War

In the middle of the last century,  America was engaged in two conflicts – one to its east; one to its west.  Most everyone else was similarly engaged.  We, along with our allies – principally English speaking and British established outposts with two notable exceptions, prevailed.  One of the notable exceptions became the source for an almost instant follow on set of conflicts for the next 40+ years  (cold war.)  And, with the other notable exception, we found ourselves fighting a “police action” on their doorstep within five years.

Since WWII, here is a brief recollection of America’s wars:

·         Korea

·         Bay of pigs, Cuba

·         Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia

·         Congo

·         Dominican republic

·         Grenada

·         Lebanon

·         Columbia

·         Libya

·         Panama

·         Desert storm – Iraq

·         Somalia

·         Bosnia

·         Haiti

·         Sudan

·         Kosovo

·         Afghanistan

·         Iraq again, and

·         Enduring freedom – too many places to catalog

·         Next up:  Syria 

That’s just the last 70 years – the list for the entire 20^th century is considerably longer and includes wars in the Philippines, Nicaragua, Mexico, Haiti, Dominican republic (again), and, of course, Europe.

This listing is not to suggest that each component weighs equally with the others.

There could be something to be said for the current administration’s efforts to not add to this list.  Well, at least until this week.  Perhaps it would be best if Mr. Obama returned to Martha’s Vineyard?

What is America’s great attraction to war?  Who is behind all this war business?

Cui bono?   Besides the politicians that is.