There is a lot I object to in this article. Much of it is too simplistic.
But the gist is on point.
Yes, American motives were nobler. Yes, American methods were less brutal (most of the time). Yes, there were many other differences between the conflicts. But on a strategic level, the broad similarities are striking. This means there are several important lessons to be learned from recent American military history—but only if that history is looked at from the enemy’s perspective, not Washington’s. Because it was the enemies who won.
Gideon Rose, The Irony of Ukraine: We Have Met the Enemy, and It Is Us
If we had invaded Iraq in 2022 instead of 2003, we would be facing a lot of the same problems the Russians are facing today.
Pay attention, sure.
But it’s important to learn the right lessons.
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Carrying the Gun 