re: 'American War Generals' a sobering reflection on U.S. failures in Iraq

The American public and Congress act like war is simply a contest between two militaries. It is not. It is a life and death struggle between groups of people. We forget that, and we lose sight of the need to kill not only soldiers but everyone necessary to convince those opposed to us that war with us is a losing proposition. The enemy does not consist only of those who take up arms against us, but also those who do not oppose our enemies.

The worst part is we expect our friends and allies to apply the same standards when we know our enemies and theirs do not apply the same standards. One side worries about civilian casualties while the other doesn't. It makes for impossible victory conditions for those who value civilian life.