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Friday, July 30, 2010

ARE INTERNATIONAL WARS A RACKET?

 
By: Naveed Tajammal
(This is an exclusive article for pakpotpourri2)
Eric Arthur Blair, better known in literature as ,George Orwell had done some predictions when he drafted his book,’’1984’’ in 1947-48.It was published in 1949,George saw after the 2nd world war a world divided in three major super-states, Oceania (Britain, South Africa, America & Polynesia(Pacific Ocean Islands),Eurasia (Continental Europe, and North Asia) . Lastly, East Asia (China, Japan, Korea &North India). Continuous wars, between these super states over a disputed area, which formed a ‘parrellogram’ from Tangier ( Morocco) to Brazzaville (Congo), in a straight line to tip of northern Australia ‘’Darwin’ and then to Hong Kong.
Eurasia did rise as did the Warsaw pact countries of Europe but they all took a nose dive after 1989.The fall of the Soviet Empire, East Asia, has yet to rise, only Oceania is in the world Arena. The Union Jack has collapsed its strategic sites as well of other empires since 1898 ( Treaty of Paris) have been annexed  by the sole super state The USA( The stars and stripes ) or Oceania of George Orwell, South Africa to collapsed with rise of Nelson Mandela.
What George Orwell had feared most was the creation of Totalitarian states, which keeps its people under constant mass surveillance, each transaction, communication, compiled, stored away, ready to be re- examined and used by the authority, whenever they wanted. And as go the figures and reports, only in the USA, an average citizen is caught on film nearly 200 times daily, in the Britain the mother of Democracy ,each citizen is filmed 300 times daily. The American National Data Base agency has the world’s largest data base.So, the Big brother is there, as envisaged by Orwell.
But here we have to pause and see the rise of ‘Oceania’ as the sole power, at the moment in time. And what somebody, who was instrumental in making it in the start has to say on this. The man, Major General  Smedley.D.Butler,(1881-1940). Until  1898 the USA did not have any territory outside the mainland of North America, and her national debt stood at one billion dollars, and by the end of the First World War in which USA jumped in for no rhyme or reason, it was 25 billion dollars. So the desire to acquire outside territory or ‘’Fiddling in International Affairs”, was the cause in the rise of the debt, as for very few this ‘’RACKET’ OF waging wars  is profitable business venture. It brings fancy profits, but the cost of war operations is always transferred to the people-who do not share the profits.
With these words General Butler, quotes from Senate Document # 259 of the 65th Congress Report, on the Corporate Earnings, analysing the profits of 122 meat packers,153 cotton manufactures,299 garment makers,49 steel plants & 340 coal producers during the years of the first world war. Which are mind boggling but the space does not permit the details.
This is piece was written way back in 1933, but is still just as relevant. It is an excerpt from a speech by Major General Smedley Butler. Smedley Butler is one of only 19 people in the entire history of the US military to have been awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor twice. 
He writes:
“A racket is best described, I believe, as something that is not what it seems to the majority of people. Only a small inside group knows what it is about. It is conducted for the benefit of the very few at the expense of the masses.
I believe in adequate defense at the coastline and nothing else. If a nation comes over here to fight, then we’ll fight. The trouble with America is that when the dollar only earns 6 percent over here, then it gets restless and goes overseas to get 100 percent. Then the flag follows the dollar and the soldiers follow the flag.
I wouldn’t go to war again as I have done to protect some lousy investment of the bankers. There are only two things we should fight for. One is the defense of our homes and the other is the Bill of Rights. War for any other reason is simply a racket.
There isn’t a trick in the racketeering bag that the military gang is blind to. It has its “finger men” to point out enemies, its “muscle men” to destroy enemies, its “brain men” to plan war preparations, and a “Big Boss” Super-Nationalistic-Capitalism.
It may seem odd for me, a military man to adopt such a comparison. Truthfulness compels me to. I spent thirty-three years and four months in active military service as a member of this country’s most agile military force, the Marine Corps. I served in all commissioned ranks from Second Lieutenant to Major-General. And during that period, I spent most of my time being a high class muscle-man for Big Business, for Wall Street and for the Bankers. In short, I was a racketeer, a gangster for capitalism.
I suspected I was just part of a racket at the time. Now I am sure of it. Like all the members of the military profession, I never had a thought of my own until I left the service. My mental faculties remained in suspended animation while I obeyed the orders of higher-ups. This is typical with everyone in the military service.
I helped make Mexico, especially Tampico, safe for American oil interests in 1914. I helped make Haiti and Cuba a decent place for the National City Bank boys to collect revenues in. I helped in the raping of half a dozen Central American republics for the benefits of Wall Street. The record of racketeering is long. I helped purify Nicaragua for the international banking house of Brown Brothers in 1909—1912. I brought light to the Dominican Republic for American sugar interests in 1916. In China I helped to see to it that Standard Oil went its way unmolested.
During those years, I had, as the boys in the back room would say, a swell racket. Looking back on it, I feel that I could have given Al Capone a few hints. The best he could do was to operate his racket in three districts. I operated on three continents. “
Now kindly analyse the aftermath of 2nd world war and the American ventures to date.


 (The writer has over 26 years of experience of research in historical investigation) 

66 comments:

  1. The writer of this article seems equal to military plus literature! And, yes, he seems like the Pakistani-British writer Tariq Ali!

    Is this true, Yasmeen?

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  2. couldnt agree more.
    the words of Mr. Butler very apt. and the writer of this article very correctly said that the same is true even now.

    imho, it is the capitalists that are the main reason countries go to war. especially today. when there is only one "super" power in US, (read "lord" and "master") hiring other "allies" (read "dogs"/ "wolves")that follow along the way.

    who was "dick" cheney? what was his invlovement in iraq war..........even a child can calculate what was hidden behind once u take a look at mr. cheney's background business.

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  3. I share with you a comment by Anwaar Hussain, writer:
    Dear Naveed,

    Unable to comment there for some reason. Please do that for me. The comment is;

    "Spot on Naveed. General Butler's voice is as true today as when he was alive....truer as a matter of fact.

    We the world cried ourselves hoarse that imperial overreach kills, that the dream of empires is no more realistic and that their latest jaunt, the 'War on Terra', too is nothing but a commerce war to satiate the greed of a few, but in vain. The Americans are now in a bind of their own making.

    One takes no pleasure in bringing this omen to the Americans, but the worst is yet to come. Before their corporate masters are through with them, they may be recycling their dental floss from nails in their backyards. If they are still owning a backyard by then, that is. It has already started to happen as a matter of fact."

    Regards,

    Anwaar Hussain

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  4. Well articulated. True reflection of today's reality. Does anyone listen let alone act on the basis of truth and higher human values any more?
    I can empathize with Butler. We fought.....for what? Has anything changed? War no longer solves issues. The aim is no longer victory but pursuit of profit for those placed in power by the highest bidder, local or foreign.
    Fasih Bokhari

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  5. Dear Terrorland,
    Tariq Ali hails from the Hayat family (Wah Cantt fame) & is brother of Mahir Ali.
    Naveed Tajammal is s/o Gen Tajammal Hussain Malik & personally known to me. He hails from Chakwal.
    They are both two different persons.
    Naveed Tajammal Hussain Malik is from 3rd Baluch (Army). He may be googled. He excels in historical articles and is currently in process of writing his book.
    I happen to be his assistant in the research based work.
    Best
    YAA

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  6. Dear Admiral Fasih Bokhari
    Thank you for your support. I am well aware, you passionately believe, the wars cause only destruction in every way possible.
    I hope Sir, saner sense will prevail.
    Warm Rgds
    YAA

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  7. It is going to remain unchanged and international players(I call the brokers)are playing the same game of power and Money.They are trying all union tactics to squeeze Nations like Iraqis and Afghanis etc.They have destroyed both and want to run away but will they end the so called war. USA war did not change anything in Afghanistan nor will it change but they will venture in a different way. But will not learn from the Past.
    Naveed Tajamal has given a food for thought but it is for those who know not. They know it how they are doing and what for?they know it well. Who bothers I agree with Fussi.
    Yasmeen its great to have an assistan like you who happens to be wife too.Keep it up.
    A good article which supports my view ie " There will never be peace in Afghanistan"

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  8. Very interesting revisiting the history as per the writer's personal experience and observation. I always had this feeling with my 50 years of closely watching and reading of the games how they are planned and executed.



    I feel strongly that there is a very close knitted group of businessmen of super individual worth and most of the major products prices are controlled by them. Be it oil, gold, corn, wheat and other necessary produces, pharmaceuticals and top of it the military hardware. This elite club owns boeing and other major warfare production. This group one can call them a think tank which even decides who has to be the presidential candidate for the American elections.



    In this group the strong media is a major partner. The ordinary American voter just goes with the swing of the opinion polls and follow like heards for pushing the button for the candidate already declared ahead in the forecast by Fox and CNN.



    The foreign secretary in the Ronald Regon cabinet was a major share holder and director in the largest construction company in LA. When Zia was no more needed the plane crashed and the FBI investigation were personally stopped by George Schuls.

    The Last defense secretary under Bush is also a partner in a company which produces tablets for curing Swine Flu and the spread of the disease was made so scary that billions of dollars medicines were ordered by the major European and American Government.





    Before the 1973 Middle East War the oil prices were 10-11 dollars per barrell under the visionary policy of King Faisal oil was used as a weapon. This elite club decided to ensure that
    ...continued...

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  9. Americans never are short of oil and therefore under ground oil storage facility was constructed and oil enough for 5 years use was purchased thus the prices of oil touched 40 dollars. Nixon already had removed storage of gold for printing of currency notes so purchase of oil was not a problem just the printing industry was increased. To boost the employment and economy the johnnies visited all the rich oil producing countries to buy big luxurious cars, planes and arms and ammunition. When the oil wizard Zaki Yamani gave a threat to Britain that OPEC will bring down the prices to dollars 10 as British oil production cost was 11. In a week the world saw Zaki Yamani removed as oil minister and from that time he has not held any important position which may enable him to speak his mind.



    Of course King Faisal for his vision of a greater Islamic unity paid the price of becoming a Shaheed.



    Originally BP was Burma Oil as the country Burma has a production which is not known to any body, hence the military dictators can rule despite the love and obsession for democracy by the West.



    President Husni Mubarak will continue until he even goes to ICU with comma. The entire world is like a chess board for this elite club and they decide who has to be who in which country.

    Since 1979 the American Pakistan relationship changes like a sea saw on every visit of Hillary Clinton we have either delicious ice creams and promises for hoors which actually will be given to us in Jannat. This time the brave General have still not agreed to launch an attack in Northern Waziristan so immediately the new British Prime Minister has raised the finger of our double crossing while sitting with our best enemy.



    Karzai is a small tool and puppet has not taken more than few hours to declare that actually the Tom Cruise Missiles and Drone attacks should hit most of the parts in the heart of Pakistan, in fact he is by default scolding the Americans that you are fools fighting for the last 10 years in Afghanistan in search of Osama and others and they are sitting comfortably in the GHQ as was suggested by one of our own national leader few years back. I feel ashamed how the so called leaders (dictators) military and civilian both play on the tunes of the west.
    GRK

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  10. Tail piece. readers please revisit the history after the world war II. After every 10 years there was a major military conflict in any part of the world where millions of dollars of arms and ammunition was sold or used by the Americans them self to continuously keep the economic boom in the arms industry and with that comes every thing.

    1: South Korean Conflict
    2: Vietnam
    3: Cuba
    4: The Iranian Iraq war costing the entire Arab world not less than 500 billions dollars which includes Iranian oil money.
    5: Russian occupation of Afghanistan
    6: Invasion of Kuwait and than attack on Iraq
    7: Again attack on Afghanistan 2001
    8: Since the bushes have strong links with the arms industries swiftly another invasion of Iraq.
    9: By the time the Afghanistan war ends who knows which will be the new flash point perhaps Iran and North Korea. GRK

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  11. What a "swell racket "...I love the line...No doubt international wars are huge rackets played on the unsuspecting ,innocent masses. George Orwell's 1984 and Animal World give interesting insight into the great rackets the ruthless corporates and racketeering politicians of the world ...,all of them, together subject this entire humanity to.
    One's mind and thought processes are more often than not, diverted skillfully to decoys, while the actual objectives of the racketeers continue to be met behind the scenes . Thus the western war industry flourishes, the cheap oil from ME remains in their control, the trillions of dollars in corporate profits continue to flow their way, while we the ignorant people remain fixated on the the stated,on the surface higher ideals of wars. Until someone like Naveed Tajammal comes along and presents a threadbare analysis of history , making things transparent and helping us understand the real motives , deception, and crime behind all these wars that were mainly conducted for economic gains.
    If you REALLY go back in history ,America has
    remained steadily addicted to what we call HUGELY PROFITABLE WARS. These RACKETS are :dropping atomic bomb on Japan, establishment of
    Israel, dividing Koreas, setting up Taiwan, genocide in Cambodia,
    VietNam saga, Star Wars program resulting in dismantling of Soviet
    Union and destruction of communism, kuwait-Gulf war, Iraq adventure,
    AfPak adventures. All these "HIGHER IDEALS" are constant sources of huge
    benefits to THE CORPORATE WEST. They love to CONDUCT such rewarding ADVENTURES and
    will not stop at anything as long as the zillions of dollars keep flowing their ways as perpetual dividends of of these wars .
    Bravo Naveed, what an eye-opener your article is
    for the people of this world. I hope nuggets of historical truths like these om you reach the masses and they can see through the deception and lies of our corporates and our politicians.
    Great article.
    HH

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  12. Military Industrial complex spoken about by President Eisenhower in late fifties is as relevant now as then. We have just heard about the trillion dollar worth of precious minerals discovered in Afghanistan. The US would like puppet regime to continue doing their biddings even after their troops leave. Similarly all oil wealth from the Gulf was/is fully exploited to their benefit with the sole exception of Iraq & Iran. Iraq has fallen, Iran is being pressurized to fall in line.

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  13. Indeed sirs;
    ''Money has No Nationality;Greedy Follow The Money' was a article which,I, wrote for opinion-maker.org,sometime back,in that i highlighted the greed of our merchant class,the old Guild of Skin- Hide-Merchants of the British Empire fame,now upgraded since 1947,as our industrialists,they too like wise play power games,within their limitations.

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  14. General.Butler was a good soldier,when he realized his mistake,he accepted it and told the world, his lessons are, a legacy.

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  15. Dear Indus-man,
    I trust you would be knowing that like the gulf oil most of precious mineral rich countries in Africa i.e. Congo, Liberia, Sierra-lone etc. have some insurgency fermented by interested parties. They have UN Peace keeping forces to ensure peace in areas where the big US/European industrial conglomerates have mineral concessions. Guarded by troops from Pak, Bangladesh, Indian or other 3rd world countries.
    Yasub Dogar

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  16. Dear Readers
    I share with you one mail from Pervez Rajput:
    An interesting analysis indeed.Gen.Butler's views ,for a disciplined Military soldier,are queer but forthright.Since recorded history wars have been waged to annex territories , expand empires,promote and protect trade and commerce and to subjugate people for the same objective.Voyges of Vasco da gama,Columbus and the expeditions of the Vikings as well as the conquests of the Roman,Greek,Persian,Arab and Mongol warriers fall into the same category.Their present day successors are no different.Only the methods and manners have changed.

    Who does not know that the Iraq war is about the gulf oil.Afghanistan is on the route to Central Asia,and Pakistan and Iran are a potential threat to Israel and Western interests in the region.Unfortunately, human nature has not changed.It is still the same since the days of savage kings and brutal generals of the dark and medieval ages.Only the methods and tactics have changed.
    PRR

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  17. My answer to the question would be Yes. Wars have been initiated and fought over the past 100 years, in particular, to grab the resources of other countries and to use them for the benefit of the people in power. You will always find the corporations, financiers, and investors behind all wars. Why is it so? The political parties are financed by corporations, financiers, and investors in the modern-day democracies. Wars bring ample opportunities to the corporations, financiers and investors to enhance their assets and expand their empires. That, in turn, adds to the financial and political backup of the political leaders.

    Why is the Pentagon so strong in the US despite the fact that the US president is democratically elected by the people. It is the corporate America behind it. The Pentagon would always clamour for war. The Vietnam War was fought for 16 years under five US presidents. The Gulf War, the Iraq War, and the Afghan War of the recent years are glaring examples of the greed of the people who were set to benefit from the booty.

    It is the soldiers and the civilian population that suffer the most. It is not the generals and the political leaders who go to the war fronts and die or become incapacitated. It is the common men and women who make all the sacrifices for the greed and glamour of the elite. What did the American people got out of the Gulf War, Iraq War and the Afghan War? What prosperity, peace and progress were brought to the man on the street in the US?

    International wars are just like betting in gambling, stock market speculation, match fixing, horse races and so on.

    Mumtaz A. Piracha
    Chairman
    Good Governance Forum
    Pakistan

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  18. The Past, present and future are all interlinked if you see them from an angle,the same things repeat,and come back with different names,under different'' flag'' colors.

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  19. Yasmeen! Thank u 4 the information. Be blessed and wish u best of luck.

    Regards,

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  20. Excellent insight & formidable research.
    Some of the war's winners are already clear: military contractors who supply everything from bodyguards to bombs, clean socks to ready-to-eat meals.
    Winners of wars have shaped economic institutions and trade patterns.
    Present-day wars continue to fuel inflation and drive currencies towards worthlessness. In Angola's civil war (1975-2002), for example, the government currency became so useless that an alternative "hard" currency - bottles of beer - came to replace it in many daily transactions.Just as wars' costs and outcomes affect economic conditions and evolution, so too do economic conditions and evolution affect war. Causality runs in both directions. For example, Dutch economic strengths in the early 17th century allowed rapid and cheap production of ships, including warships. The resulting naval military advantage in turn supported Dutch long-distance trade. The wealth derived from that trade, in turn, let the Netherlands pay and train a professional standing army, which successfully sheltered the Netherlands from the ruinous Thirty Years' War. This protection in turn let the Dutch expand their share of world trade at the expense of war-scarred rivals. Thus the evolution of warfare and of world economic history are intertwined.
    Yet I will agree to the points strongly raised here by Naveed Tajammal.
    The Iraq & Afghan War is the result of greed.
    Right now,I see Pakistan being framed.
    Is she the next target?
    Anyone can answer.

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  21. It is any ones guess what the people in the think tanks do ? fiddle with their thumbs the whole day.

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  22. Allow me to congradulate you on a truly impressive write up.
    As Professor Michel Chossudovsky has highlighted in a series of essays, the explosion of opium production after the invasion was about the CIA’s drive to restore the lucrative Golden Crescent opium trade that was in place during the time when the Agency were funding the Mujahideen rebels to fight the Soviets, and flood the streets of America and Britain with cheap heroin, destroying lives while making obscene profits.
    Are we to believe that the pharmaceutical industry (the 2nd most powerful industry in the world) doesn’t have a profit interest in the world’s #1 opium producing country? They couldn’t be doing business with the Taliban directly, so who then? If Big Pharma isn’t funding the Taliban then how does Big Pharma get over 60% (and growing) of its opium (used in over half of its patented medicine) from Afghanistan alone? Are we to believe that anyone outside of the CIA has the ability to smuggle these large amounts of drugs into this country past the DEA and FBI? Are we to believe that is was the Hells Angels? Or that the CIA and prison industrial complex both do not have a profit interest in this huge illegal drug trade? Are we to believe that once the US occupies the opium fields that they will cut production? If the US government wants to stop the Taliban from funding their war machine by growing opium then why don’t they just drop chemical weapons on the opium fields to kill production?
    The truth is that the US gets over 60% of it’s heroin from Afghanistan. The Taliban started to cut the production of opium in 1999, and by 2001 it was cut by 94% because Muslim “extremist” “hate” drugs. Actually, it could be argued that the Taliban wanted to increase their profits by creating false scarcity much like diamond corporations do by burning diamond mines. But soon after the US illegally invaded Afghanistan and placed an ex CIA agent named Hamid Karzai in as president, the country’s opium production spiked and peaked at record levels by 2006. Coincidence? When production goes up cost go down. Basic supply and demand.

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  23. Simon,you have just now opened a new chapter in the insight of manipulations,BRAVO !

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  24. When we look at the recent history of the world after Religious Wars that plagued the world till 15th century.We see economic dominance sought by certain countries or groups.At the advent of 20th Century,Jews became strong and they were a big factor in both the World Wars.After establishment of Israel in 1948,all troubles in Middle East especially had had a Jewish angle.I see America will pursue wars in this region for the next two decades at least.The main driving force being money ,contolled by Jews.After Iran.Pakistan is likely to be the next target.That will be beginning of the 3rd World War and probably the last.

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  25. From Butler to Eisenhower to Naveed; they all got it right. In the meantime, we also know who can bust these racketeers: peoples' resistance. Vietnam comes readily to mind, because it was successfully concluded. Iraq & Afghanistan; not yet. But both have already contributed to the decline of the Sole (barely) Surviving Superpower. Next time we derogate them as militants/ terrorists/ or Jehadis, just remember that they succeed when all the do-gooders don't

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  26. Bush decided to invade Iraq in April 2001, six months before September 11th, and the official reason was to improve Western access to Iraqi oil.
    "President Bush's Cabinet agreed in April 2001 that 'Iraq remains
    a destabilising influence to the flow of oil to international markets
    from the Middle East' and because this is an unacceptable risk to
    the US 'military intervention' is necessary".
    The decision for military action had nothing to do with 9/11, the war on terrorism, the UN weapons inspections, weapons of mass destruction, Iraqi human rights, or any of the factors that the US government would like you to believe are the true motives for war.

    The only people who will benefit from the war on Iraq are the elite wealthy oil men who finance Bush's election campaigns, and people like Bush who have huge personal investments in the oil industry. Oil company profits have already increased by fifty percent this year because of the war, and the invasion hasn't even started yet!

    "Profits in the fourth quarter soared 50% to $4.09bn (£2.5bn),
    beating analyst expectations."
    http://www.thedebate.org/thedebate/iraq.asp

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  27. USA is a country with MOST interventions by military in other countries:
    COUNTRY OR STATE Dates of intervention Forces Comments
    SOUTH DAKOTA 1890 (-?) Troops 300 Lakota Indians massacred at Wounded Knee.
    ARGENTINA 1890 Troops Buenos Aires interests protected.
    CHILE 1891 Troops Marines clash with nationalist rebels.
    HAITI 1891 Troops Black revolt on Navassa defeated.
    IDAHO 1892 Troops Army suppresses silver miners' strike.
    HAWAII 1893 (-?) Naval, troops Independent kingdom overthrown, annexed.
    CHICAGO 1894 Troops Breaking of rail strike, 34 killed.
    NICARAGUA 1894 Troops Month-long occupation of Bluefields.
    CHINA 1894-95 Naval, troops Marines land in Sino-Japanese War
    KOREA 1894-96 Troops Marines kept in Seoul during war.
    PANAMA 1895 Troops, naval Marines land in Colombian province.
    continued......

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  28. NICARAGUA 1896 Troops Marines land in port of Corinto.
    CHINA 1898-1900 Troops Boxer Rebellion fought by foreign armies.
    PHILIPPINES 1898-1910 (-?) Naval, troops Seized from Spain, killed 600,000 Filipinos
    CUBA 1898-1902 (-?) Naval, troops Seized from Spain, still hold Navy base.
    PUERTO RICO 1898 (-?) Naval, troops Seized from Spain, occupation continues.
    GUAM 1898 (-?) Naval, troops Seized from Spain, still use as base.
    MINNESOTA 1898 (-?) Troops Army battles Chippewa at Leech Lake.
    NICARAGUA 1898 Troops Marines land at port of San Juan del Sur.
    SAMOA 1899 (-?) Troops Battle over succession to throne.
    NICARAGUA 1899 Troops Marines land at port of Bluefields.
    IDAHO 1899-1901 Troops Army occupies Coeur d'Alene mining region.
    OKLAHOMA 1901 Troops Army battles Creek Indian revolt.
    PANAMA 1901-14 Naval, troops Broke off from Colombia 1903, annexed Canal Zone 1914.
    HONDURAS 1903 Troops Marines intervene in revolution.
    DOMINICAN REPUBLIC 1903-04 Troops U.S. interests protected in Revolution.
    KOREA 1904-05 Troops Marines land in Russo-Japanese War.
    CUBA 1906-09 Troops Marines land in democratic election.
    NICARAGUA 1907 Troops "Dollar Diplomacy" protectorate set up.
    HONDURAS 1907 Troops Marines land during war with Nicaragua
    PANAMA 1908 Troops Marines intervene in election contest.
    NICARAGUA 1910 Troops Marines land in Bluefields and Corinto.
    HONDURAS 1911 Troops U.S. interests protected in civil war.
    CHINA 1911-41 Naval, troops Continuous occupation with flare-ups.
    CUBA 1912 Troops U.S. interests protected in civil war.
    PANAMA 1912 Troops Marines land during heated election.
    HONDURAS 1912 Troops Marines protect U.S. economic interests.
    continued.....

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  29. NICARAGUA 1912-33 Troops, bombing 10-year occupation, fought guerillas
    MEXICO 1913 Naval Americans evacuated during revolution.
    DOMINICAN REPUBLIC 1914 Naval Fight with rebels over Santo Domingo.
    COLORADO 1914 Troops Breaking of miners' strike by Army.
    MEXICO 1914-18 Naval, troops Series of interventions against nationalists.
    HAITI 1914-34 Troops, bombing 19-year occupation after revolts.
    TEXAS 1915 Troops Federal soldiers crush "Plan of San Diego" Mexican-American rebellion
    DOMINICAN REPUBLIC 1916-24 Troops 8-year Marine occupation.
    CUBA 1917-33 Troops Military occupation, economic protectorate.
    WORLD WAR I 1917-18 Naval, troops Ships sunk, fought Germany for 1 1/2 years.
    RUSSIA 1918-22 Naval, troops Five landings to fight Bolsheviks
    PANAMA 1918-20 Troops "Police duty" during unrest after elections.
    HONDURAS 1919 Troops Marines land during election campaign.
    YUGOSLAVIA 1919 Troops/Marines intervene for Italy against Serbs in Dalmatia.
    GUATEMALA 1920 Troops 2-week intervention against unionists.
    WEST VIRGINIA 1920-21 Troops, bombing Army intervenes against mineworkers.
    TURKEY 1922 Troops Fought nationalists in Smyrna.
    CHINA 1922-27 Naval, troops Deployment during nationalist revolt.
    HONDURAS 1924-25 Troops Landed twice during election strife.
    PANAMA 1925 Troops Marines suppress general strike.
    CHINA 1927-34 Troops Marines stationed throughout the country.
    EL SALVADOR 1932 Naval Warships send during Marti revolt.
    WASHINGTON DC 1932 Troops Army stops WWI vet bonus protest.
    WORLD WAR II 1941-45 Naval, troops, bombing, nuclear Hawaii bombed, fought Japan, Italy and Germay for 3 years; first nuclear war.
    DETROIT 1943 Troops Army put down Black rebellion.
    IRAN 1946 Nuclear threat Soviet troops told to leave north.
    YUGOSLAVIA 1946 Nuclear threat, naval Response to shoot-down of US plane.
    URUGUAY 1947 Nuclear threat Bombers deployed as show of strength.
    GREECE 1947-49 Command operation U.S. directs extreme-right in civil war.
    GERMANY 1948 Nuclear Threat Atomic-capable bombers guard Berlin Airlift.
    CHINA 1948-49 Troops/Marines evacuate Americans before Communist victory.
    PHILIPPINES 1948-54 Command operation CIA directs war against Huk Rebellion.
    continued.......

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  30. PUERTO RICO 1950 Command operation Independence rebellion crushed in Ponce.
    KOREA 1951-53 (-?) Troops, naval, bombing , nuclear threats U.S./So. Korea fights China/No. Korea to stalemate; A-bomb threat in 1950, and against China in 1953. Still have bases.
    IRAN 1953 Command Operation CIA overthrows democracy, installs Shah.
    VIETNAM 1954 Nuclear threat French offered bombs to use against seige.
    GUATEMALA 1954 Command operation, bombing, nuclear threat CIA directs exile invasion after new gov't nationalized U.S. company lands; bombers based in Nicaragua.
    EGYPT 1956 Nuclear threat, troops Soviets told to keep out of Suez crisis; Marines evacuate foreigners.
    LEBANON l958 Troops, naval Marine occupation against rebels.
    IRAQ 1958 Nuclear threat Iraq warned against invading Kuwait.
    CHINA l958 Nuclear threat China told not to move on Taiwan isles.
    PANAMA 1958 Troops Flag protests erupt into confrontation.
    VIETNAM l960-75 Troops, naval, bombing, nuclear threats Fought South Vietnam revolt & North Vietnam; one million killed in longest U.S. war; atomic bomb threats in l968 and l969.
    CUBA l961 Command operation CIA-directed exile invasion fails.
    GERMANY l961 Nuclear threat Alert during Berlin Wall crisis.
    LAOS 1962 Command operation Military buildup during guerrilla war.
    CUBA l962 Nuclear threat, naval Blockade during missile crisis; near-war with Soviet Union.
    IRAQ 1963 Command operation CIA organizes coup that killed president, brings Ba'ath Party to power, and Saddam Hussein back from exile to be head of the secret service.
    PANAMA l964 Troops Panamanians shot for urging canal's return.
    INDONESIA l965 Command operation Million killed in CIA-assisted army coup.
    DOMINICAN REPUBLIC 1965-66 Troops, bombing Marines land during election campaign.
    GUATEMALA l966-67 Command operation Green Berets intervene against rebels.
    DETROIT l967 Troops Army battles African Americans, 43 killed.
    UNITED STATES l968 Troops After King is shot; over 21,000 soldiers in cities.
    CAMBODIA l969-75 Bombing, troops, naval Up to 2 million killed in decade of bombing, starvation, and political chaos.
    OMAN l970 Command operation U.S. directs Iranian marine invasion.
    LAOS l971-73 Command operation, bombing U.S. directs South Vietnamese invasion; "carpet-bombs" countryside.
    SOUTH DAKOTA l973 Command operation Army directs Wounded Knee siege of Lakotas.
    MIDEAST 1973 Nuclear threat World-wide alert during Mideast War.
    CHILE 1973 Command operation CIA-backed coup ousts elected marxist president.
    continued......

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  31. PUERTO RICO 1950 Command operation Independence rebellion crushed in Ponce.
    KOREA 1951-53 (-?) Troops, naval, bombing , nuclear threats U.S./So. Korea fights China/No. Korea to stalemate; A-bomb threat in 1950, and against China in 1953. Still have bases.
    IRAN 1953 Command Operation CIA overthrows democracy, installs Shah.
    VIETNAM 1954 Nuclear threat French offered bombs to use against seige.
    GUATEMALA 1954 Command operation, bombing, nuclear threat CIA directs exile invasion after new gov't nationalized U.S. company lands; bombers based in Nicaragua.
    EGYPT 1956 Nuclear threat, troops Soviets told to keep out of Suez crisis; Marines evacuate foreigners.
    LEBANON l958 Troops, naval Marine occupation against rebels.
    IRAQ 1958 Nuclear threat Iraq warned against invading Kuwait.
    CHINA l958 Nuclear threat China told not to move on Taiwan isles.
    PANAMA 1958 Troops Flag protests erupt into confrontation.
    VIETNAM l960-75 Troops, naval, bombing, nuclear threats Fought South Vietnam revolt & North Vietnam; one million killed in longest U.S. war; atomic bomb threats in l968 and l969.
    CUBA l961 Command operation CIA-directed exile invasion fails.
    continued......

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  32. GERMANY l961 Nuclear threat Alert during Berlin Wall crisis.
    LAOS 1962 Command operation Military buildup during guerrilla war.
    CUBA l962 Nuclear threat, naval Blockade during missile crisis; near-war with Soviet Union.
    IRAQ 1963 Command operation CIA organizes coup that killed president, brings Ba'ath Party to power, and Saddam Hussein back from exile to be head of the secret service.
    PANAMA l964 Troops Panamanians shot for urging canal's return.
    INDONESIA l965 Command operation Million killed in CIA-assisted army coup.
    DOMINICAN REPUBLIC 1965-66 Troops, bombing Marines land during election campaign.
    GUATEMALA l966-67 Command operation Green Berets intervene against rebels.
    DETROIT l967 Troops Army battles African Americans, 43 killed.
    UNITED STATES l968 Troops After King is shot; over 21,000 soldiers in cities.
    CAMBODIA l969-75 Bombing, troops, naval Up to 2 million killed in decade of bombing, starvation, and political chaos.
    OMAN l970 Command operation U.S. directs Iranian marine invasion.
    LAOS l971-73 Command operation, bombing U.S. directs South Vietnamese invasion; "carpet-bombs" countryside.
    SOUTH DAKOTA l973 Command operation Army directs Wounded Knee siege of Lakotas.
    MIDEAST 1973 Nuclear threat World-wide alert during Mideast War.
    CHILE 1973 Command operation CIA-backed coup ousts elected marxist president.
    CAMBODIA l975 Troops, bombing Gas captured ship, 28 die in copter crash.

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  33. ANGOLA l976-92 Command operation CIA assists South African-backed rebels.
    IRAN l980 Troops, nuclear threat, aborted bombing Raid to rescue Embassy hostages; 8 troops die in copter-plane crash. Soviets warned not to get involved in revolution.
    LIBYA l981 Naval jets Two Libyan jets shot down in maneuvers.
    EL SALVADOR l981-92 Command operation, troops Advisors, overflights aid anti-rebel war, soldiers briefly involved in hostage clash.
    NICARAGUA l981-90 Command operation, naval CIA directs exile (Contra) invasions, plants harbor mines against revolution.
    LEBANON l982-84 Naval, bombing, troops Marines expel PLO and back Phalangists, Navy bombs and shells Muslim positions.
    GRENADA l983-84 Troops, bombing Invasion four years after revolution.
    HONDURAS l983-89 Troops Maneuvers help build bases near borders.
    IRAN l984 Jets Two Iranian jets shot down over Persian Gulf.
    LIBYA l986 Bombing, naval Air strikes to topple nationalist gov't.
    BOLIVIA 1986 Troops Army assists raids on cocaine region.
    IRAN l987-88 Naval, bombing US intervenes on side of Iraq in war.
    LIBYA 1989 Naval jets Two Libyan jets shot down.
    VIRGIN ISLANDS 1989 Troops St. Croix Black unrest after storm.
    PHILIPPINES 1989 Jets Air cover provided for government against coup.
    PANAMA 1989 (-?) Troops, bombing Nationalist government ousted by 27,000 soldiers, leaders arrested, 2000+ killed.
    LIBERIA 1990 Troops Foreigners evacuated during civil war.
    SAUDI ARABIA 1990-91 Troops, jets Iraq countered after invading Kuwait. 540,000 troops also stationed in Oman, Qatar, Bahrain, UAE, Israel.
    continued.....

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  34. RAQ 1990-91 Bombing, troops, naval Blockade of Iraqi and Jordanian ports, air strikes; 200,000+ killed in invasion of Iraq and Kuwait; large-scale destruction of Iraqi military.
    KUWAIT 1991 Naval, bombing, troops Kuwait royal family returned to throne.
    IRAQ 1991-2003 Bombing, naval No-fly zone over Kurdish north, Shiite south; constant air strikes and naval-enforced economic sanctions
    LOS ANGELES 1992 Troops Army, Marines deployed against anti-police uprising.
    SOMALIA 1992-94 Troops, naval, bombing U.S.-led United Nations occupation during civil war; raids against one Mogadishu faction.
    YUGOSLAVIA 1992-94 Naval NATO blockade of Serbia and Montenegro.
    BOSNIA 1993-? Jets, bombing No-fly zone patrolled in civil war; downed jets, bombed Serbs.
    HAITI 1994 Troops, naval Blockade against military government; troops restore President Aristide to office three years after coup.
    ZAIRE (CONGO) 1996-97 Troops Marines at Rwandan Hutu refugee camps, in area where Congo revolution begins.
    LIBERIA 1997 Troops Soldiers under fire during evacuation of foreigners.
    ALBANIA 1997 Troops Soldiers under fire during evacuation of foreigners.
    SUDAN 1998 Missiles Attack on pharmaceutical plant alleged to be "terrorist" nerve gas plant.
    AFGHANISTAN 1998 Missiles Attack on former CIA training camps used by Islamic fundamentalist groups alleged to have attacked embassies.
    IRAQ 1998 Bombing, Missiles Four days of intensive air strikes after weapons inspectors allege Iraqi obstructions.
    YUGOSLAVIA 1999 Bombing, Missiles Heavy NATO air strikes after Serbia declines to withdraw from Kosovo. NATO occupation of Kosovo.
    YEMEN 2000 Naval USS Cole, docked in Aden, bombed.
    MACEDONIA 2001 Troops NATO forces deployed to move and disarm Albanian rebels.
    UNITED STATES 2001 Jets, naval Reaction to hijacker attacks on New York, DC
    continued......

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  35. AFGHANISTAN 2001-? Troops, bombing, missiles Massive U.S. mobilization to overthrow Taliban, hunt Al Qaeda fighters, install Karzai regime, and battle Taliban insurgency. More than 30,000 U.S. troops and numerous private security contractors carry our occupation.
    YEMEN 2002 Missiles Predator drone missile attack on Al Qaeda, including a US citizen.
    PHILIPPINES 2002-? Troops, naval Training mission for Philippine military fighting Abu Sayyaf rebels evolves into combat missions in Sulu Archipelago, west of Mindanao.
    COLOMBIA 2003-? Troops US special forces sent to rebel zone to back up Colombian military protecting oil pipeline.
    IRAQ 2003-? Troops, naval, bombing, missiles Saddam regime toppled in Baghdad. More than 250,000 U.S. personnel participate in invasion. US and UK forces occupy country and battle Sunni and Shi'ite insurgencies. More than 160,000 troops and numerous private contractors carry out occupation and build large permanent bases.
    LIBERIA 2003 Troops Brief involvement in peacekeeping force as rebels drove out leader.
    HAITI 2004-05 Troops, naval Marines land after right-wing rebels oust elected President Aristide, who was advised to leave by Washington.
    PAKISTAN 2005-? Missiles, bombing, covert operation CIA missile and air strikes and Special Forces raids on alleged Al Qaeda and Taliban refuge villages kill multiple civilians. Drone attacks also on Pakistani Mehsud network.
    SOMALIA 2006-? Missiles, naval, covert operation Special Forces advise Ethiopian invasion that topples Islamist government; AC-130 strikes and Cruise missile attacks against Islamist rebels; naval blockade against "pirates" and insurgents.
    SYRIA 2008 Troops Special Forces in helicopter raid 5 miles from Iraq kill 8 Syrian civilians
    YEMEN 2009 Missiles Cruise missile attack on Al Qaeda kills 49 civilians.
    NO FURTHER COMMENT!

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  36. Dear Ibrahim Sahib
    That is SOME effort you have done. Thank you indeed. In the meanwhile, I am in receipt of a mail by Major Khalid Iqbal that I share with you all:
    Agree with Naveed Tajammal. PRR has given a good understanding of the war psyche.

    Most of the wars that the US has gone to were rackets. They were waged in the name of higher aims but the actual motives were too mundane and filthy.

    Eisen Hower warned Americans against their juggernaut, the Military Industrial Complex. When America goes to war this complex is the sure winner if any one else wins or not. I am no economist but I have read widely that actually dynamics of war economy are different from the other economy. The war economy creates jobs; war production keeps industries running 24/7. When a man working at a gun factory goes for shopping he buys all kind of things. So, manufacture of cannon enables him to buy baby milk that is so innocent. Yet another canon is needed when one is destroyed or worn out or becomes out dated. So babies never go without milk. There is hustle and bustle.

    continued

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  37. They have versatility unprecedented in the recorded history of the World. They have Great Plains where they grow every thing under the sun much greater than their own needs be it war or peace.

    LOOK at the 2nd World War. Here is the point. In this war no harm came to the American mainland. At the end of the war came the Marshal Plan that rebuilt Europe all financed by the US. Where did the resources come from if America too had suffered in the war? Fact remains that America except some 50,000 troops dead didn't suffer any material loss. America became stronger. America went to war soon after its great depression was over. That depression had crippled American economy. Where did the resources come from for going to war? Pearl Harbor was a fraud same as 9/11 is being labeled as a fraud. But why? Here is why: so that their babies never go without milk. Get my point? The racket is that their wars are not justified for the rest of the World. Inside America their wars are not rackets they are necessary and Americans understand this point by and large. But they don’t understand it as a straight argument. They understand it as an abstract idea. Necessity of going to war is greater than legitimate justifications for going to war.


    The very fact that no country has invaded the US main land in 20th century is enough to portray the psyche of American people. They see wars from a distance. Their troops go to fight and they die but imagine a country of 350 million has one hundred and twenty thousand troops abroad. One hundred and twenty thousand families are traumatized. That is one in a thousand families. That is not much. The population by and large is immune to the ravages of war.

    Talking of wars America should be studied exclusively and not equated with other countries. No other country has matching dynamics. Their public opinion is mobilized by their activists for or against the war from a higher moral plain which is fictitious. If you are winning it is Ok. If you are losing, well it is a wrong war. What is that?

    When public opinion is pitched against their Military Industrial complex Barak Obama is frustrated. He can not tell the complex to go to hell, he can not tell American public opinion to go to hell. He is between the devil and the deep blue sea. But rackets of war don't end just like that. In fact as long as America is as powerful as it is America will continue going to wars, Obama or no Obama. If any one is waiting for American might to deplete so that America will stop going to war, be sure it is going to be a long wait. America is under debt for a couple of trillion dollars but who is going to sue America to get their money back. And despite that great debt why is America yet so mighty?

    We are living 21st Century which is essentially the American century. The first decade has gone. Rest are to follow. There are no signs of American might going stray. Their present recession is not greater than the great depression of thirties. They came out of that. They will turn a corner in Afghanistan. They aint goin nowhere to use their southern slang.

    I am not pro America. I am just aware of some realities of human existence of which America is a part.
    Khalid Iqbal

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  38. I have received yet another mail from Syed Wajahat Ali. I share the contents with readers:

    What I read here is same argument, that was made, long time ago during the Viet Nam War. Every generation, it seems,
    since the 1960's, re hashes the same analysis and comes to the same conclusion. It is the wealth every one is after.

    It seems, we all know where the problem lies, yet we do not or cannot do any thing about it.

    I think the time has come to change the structure of thinking. Since we all now understand where the faults are and what is the basis
    for the wars. We need to think how we can counter act this trend and nullify it. Confrontation, emotional out burst and counter violence
    is old fashioned and has served no purpose. Military complexes of such country as Iran and Pakistan are simply an extension
    of Military industrial complex of the west. It is their tools of wars that we utilize and pay heavily for the war toys and their maintenance.
    Depriving our masses from pulling themselves out of the poverty. A wonderful scheme to keep the rest of the world on its needs.
    The 3rd world nations are like the primitive wives. Keep them busy, starving and bare feet.

    So what do we do. The time has come to establish some new parameters:

    1. Why does the west have a hold on the rest of the world.
    My answer, it is the desire for material wealth. Which is synonymous to the ingestion of entertainment drugs such as
    Opium and Cocaine. There is a weakness in our anatomy that builds a tolerance for material comfort
    the same way it does for heroin. Just like the drug dealer, luxury suppliers taunt us with their wares and
    force us to strive to acquire them and dedicate our life for such false luxuries.

    2. What drives the modern life style that we kill ourselves to achieve:
    It is the use of oil to drive our economies. Which is another drug. As long as there is a need for oil.
    The west will make every effort to control its sources all over the globe. The "racket" and the
    military industrial complex exists to protect these vital sources that are the basis of the western
    life style that we try so hard to emulate.

    What can we do to get out of this vise:
    1. Simplify our lives, so we do not need the oil, rapid transport and excessive
    self indulgence.

    2.. Distribute what we have in knowledge to the rest of the nation so every individual
    may be able contribute equally towards the welfare of the nation.

    3. Distribute our good fortune and material wealth so the poor have some predictability on
    where the next meal is coming from.

    4. Teach the cat to fish rather than giving cat fish to curb the hunger.

    Very small steps to take, but, in reality, giant steps to pull ourselves out of the dependence
    on the west and stabilize our own nation for a strong and peaceful existence for our future generation.

    All of the above steps are totally voluntary out side the domain of any government.
    Please think and take these small steps.

    Syed Wajahat Hussain

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  39. The General certainly had a sense of humour. The reference to Al Capone made me smile! Honest man too.Few would be so candid about expressing their opinion!

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  40. A very insightful post Naveed. Enjoyed it thoroughly as well as the excellent views by readers. Ibrahim Sahib,I have saved your data.Excellent reference.Thank you.
    Good Show Yasmeen. Keep on treating us with such write ups!

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  41. Sometimes wars are a necessity. Although not many wars could qualify as good wars, but the Americans have written a new chapter in war history. Their wars are probably the ugliest, most cynical wars man has ever known. American wars are real filth, where the US flag follows the interests of the dollar worldwide, and the soldiers follow the flag thinking that's the patriotic thing to dopatriotism. It's Dollar Nationalism at its best. Thanks to the author especially for digging up the excellent article by the US general who exposed moral bankruptcy behind American military adventures. The world used to think Europeans were the worst colonizers. Say hello to the Americans.

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  42. Your readers have more or less summed up whatever one can say about the predictions of George Orwell or General Butler's analysis of the causes and nature of wars. I may just add that during the past 65 years, the US has become richer every year. However, according to a recent study 100 million Americans feel that they are worse off than their parents. One can safely conclude that during this period while some have become rich beyond comprehension, a sizeable portion of the American population has become poorer in real terms. It is not unknown that the average American has to work like a slave to exist. If one takes commuting times, an average American is away from his family for 12 hours a day, at least and he gets only two weeks holiday in a year. Gone are the days when an average American used to have a relaxed life with family & we admired their lifestyle.

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  43. Naveed Tajammal is an historian par excellence, his grip over the subject is unbelievable, to compare him with any other would not be fair to Naveed Tajammal. He is a class of his own.

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  44. As usual Naveed has blown the lid from strategically planned wars which are thrust upon poor people of certain regions for economical interests of super powers in the garb of restoration of democracy, human rights, WMDs or War on terror. We are witnessing the same at our home and in our neighborhood..... but I wonder whether it is Butler, Naveed or others, why they become wiser after the event and having served well all these war rackets,only?

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  45. Mr Ahmed Quraishi has made a valid statement that some wars are necessary. However, he is also correct in saying that these ones were not. Today, the American people will generally agree with his statement.Yes we have our share of Islamophobics who believe any story fed to them at bed time, hence the deep sleep.
    I am deeply and if I may add, pleasantly surprised by the involvement of readers and the quality of discussions. This thread has changed my perceptions of Pakistan, who is not exactly projected positively in my country.
    So I guess, a Thank You to Yasmin for running a forum that exactly reflects what it states at top:Pakpotpourri2 supports no individual or party. It only supports a strong Pakistan.
    I hope, with articles like these, and strong inputs like made here from Pakistanis,a dent can be made in the vision of policy makers .

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  46. Brilliant article--as usual by Naveed bhai

    Dr. Tajammal's deep research brings new insight to Well's writings. One never would have thought 1984 to be prescient commentary on the future. Dr. Tajammal tells us a lot about how great the writing was. Some even think H.G. Wells was really a time traveler.

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  47. The above comment was by me

    Moin Ansari
    Editor Rupee News.

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  48. Thank you Moin Ansari for the comment.I share a comment from a person who calls himself S. Turkman:

    Yeah, war of Pakistan Army against Balochis is too. The War of Pak Army against East Pakistanis and Mohajirs was also a racket. The Pak Army's war against Terrorism is also a racket.

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  49. Great Article Naveed Bhai.Well done.
    I have received a mail from our mutual friend Jamil Hamdani. Sent to me & Yasmeen.I share it here with you:

    Dear Yasmeem,

    How are you my intellectually stimulating think tank? Bravo.

    I have not been active on the pakpotpurri blog owing to exigency of work and frequent travels. I always read your mail with interest which takes me back to the wonderful evening I spent with you and Naveed , at your warm home some years back.

    Thank you ever so much for keeping us informed. You carry a very sane head on your shoulders and your articles are thought provoking and I salute you from the bottom of my heart.

    Next time I am in Lahore for a longer period I will certainly get in touch and we can have dinner at a restaurant of your liking.

    Warm personal regards

    Jamil

    Credit Agricole (Suisse) S.A / Credit Agricole Corpoarte & Investment bank SA
    Pakistan Representative Office,
    D-118/2, Kehkashan 5, Clifton,
    Karachi, Pakistan.

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  50. Excellent views. However, the mindset of the west is clear by Cameron's statement in India where he states Pakistan must not export terrorism.How pompous,arrogant & judgemental!
    It reflects the frame up Pakistan is being given by the cartel(India,US & UK).
    Maybe Cameron should stay for a month in Afghanistan or FATA, drone attacks,shootings et al.He will sing a different tune then.
    THEN we will discuss terrorism!

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  51. This is a truly brilliant piece. But whereas governments make profits by invasion, they also spend for them.
    Global military expenditure stands at over $1.5 trillion in annual expenditure at current prices for 2009, and has been rising in recent years.The cost of direct US military operations - not even including long-term costs such as taking care of wounded veterans - already exceeds the cost of the 12-year war in Vietnam and is more than double the cost of the Korean War.Roughly more than $3 trillion.is said to be spent so far by US alone in Afghan & Iraq wars.
    Regarding death casualties:Pentagon keeps two sets of books. The first is the official casualty list posted on the DOD website. The second, hard-to-find, set of data is available only on a different website and can be obtained under the Freedom of Information Act. This data shows that the total number of soldiers who have been wounded, injured, or suffered from disease is double the number wounded in combat.

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  52. I have Admired the Veracity of the Write-ups,as always of Naveed Tajammal and the Comments which Follow,which are a treat by them-self.

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  53. American Mafia is a child in Comparison to the Racketeers who run the international Wars.

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  54. I have received three comments:
    1:(Amir Mansoor):Wars are a racket, The wars against Iraq both 1 and 2 are examples of this. Look at the Carlyle Group and how it profits from wars. Aamir
    2-Col Shahbaz:Nice analysis by NAVEED.
    3-Sqn Leader Tanveer(TAN):Thank You NT for posting a synopsis of Maj. Gen Smedley Butler’s thesis rendered in 1935. This is worth revisiting and perhaps space constraints (as you state) have prevented you from further elaborating on it (I am attaching a PDF version for those interested in further reading it). However your historical perspective is as I gather boxed between 1889 to 1942 dating to the present, for brevity and conciseness perhaps it is best considered this way. But if a broader perspective is drawn it predates the Christ era. Yes war has always been an “International Racket” in the areas of interest of the dominating power or intellect (permit me to say this) for vested interests. I would certainly be looking forward to more posts from you on this captivating subject, which seemingly is very obvious but not easily discerned when one is absorbed in it. Military Industrial Complexes are intrinsic to it now.
    Best Regards
    Tan

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  55. NT an excellent article and some very valuable comments. Racket is something that is not what it seems to the majority of the people. Only a small "Inside" group knows what it is about. It is conducted for the benefit of very few. That is why we with some understanding get so irritated by the actions of the government, because most of the times they are a part of it. I am sure our President will beat Gen Butler in this game. He could be recommended for the highest award. By the way General had three titles attributed to him, " The fighting quaker", "The old gimlet eye" and "Old duckboard". These titles were deliberately trumpeted. On the lighter side for brains like ours the scientest say " On the left side there is nothing right and on the right side there is nothing left".
    Thank You NT for putting us wiser and thanks YAA for posting it on the blog.
    HQ

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  56. The Facts and Commentary are Amazing !

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  57. Wow, what an interesting thread, even more interesting than the article itself.
    Much as I agree with what general Butler had to say, there's always the 'common soldiers' who do not seem to be motivated by money, but by ideas. And that perhaps, is the more dangerous thing of the two. For if you are money-driven, you do not stop 'reasoning'. But if ideals drive you, you can end up doing criminal things 'for a greater cause'. So, maybe the solution to all this, lies in a better education. By which I mean getting to understand your own motives and those of other people and cultures.
    As a European, the view over here is that the evil started in Europe itself, viz. the first world war. For afterwards, Germany was put on such a tight leash, that, 'insurrection' was inevitable. And as a result of that, the second world war occurred. Which resulted in the creation of the State of Israel. Which is now the cause of terrorism, which then again results in the 'war against terror'. It's also the analysis of Robert Frisk.

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  58. GOOD READING,WE SHOULD HAVE MORE OF SUCH LIKE WRITE UPS TO CREATE AWARENESS AMONG THOSE WHO HAVE NO TIME TO READ IN DETAIL OR GO IN RESEARCH.

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  59. Dear Gerda
    Welcome on board. I am thrilled to see you make your debut here. I will agree with you, but, remember, in Army, you follow orders, not question. This may not be true for other organizations you may join voluntarily though.
    Ah Frisk, one of my favorite writers. I quite admire him, and he is right of course.
    You are spot on about Israel. From the late 1950s US increasingly came to accept Israel as a strategic asset, a barrier against indigenous radical nationalist threats to American interests which might gain support from USSR.
    So you are spot on there.

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  60. Naveed, as usual has expressed his views on a wide canvas , like a grand master. The strokes this time are truly different , as it seems the master is now tinkering with something very unconventional, not just history!!
    I would even venture to say, that it is no easy measure to blend George Orwell, and his classic 1984,with observations of an American General officer , with two medals of honor !!
    A unique blend of the work of world class fiction writer George Orwell, with the candid comments and down to earth ,horse sense of a very brave soldier who must have looked death in the eyes , a number of times over .
    All this becomes all the more interesting when ,Yasmin Ali says that she knows the author personally ,and not a....... word more !!
    A statement which seems to be right out of 1984............ The big brother is watching !!
    For me the mode of message is more intriguing then the message within. How times change !
    The fact that all wars universally and historically,and not just the American wars have all been manipulated by vested interests.
    Being a research scholar of history Naveed , may care to agree or disagree , that while the industrial revolution became the catalyst, of most modern day wars of the 19th and 20th century with, profit and greed as the driving forces, and it may sound contradictory but in historic terms and sense , greed, profit, ambition, expansionism are all ''positive ' states of human behavior and exertions, while a benign state and peaceful humility are precursors to decay and and not the other way around , when looked at from the eyes of a historian.
    Without these traits, there may have been very limited human growth of knowledge and even civilization, as we know it .
    It was the imperial expansion and growth of the Egyptian, Persian , Greek, Roman , Ottoman and even the Mongol empires, without whom the human race would not have found the periods which followed the major wars, and then the explosion of trade and commerce all based on profit and greed.
    As such the modern day American empire is no different than the Spanish , French and the British empires which preceded it.
    As regards the theme of the writeup, Naveed would have made Marx, Lenin ,Stalin,Mao Tse Dung and even Che Guevara proud today, with this world view , particularly when it comes to his comments on the American war industry and the driving forces !
    To me in this colorless world of today, which looks so gray, at least Naveed brings color to this bleak landscape ,as he appears to look more 'Red' then most 'Reds'!!
    Lastly , as a parting question , would Naveed care to comment that regardless of nationality, would not individuals or nations associated with war industry and production , prefer war to peace ?

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  61. Dear Shahzada & Aquarius,
    Pakpotpourri will strive to bring quality articles to it's readers. Plz save the link for ongoing articles. Your views on articles will be appreciated.
    Aquarius,thank you immensely for the detailed comment.I enjoyed reading it.I am sure so would all on board.

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  62. Yes, Smedley Butler's words are the classic case of speaking truth to power. My fondest hope is that anti-war people in the United States can build a movement based on his insight and the slogan to the American voting public, "Don't be a sucker...."

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  63. AQUARIUS;
    The Humor Sir, was superb,i had quite a few Chuckles reading it,though you have a strong point of view,War industry, like any other is a business venture,in the war times it runs round the clock, in peace,the orders come slow, that too, when the expiry dates are due,Funds too are slow,so it has its own ups and downs,Coming back to the American Defense Contractors,the Sun shines on them,it has shone well on them,as the Mad Ventures continue.With no end in sight,so they are Slush with Dollars.The Bear has lost his Market, the Panda, has yet to bring his products up to mark.

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  64. Naveed;
    Thank you for the response , however the comment 'Superb' is too strong a word, as you know , that i know that....... you know!!
    About Panda , i agree , but i think the Panda needs but just a few more years , and not decades and he will be there .
    This race against time by both , Bear and the Panda ,can also affect our destiny as a nation.
    Nations can , as in the case of Panda, write their own destiny.After the second world war , followed, by the Korean and the south east Asian conflict, he never lost sight of its national goals .
    For all practical supposes it was supposed become the biggest beggar in the World , while today instead it is the virtual banker of the world , with the largest reserves in the piggy bank!
    I would still not right off the Bear. It is very very resilient, and rebounds.
    As for one of the 'chuckles', please do not forget , that the gentlemen who make the Predator, the Apache or the Helmet, belong to the same elite club!
    I also agree that it is amusing today that the countries, George Oswell's 1984 alluded to, as the Big Brothers, metamorphosed in 1989, from a collection of ugly looking pupa's to a bunch of pretty butterflies,the leaving the label attached to those ,who had created the same in the first place !!
    How comical but ironic , that after decades of disinformation, the world ultimately discovered as to who were the real...... Big Brothers!!

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  65. Gareth- your words,Say it all.Indeed it is High time,that the Legacy of General.Smedley Butler,is highlighted.

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  66. I share a mail from Major Khalid Iqbal:

    I tried to put this on the blog myself but failed. Shame. When will I learn which button does what?
    Some how a strange opinion has generated lately that America is going down any way. And this by the way gives great satisfaction. The caveat is that American might is not go to go down just like that. We must put measures to remain out of harms way in the hands of America and not just wait for American might to fade away. That might has tremendous multifaceted dimensions and formidable dynamics.

    The devil will stay till the dooms day and people are guided to stay away from the harms of devil and NOT bank on the vain hope that the devil will itself disappear. This is how we are taught to fight evil in the Islamic fashion.

    Khalid Iqbal

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