April 9 is the 143 anniversary of Lee’s surrender to Grant, in effect ending the Civil War. It is appropriate that on that date Gen. Petraeus and Ambassador Crocker appeared before Congress to report on the Iraq situation.
We find that we are not able to fully judge the wisdom of invading Iraq. Actually, if we intend to resist Islamic terrorism, it is probably as good a choice as any. It was no problem defeating their military. Afghanistan was also an easy victory. The liberation, transformation and modernization of these strange lands remain the real enigma.
Let’s review some past histories in securing military victories.
In the Revolutionary War, Britain just gave it up as not worth the effort. We did the same in Vietnam.
After the Civil War, the preserved Union occupied the Confederacy for 12 years (Reconstruction). They then lost interest and called in “Jim Crow” to complete the job. That mistake has taken 130 years and is still with us.
The Spanish American War gave us an empire, Cuba and the Philippines. We haven’t spoken to the Cubans for 50 years and we fought in the Philippines off and on for 50 years. They don’t like us much either.
Since 1917, we have had a military presence of some kind in Europe. I don’t foresee us ever leaving there again. Perhaps this is still our greatest success.
The Indian Wars lasted from 1640 to 1890. Hostilities were off and on but important issues still exist. This must have been our most interminable conflict.
Why do we believe that our present conflict is unique? Be patient, it is just starting.
Steve Olsen
Lynnwood
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