WE HAVE ALL BEEN HERE BEFORE

Posted on December 18, 2003 by Dave Pollard
vietnamThree recent quotes from the Iraqi front:

“We need to pursue a new strategy of terrorism versus terrorism”

— US advisor in Iraq, speaking last week to Seymour Hersh

“With a heavy dose of fear and violence, and a lot of money for projects, I think we can convince these people we are here to help them”

— US lieutenant-colonel, speaking to the New York Times

“We are going to have to play their game. Guerilla versus guerrilla.”

— US militart expert in Baghdad, explaining the “incendiary” practice of employing Israeli commados and intelligence units to advise the US in Iraq operations

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5 Responses to WE HAVE ALL BEEN HERE BEFORE

  1. Dick says:
    December 18, 2003 at 08:39

    Someone needs to come up with an alternative phrase for the military mind that doesn’t have the word ‘mind’ in it.

  2. Jeff Nichols says:
    December 19, 2003 at 06:02

    I’m beginning to believe the “long wave” theories, where everything repeats in 20-30 year cycles. This is Vietnam all over again.

  3. Mike says:
    December 19, 2003 at 10:47

    The military-industrial complex is a capitalist’s dream. Sell weapons to your allies, 20 years later they’re enemies and you can sell weapons to your own country to destroy the weapons you sold previously to the former ally, now enemy. Then get the contract to rebuild the vanquished foe’s military. Rinse and repeat.

  4. O RLY YA RLY says:
    December 19, 2003 at 11:03

    I know Vietnam is an important reference point for Americans. But there are many other good comparisons I’ve not yet heard. Chechnya? Afghanistan (twice)? Focusing on one comparison leads to a discussion on where it compares and where it doesn’t. Maybe it should be seen in a broader view.

  5. David Jones says:
    December 19, 2003 at 15:20

    The lessons from the ancient Chinese Taoists emphatically made clear that the emergence of conflict was a perfect demonstration of failure. The Taoists said: “Why would you want to reward those that fail? Far better to reward those whose work shows on nonbody’s awareness. Reward the peacekeepers. Punish the warmakers.”

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