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May 29, 2006
Winning the Long War, cont.
Part one here.
Many have commented on Bush's allusions to Truman in his commencement speech at West Point. It's certainly not the first time his deliberate naming of Islamism as the enemy has been compared to Truman's confrontation with Communism. Nor is it the first time the Administration's making democracy central to its reconstruction of Iraq and Afghanistan has been compared to the Marshall Plan. But this is what I think is interesting:
West Point has adapted to prepare you for the war you're about to enter. Since the attacks of September the 11th, 2001, this Academy has established a new Combating Terrorism Center, a new minor in Terrorism Studies, with new courses in counter-insurgency operations, intelligence, and homeland security, and winning the peace. West Point has expanded Arabic language training, has hired new faculty with expertise in Islamic law and culture, brought in members of the 101st and 82nd Airborne to train you and share their experiences on the front lines in Iraq and Afghanistan. And each of you endured grueling Saturday training events where you practiced identifying IEDs, conducting convoy operations and running checkpoints. By changing to meet the new threats, West Point has given you the skills you will need in Afghanistan and Iraq -- and for the long war with Islamic radicalism that will be the focus of much of your military careers.
Judith | 05/29/06 at 12:41 AM | Categories: WWIV
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