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Originally Posted by Sheriff Gonna Getcha
I saw that report and it certainly isn't encouraging. That said, why do you say it is better to hear how we are failing than to hear that we are succeeding? I guess you mean that you've pretty much determined that we cannot "win" and, therefore, any "positive reports" are pure B.S. If so, it's fair to think as much even if other reasonable people disagree.
Why do you think it is impossible, as opposed to unlikely, that we can defeat the insurgency? The notion that insurgencies cannot be defeated is a total myth. Ever since Vietnam, many people have been under the mistaken impression that it is impossible to defeat an insurgency. History, however, is replete with examples of occupying powers working in conjunction with locals to defeat insurgencies. The Brits did it in Malaya, the Germans did in all over Europe, we did it all over Central America during the 20th century, and the list goes on.
I'm not saying we will defeat the insurgency, I am just saying it is far from certain that we will not. The same people who think the insurgency cannot be defeated are the same who are saying the surge would not work and it would simply result in more death. Well, violence levels are down and AQI is all but gone. We have a LONG, LONG way to go, but I think it's a little unreasonable to say we cannot "win."
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The truth hurts and the truth is light. This isn't a black and white issue. If your breath is kicking I'm going to tell you and I would expect you to do the same. What I am saying is you learn from failures but if you don't recognize it you are only delaying the inevitable and you'll probably be in a worse off position. The real question you should ask yourself is if China invaded the United States could/can they win?
History has shown time and time again that a nation can not defeat radical insurgents long term. The examples you gave are very poor examples. I can't believe you used Germany of all places as an example (tell me all about their successes). As for us in South America, I can't count the many disasters and failures we have had over there. We are so loved over there aren't we? Malaya? Are you talking about during Colonial times or the internal conflict that occurred in the late 60's?