Afghanistan - Powell Doctrine

[Bob]

let's ask the decider what to do next

 

[Bob]

I too would love to see us out of the Middle East. But I don't see it happening because I think that ego gets in the way. Many leaders don't want to say we were "defeated" even though I don't see it that way. If we must fight the Taliban then I prefer thinking like Sun Tzu. This sounds like a better plan to me than to keep adding troops and to stay indefinitely.

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All warfare is based on deception.

Hence, when able to attack, we must seem unable; when using our forces, we must seem inactive; when we are near, we must make the enemy believe we are far away; when far away, we must make him believe we are near.

Hold out baits to entice the enemy. Feign disorder, and crush him.

If he is secure at all points, be prepared for him. If he is in superior strength, evade him.

If your opponent is of choleric temper, seek to irritate him. Pretend to be weak, that he may grow arrogant.

Attack him where he is unprepared, appear where you are not expected.

These military devices, leading to victory, must not be divulged beforehand.

The Art of War

By Sun Tzu

Sun Tzu was a general in ancient China around 400 B.C. Many ideas connect to the idea of Tao, such as being in harmony with nature, and understanding yourself and your enemy. One of the most important ideas is that it is better to not fight than to fight, but if you must fight, then fight with everything you have.

Gidget
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fighting and killing the taliban because they harbored bin laden is as idiotic as killing german citizens because they harbored hitler. we cannot ever win this war. there never has been a nation in afghanistan of any permanence. the ambivalent locals know, as did the south vietnamese, that like the russians, we will eventually leave.