It has long been said that there are wars of necessity and wars of choice. But enemies always adapt, especially in our world of terrorists, failing states and delinquent regimes. Every war is a war of choice.
America and the Continent may find themselves once again a united force to be reckoned with by the rest of the world. But the odds are grim.
The debacle in Iraq reaffirms the lesson of a thousand years ago: there is no such thing as a good crusade; divine missions are not conducive to sensible policy.
Ethnic terrorist groups like Hamas can be engaged but there is no negotiating with religious terrorists. A strategy for splitting up the Al-Qaeda network.
America should join with Europe in aggressively policing proliferation.
Why policymaking elites and foreigners alike distrust the judgment of Americans.
U.S. policy must ensure the price of Iranian aggression becomes unaffordable.
McGeorge Bundy’s honest reversal on Vietnam contrasts with the Bush team’s unwillingness to look back—or forward.
Isolation allows rogue regimes to extend their longevity and stability.
A nation-state’s borders are not sacrosanct. Failed states should be fragmented into more governable parts.