| | One of the great things about reading VDH is how he often cuts to the heart of an issue. Here's an example from the above essay of his:
"The key to Iraq is enfeebling those around it who are weakening the country — namely Syria and Iran."
Notice how simple and brief a cause-and-effect proposition this is: The insurgents and their money, manpower, and supplies are constantly being weakened by the U.S. Army. They are sustained by outside help over the western border and the eastern. So if you weaken them or their ability to interfere, eventually the insurgency can't sustain itself solely from inside the country.
Notice also the differenced between the word "enfeeble" and the words "attack", "invade", "go to war with". The U.S. has enormous power, resources, and tools in other areas besides military.
You still have to do some reading to be convinced that it is as simple as VDH says, or to agree with many positions he takes. But he is i) a very clear thinker, ii) possesses enormous knowledge of history and war (those are his areas of expertise), iii) is a very good writer.
I'm just curious: How many Soloists already read him regularly or know who is?
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