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Post by cjm on Aug 28, 2016 18:01:26 GMT
Very dangerous because it means that Iran thinks it can do what it likes. |
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Post by Trog on Aug 29, 2016 13:53:08 GMT
If the admiral really thinks that, the admiral is a moron.
For the US to take out the Iranian navy and airforce shouldn't take more than about 24 hours.
Where the admiral is correct, however, is that it now clear that taking out the navy and airforce is only really significant when you are dealing with a sophisticated, technologically advanced country conforming to those ethical standards developed in the Europe of the past 5 centuries. Of which a predominant idea is to make clear and unambiguous distinctions between combatants and civilians. And maybe at least try to behave in an honourable way.
When this is not the case, the only way to win a war is through boots on the ground, huge numbers of them, and prolonged and intense occupation. It becomes necessary to transform the psyche of the conquered, and that takes generations. And the US is not going to do that. So the general is right, in this respect.
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Post by cjm on Aug 29, 2016 17:02:23 GMT
If the admiral really thinks that, the admiral is a moron. ... A dangerous moron.  |
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Post by cjm on Aug 29, 2016 18:54:47 GMT
... Where the admiral is correct, however, is that it now clear that taking out the navy and airforce is only really significant when you are dealing with a sophisticated, technologically advanced country conforming to those ethical standards developed in the Europe of the past 5 centuries. Of which a predominant idea is to make clear and unambiguous distinctions between combatants and civilians. And maybe at least try to behave in an honourable way. When this is not the case, the only way to win a war is through boots on the ground, huge numbers of them, and prolonged and intense occupation. It becomes necessary to transform the psyche of the conquered, and that takes generations. And the US is not going to do that. So the general is right, in this respect. A penetrating analysis of what it means to achieve victory. In my mind it conjures up images of ancient conflicts where the males were all killed and the women *integrated* into society. Indeed, how far western society has moved from that scenario - to echo your thoughts. After WWII, Germany and Japan (to mention but two), were ultimately restored as national states. I am always amused by International Law prescriptions of how combatants should behave. All is no longer fair in war! |
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