[Alpha Kodiak]

Originally posted by Unknown_Enemy:
THE STRATFOR WEEKLY
21 July 2003

by Dr. George Friedman

U.S. Strategy: Perception vs. Deception



The core problem the United States has had in enunciating a
strategy rests on this: Since Sept. 11, 2001, al Qaeda has not
carried out a strategic operation. It has carried out a series of
tactical operations -- Bali, Mombassa, Riyadh, Casablanca and so
on -- but it has not struck again at the United States in an
operation of the magnitude of Sept. 11. The operations outside
the United States are not, by themselves, sufficient to justify
the global war the United States is waging. Preventing another
Sept. 11 is worth the effort. However, as time passes, the
perception -- if not the reality -- grows that Sept. 11 was al
Qaeda's best and only shot at the United States. If that is true,
then the level of effort we have seen on a global basis --
including the invasion of Iraq and certainly the continued
occupation of Iraq in the face of insurrection -- simply isn't
worth it. Or put differently, the United States is fighting an
illusion and exhausting resources in the process.

While there are some interesting points in this article, this one is strange. It seems to be saying, "The US was attacked once, it took steps to prevent any other attacks, and its enemy has not been able to attack again. Therefore, there must have not been a significant threat to react against."

I am concerned about some of the apparent lack of preparedness in dealing with the situation on the ground in Iraq after the war, but to say there is no strategic plan at all is a little much.

As for the situation in Iraq, during the war, those against Bush kept saying that the army was bogged down and would fail, yet the military operation succeeded spectacularly. I see no reason to discount the possibility that the situation now is actually working out, since there is progress toward a future government and local control, despite what those who want Bush to fail are saying.

Of course, a broader question would be, why is this in a thread about the EU, spanking and WWII history? Or maybe the question is, what doesn't fit in such a thread?