent people are going to die, yet no one can say it. If we actually fought this war "The way it should be fought", thousands of innocent people would die. I don't mean 2 or 3 or even 4 thousand. Tens of thousands would die. To win a war you must completely cripple your enemy, and to do so innocents will die. This does not please me to say this at all, but it is very true.
2006-11-29 18:01:06 · answer #5 · answered by Chad F 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No way! Under no circumstances should we announce our military intentions. We talk openly and too much. It is our darned press that forces leaks and big mouths to announce what we intend to do.
2006-11-29 17:46:01 · answer #6 · answered by wunderkind 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Sometimes it is smart to announce your intentions.
For example, "if you write another story in the press about how I'm a ruthless dictator, I will have you killed"
I find that to be pretty effective.
-Vlad
2006-11-29 18:34:18 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I agree that some things need to be kept under wraps.
2006-11-29 17:43:24 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
You know the answer.
They are tired, spread too thin, and do not believe in what they are doing.
2006-11-29 17:43:06 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
The only way I can answer your question is just say AMEN BROTHER!!!!
2006-11-29 17:42:52 · answer #10 · answered by TRUE GRIT 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋