For too many years the importance of the Middle East was to feed our insatiable need for oil. Too many unholy alliances were formed to protect the flow of oil. As we look at the history of the region, it is apparent that they have no desire for peace or stability and any attempt by us is but a temporary slowdown of the chaos. We paid a heavy price in lives, equipment, money and relationships.
It isn't a popular thing to say that in the wake of the 911 attack we should have blown the area that spawned these terrorists to Kingdom come. That would have sent the appropriate message. We are slow to anger but will retaliate.
But, instead, we have rules of war. The terrorists have no rules. They killed innocent Americans. When we hunt them down, they hide among innocent countrymen.
The multiple religious factions, vast and rugged terrain, and our limited ability to do the job, coupled with the lack of commitment by the parties, are only a few of the obstacles to peace.
But I'm certain of one thing; lack of an articulated foreign policy, absence of strong leadership and red lines that mean nothing will only exacerbate the situation.
John Bryant
