(Military Times) Indeed, the entire war is a story of one mistake after another, putting success or “victory” as we typically define it further out of reach.
Danielle Pletka | AEIdeas
Donald Trump is far from an ideal champion of American interests in the world, but he is not confused about the need to range allies on our side in the Middle East against Iran. It is hard to say the same about congressional Democrats and their fellow travelers.
CENTCOM: ‘No Interest’ in New Conflict inMiddle East
From Reuters: “The United States has no interest in engaging in a new conflict in the Middle East but will defend American interests including freedom of navigation, the U.S. military said on Thursday as it directed a destroyer to the scene of an attack in the Gulf of Oman."
By Francis X. Tailor, RealClearDefense: "As anybody who has been monitoring America’s 18-year military involvement in Afghanistan will tell you, ending a war that has persisted for a generation is border-line “mission impossible.”"
By Amin Saikal, The Strategist (ASPI): "Afghanistan’s problem is not primarily a military one. Despite the ANA’s heavy losses (more than 45,000 personnel since mid-2014) and increased insecurity in the country, the army has managed to prevent the Taliban from taking over any major city on a lasting basis."