U.S. Soldiers Killed in, Uh, Pakistan
Unclear why they were there as yet; according to the U.S. embassy in Islamabad they were helping train the Pakistanis in counterinsurgency. But there’s this: The American soldiers, who may have been...
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The ‘Mullen Doctrine’ Takes Shape
Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Navy Adm. Mike Mullen (Defense Department photo) It’s not the Mullen Doctrine — yet. But in a recent speech that’s attracted little notice outside the defense...
View ArticleGen. Mattis Leaves Door Open to Next Military Job
About a week ago, I speculated on Gen. James Mattis’ future in the military, now that Gen. Ray Odierno is set to take over for him at Joint Forces Command. Mattis is a four-star Marine general. He’s...
View ArticleA CIA COINdinista’s Misgivings on Counterinsurgency in Afghanistan
The leak I got yesterday from Kandahar expressing skepticism that counterinsurgency can bring the nine-year war in Afghanistan to a successful conclusion has inspired another one. This time, a former...
View ArticleMcChrystal’s Command: There Are Enough Troops for Kandahar
Yesterday, I cited a blind quote in a McClatchy story from a Defense Department official. It raised doubts that the force levels anticipated for Kandahar’s “rising tide” — 20,350 NATO and Afghan troops...
View ArticleThe Counterinsurgents’ National Security Strategy
To build out a theme from the previous post, it’s noteworthy how the National Security Strategy draws on conceptions of military power developed over the last few years by the theorist-practitioners of...
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Potential Successor to Gates Lays Out Military Priorities
Undersecretary of Defense for Policy Michele Flournoy (EPA/ZUMAPRESS.com) Just to be clear: Defense Secretary Robert Gates is not talking about leaving the Pentagon. But when he ultimately does depart,...
View ArticleBiden Probably Wants to Renew His Rolling Stone Subscription
Vice President Biden will probably have the last laugh now that Gen. Stanley McChrystal is returning to Washington to learn his fate as commanding general in Afghanistan after insulting his civilian...
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Obama Unlikely to Use McChrystal Flap to Change Course on Afghanistan
Gen. Stanley McChrystal (Louie Palu/ZUMApress.com) By the time you read this, Gen. Stanley McChrystal may very well have lost his command in Afghanistan. McChrystal is headed to a White House Situation...
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If McChrystal’s Out, What Should Change in Afghanistan? A Guide
Gen. Stanley McChrystal (Oscar Matatquin/ZUMA Press) President Obama and Gen. Stanley McChrystal began their decisive one-on-one talk in the Oval Office at 9:51 a.m., according to ABC’s Jake Tapper....
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