Terrorism Takes Second in QDR

A few days ago America’s top intelligence advisors declared before Congress the main threat facing the nation was Al Qaeda terrorists, with a nuclear armed Iran coming in second. Friday the US Military went its own way with the Quadrennial Defense Review saying the long term challenge of rising states such as China and India was more critical.

The good news in all the confusion is that the military is being dragged “kicking and screaming” into this new age of irregular warfare. Funds have increased greatly for the Special Forces, already over 50,000 men strong, and the strength of the Army and National Guard will remain about the same, even gaining some combat brigades. The Navy is also getting into the act with the revival of its brown water navy, and the Marines for the first time will get its own commando unit.

America frequently plans for one type of war, and finds itself fighting another. During the 1970’s and 80’s, the planning centered on a WW2 armored slugfest with Russia on the plains of Europe, all the while we were being drawn into the decades long Middle East conflict, mainly because of the growing political weakness of Israel.

Israel’s distraction with the Palestinian problem may also bring us into a clash with Iran. The amazing statement recently from President Bush that “we will defend Israel” can only push us further down the road into Third World combat, even while we watch longingly the fleet, army, and airpower of China.