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In the '90s, Colin Powel defined five tenants that we should achieve before going to war. Most people are only aware of the "overwhelming force" part, but not the rest of it, so I've posted the Doctrine below in its entirety. These guidelines, when followed should assure both honor and victory. Unfortunately, the current Bush administration chose to ignore all of them. In the words of Thomas Freedman, Rumsfeld, it seems, would rather win an argument with Colin Powel than he would win the war in Iraq. The first Gulf War, executed by Bush 41, was successful because this doctrine was followed to the letter.
Dubya has a degree in history from Yale. I wish to hell he would have stayed awake during enough of his classes to have learned the importance of history and the lessons our leaders can take from it.
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The Powel Doctrine
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1) Civilian leaders must succinctly define the political goal they seek to achieve through military action.
2) A precise military mission with a clear definition of success.
3) Plan a realistic exit strategy.
4) Global/International support.
5) Overwhelming military force.
-- As told by Mike Turner, a retired colonel and former strategic planner for the Joint Chiefs of Staff, on NPR Morning Edition, June 14th, 2004. A link to the story is posted below. Turner goes on to explains exactly how the current massive problems we face in Iraq can be traced to our lack of following each of the five tenants listed above.
http://www.npr.org/rundowns/segment.php?wfId=1956980
I've always had a strong respect for Colin Powell, and thought and still think he would make a good chief executive. Too bad he made such a piss poor decision in choosing a boss. Well, as bad as thing are, I'm sure they would have been worse with someone else heading up State. I mean hell, look what Bush did to the Justice department.
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