The present-day U.S. military qualifies by any measure as highly professional, much more so than its Cold War predecessor. Yet the purpose of today’s professionals is not to preserve peace but to fight unending wars in distant places. Intoxicated by a post-Cold War belief in its own omnipotence, the United States allowed itself to be drawn into a long series of armed conflicts, almost all of them yielding unintended consequences and imposing greater than anticipated costs. Since the end of the Cold War, U.S. forces have destroyed many targets and killed many people. Only rarely, however, have they succeeded in accomplishing their assigned political purposes. . . . [F]rom our present vantage point, it becomes apparent that the “Revolution of ‘89” did not initiate a new era of history. At most, the events of that year fostered various unhelpful illusions that impeded our capacity to recognize and respond to the forces of change that actually matter.

Andrew Bacevich


Friday, June 1, 2012

War News for Friday, June 01, 2012




UN Says Civilian Death Rate in Afghanistan is Unacceptable 

Australia to take over US Afghan security 

National Guard (in Federal Status) and Reserve Activated as of May 29, 2012


Reported security incidents
#1: A blast was heard in the eastern Afghan city of Khost on Friday and smoke was rising near a NATO base, a Reuters witness and nearby residents said. There was no immediate word on casualties. NATO said it was aware of an incident in the area but it was too early to comment. The Afghan Taliban said its fighters rammed a vehicle packed with large amounts of explosives into the base. A police source said a gun battle was raging near the base and local security forces were not able to get close to the area.

#2: According to local authorities in eastern Kapisa province at least 3 Afghan national army soldiers were injured following a roadside bomb explosion in this province. Provincial security chief spokesman Asadullah Hamidi said, the incident took place on Friday morning at Ghazi Khel area.

#3: In the meantime at least 8 militants were killed and 4 others were injured following clashes between Afghan police forces and armed militants at southern Kandahar province, provincial governor media office said. The incident took place on Thursday night at Shahwali Kot district in this province. Anti-government armed militant groups yet to comment regarding the reports.

#4: According to local authorities in southern Helmand province, Afghan security forces on Thursday shot dead a suicide bomber in this province. The officials further added the, a suicide bomber who had disguised himself in Afghan police uniform was shot dead by Afghan security forces around 10:00 am local time at Nawa district. The suicide bomber was looking to enter a session of the local council and was recognized by Afghan police forces before he reaches his target to carry out suicide attack, officials said.

#5: In the meantime Taliban militants ambushed Afghan police forces at Nawzad district where two militants were killed and one Afghan police officer was injured following the clashes.


DoD: Cpl. Nicholas H. Olivas

DoD: Petty Officer 2nd Class Sean E. Brazas

Posted by whisker at 2:47 AM

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