Daily Archives: 03/01/2011

(Community Matters) too sad to even comment

(Community Matters) Outstanding – wish was gonna be in town to watch

(Community Matters) Okay . . . I’d always seen but never stopped. Uncorked, the wine bar on E. 7th St just east of I-35 – one of the best views in town & a surprising selection of wines by the glass (& many flights) plus good food. I’m going back often (especially since it’s nearly across the street from my office).

(Community Matters) an insightful perspective of why the US has had only limited successes in Asia

By George Friedman

U.S. Secretary of Defense Robert Gates, speaking at West Point, said last week that “Any future defense secretary who advises the president to again send a big American land army into Asia or into the Middle East or Africa should have his head examined.” In saying this, Gates was repeating a dictum laid down by Douglas MacArthur after the Korean War, who urged the United States to avoid land wars in Asia. Given that the United States has fought four major land wars in Asia since World War II — Korea, Vietnam, Afghanistan and Iraq — none of which had ideal outcomes, it is useful to ask three questions: First, why is fighting a land war in Asia a bad idea? Second, why does the United States seem compelled to fight these wars? And third, what is the alternative that protects U.S. interests in Asia without large-scale military land wars?

The Hindrances of Overseas Wars

Let’s begin with the first question, the answer to which is rooted in demographics and space. Continue reading →