tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1664474623650181692.post5495352573307204505..comments2023-08-29T04:48:14.525-07:00Comments on pakpotpourri2: LESS IS MORE : Arnaud de BorchgraveYASMEEN ALIhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10748945833762147296noreply@blogger.comBlogger17125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1664474623650181692.post-40383902355535972932010-07-25T23:47:41.402-07:002010-07-25T23:47:41.402-07:00Arnaurd is a hugely successful & respected man...Arnaurd is a hugely successful & respected man in USA. The policy makers should, must, heed what he says.<br />But does it look like it?Unknownhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02714331876749166424noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1664474623650181692.post-17678053065461254352010-07-25T13:31:27.929-07:002010-07-25T13:31:27.929-07:00Haidre you are spot on. Read Jesse Jackson's a...Haidre you are spot on. Read Jesse Jackson's article posted a while ago.Unknownhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17542273763922230518noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1664474623650181692.post-87214615010444833632010-07-25T12:18:26.448-07:002010-07-25T12:18:26.448-07:00American public opinion is sensitive to two things...American public opinion is sensitive to two things: Human casualties and money being spent by their Government on wars in other countries. Accordingly, their military scientists are working on development of weapon systems that will considerably minimize the number of troops to be physically employed in the foreign battlefields. A few pilots safely sitting in Nevada conducting the drone attacks on Pakistan are doing what would have taken many squadrons of fighter aircraft and hundreds of men; AND then crossing of international borders by fighters and bombers manned by LIVE pilots would have created ripples of entirely different kind in Pakistan as well as around the world. <br />The systems being developed by America as listed in the article are aimed at economy in cash as well as manpower. These are going to bring a more effective conceptual change in the way she is going to conduct operations in future against guerrillas/terrorists. That is going to result in a great advantage to America in her war against terror. Moreover, the effect of suicide bombings(the biggest weapon the terrorists have today against large number of troops and their cumbersome logistic system employed and spread over large tracts of area in virtually uncontrollable/hostile territories) is going to greatly diminish.haidre2003https://www.blogger.com/profile/07964727085119564750noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1664474623650181692.post-67647984239729841872010-07-25T00:14:31.603-07:002010-07-25T00:14:31.603-07:00Exactly what Borchgrave states Haidre(Ref your clo...Exactly what Borchgrave states Haidre(Ref your closing line ). Naveed too has said the same: It is easy to hit an unwary target but a counter punch when comes will be difficult to handle. No country can continue like a bully indefinataly.Unknownhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17899299370168557536noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1664474623650181692.post-84867581984243268212010-07-24T15:13:08.514-07:002010-07-24T15:13:08.514-07:00A good insight into the technologically sophistica...A good insight into the technologically sophisticated alternatives being tried and perfected by USA for keeping her hold over the globe. Ten years back Predator drones were unthinkable. Likewise, I am quite prepared to believe that in about 10-15 years from now, Tiranis, Boeng's Phantom Eyes, tiny UCAVs, MAVs and car-planes will become their mainstay instruments of warfare. These systems are obviously being developed to achieve economy in manpower and dollars and will afford a great advantage to the US in harvesting her global ambitions. Million dollar question is, what, if any, options are available to those who don't want to see USA maintaining her hold over the world......???????haidre2003https://www.blogger.com/profile/07964727085119564750noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1664474623650181692.post-19734308658823776342010-07-24T08:27:39.614-07:002010-07-24T08:27:39.614-07:00Yasmin , you are doing a wonderful job getting peo...Yasmin , you are doing a wonderful job getting people like Mr Borchgrave , to listen in to our point our point of view , and also providing a platform with lesser clutter, for the few concerned from here and for those across the Atlantic to communicate. <br />As regards the comprehension of the matter or what of what he has said ,that is likely to differ in perception from person to person.<br />while you are convinced about the fact that our views may be heard at least where it matters ,i feel otherwise , and that is the beauty of human discussion , no clawing or biting , only mild to strong disagreement, with smiles , and at times anger , but just the same communication .<br />The Romans , pacified the province called Judea , under a fairly mild emperor, Tiberius, and then later in a very brutal and massive manner till 'Masada' fell, under a different emperor, who had no time for the rabble,or any group or nationality which disturbed Roman trade or commerce.and the 'Jewish' problem of then like the 'Taliban' problem of today was resolved .As far as the Romans were concerned 'Christ'was not good, the Jewish king 'Herod', was very good . Empires do not have the morality of individuals. 'Realpolitik', dictate the actions small or big. <br /> All expanding empires have had similar nature since antiquity , and that cannot change .It has always been similar to the behavior of a meat eating predator , not a herbivore.<br />Primarily ,If one cares to notice , Mr Borchgrave, is hopeful of a transition in the American military mindset, of doing the job well, but at a lesser cost , as he aptly says 'small is beautiful'!! <br />What i meant when i mentioned the birds and the bees ,in my earlier comment was, not just a referral to the cost effective 'nano' weapon systems, but to the rebirth of a new American war machine which is small and beautiful, so well said by Mr Borchgrave, but as lethal while being cost effective..<br />He is very honest in his appraisal, but his concerns are not for those who are at the receiving end , but for those manning the present redundant and extremely expensive war tools which can be detrimental to the economic health of USA, in the long term.<br />A dream of a true American patriot , i wish we had more like him in our country!!Aquariashttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16818977639895469405noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1664474623650181692.post-22182760625253212682010-07-24T05:13:24.376-07:002010-07-24T05:13:24.376-07:00An educative article. Good, educated comments by r...An educative article. Good, educated comments by readers. A forum with finesse. Congrats Yasmeen Ali! Small is certainly beautiful.<br />:-)Unknownhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17542273763922230518noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1664474623650181692.post-84170827520793102362010-07-24T04:37:50.902-07:002010-07-24T04:37:50.902-07:00Arnaud,
You have highlighted the end well. The 761...Arnaud,<br />You have highlighted the end well. The 761 odd military/naval sites spread all over the world, the legacy of the British Empire, passed on to the New Western Super power and so,to enforce the writ,the new super power, went into charades in Korea, Vietnam,Afghanistan,Persian Gulf,Iraq & Afghanistan with side shows in Lebanon, Somalia,Grenada, Panama &Yugoslavia . It is predicted that the eventual cost of Iraq-Afghan venture will cost the Americans up to 7 trillion US dollars.However, a mad rush to bleed an invisible enemy continues. A forward policy based on the principles that there is,"no sovereignty but the American" and to enforce it, all is fair. So come in the various facets of new technology well tabulated by you in your article. However, even if the robots man the ground, and the electronic eyes monitor from the skies, and blast away the "nest" to run these operations has to be manned by the humans, who will become the eventual targets.It will be eventually the world at large vs the USA. t should be borne in mind it is easier to strike the unwary but hard to defend when the counter punch comes- and for what? A new order? And the chant of peace!Unknownhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17660511507942825496noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1664474623650181692.post-40193831902131521822010-07-24T03:26:26.119-07:002010-07-24T03:26:26.119-07:00A well written article. Logical arguments. Borchgr...A well written article. Logical arguments. Borchgrave is singing a different tune from the one he usually sings.<br />I hope the "masters" in USA are listening what he wrote?<br />My doubts!Unknownhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13304208504285572733noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1664474623650181692.post-34421047516237504832010-07-24T02:50:31.383-07:002010-07-24T02:50:31.383-07:00Dear Aquarius
YES we are in a position to advise a...Dear Aquarius<br />YES we are in a position to advise anyone who is following a wrong policy whether it is our government or another. More especially a country whose policies have a direct impact on our nation. I think it is high time, that people like you & me, who understand where a wrong is flowing from, stand up & let our voices be heard.<br />Writers who write with a truthful pen, must be encouraged, from whichever side they come from.YASMEEN ALIhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10748945833762147296noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1664474623650181692.post-75299171771134414322010-07-24T01:53:54.090-07:002010-07-24T01:53:54.090-07:00YASMIN , PLEASE TELL ME ARE WE IN ANY WAY IN A POS...YASMIN , PLEASE TELL ME ARE WE IN ANY WAY IN A POSITION TO EVEN ADVISE 'RWANDA', LEAVE ALONE USA , WITH THE MESS WE HAVE CREATED AND CONTINUE TO CREATE AT HOME IN EVERY FACET OUR NATIONAL SCENE . TELL ME ONE JUST ONE INSTITUTION THAT WE CAN BE PROUD OFF? <br />WE AS A NATION , AND AS INDIVIDUALS ARE SLIDING DOWN THE CHUTE , WITH NO HOPE IN SIGHT . WITH THIS BEING THE SITUATION , HOW COME WE ARE READY TO ADVISE AND GIVE SERMONS TO THE STRONGEST NATION ON EARTH .IT BORDERS ON THE FRONTIERS OF SUBLIME COMEDY !! <br />AS FAR AS I AM CONCERNED IT IS A LIKE A PACK OF MONKEYS LED BY HYENAS , TRYING TO TEACH MORALITY TO A PRIDE OF LIONS , WHO DO NOT HAVE MUCH PATIENCE , AND ARE ALSO VERY HUNGRY!!Aquariashttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16818977639895469405noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1664474623650181692.post-10842554726714634562010-07-24T01:21:12.703-07:002010-07-24T01:21:12.703-07:00Question is Rais who is going to match US ship for...Question is Rais who is going to match US ship for ship? Submarine for submarine?<br />Should they not use this money where it is more needed?<br />Welfare of the American people?Ibrahimhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03727416149096818884noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1664474623650181692.post-25832078189283328902010-07-24T01:18:18.837-07:002010-07-24T01:18:18.837-07:00Pentagon and naval officials must decide whether t...Pentagon and naval officials must decide whether to keep buying multibillion-dollar warships, since the Navy’s shipbuilding budget is unlikely to grow amid economic uncertainty and two wars.This by the way is by Robert Gates.<br />Does the United States really NEED can a Navy that relies on $3 [billion] to $6 billion destroyers, $7 billion submarines and $11 billion carriers? Can US afford this in its current economic situation?<br />The U.S. Navy is the world’s best-equipped and most lethal, and can position more fighter jets at sea than the rest of the world combined.<br />De Borchgrave is one hundred percent correct here.<br />Well written!Unknownhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17899299370168557536noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1664474623650181692.post-3610039195700188242010-07-23T23:16:03.435-07:002010-07-23T23:16:03.435-07:00Aquarius
Fareed Zakarya is a known pro India and a...Aquarius<br />Fareed Zakarya is a known pro India and anti Pakistan.I feel his calling a muslim fanatic to so state about OBL was to whip up US frenzy regarding the justification of not only the act so far but also to imply that the same must be sustained. He understands American sentiments well & must know that it will work.<br />We in Pakistan are well aware of the general hatred against those whose acts have resulted in the death of so many innocent people with nothing to do with this scenario. So let us not fall in the exact trap Zakriya wants us to fall in.Unknownhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14355885839130915802noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1664474623650181692.post-52130678717961329922010-07-23T22:38:16.608-07:002010-07-23T22:38:16.608-07:00Borchave , with saying that he is fearing a simila...Borchave , with saying that he is fearing a similar melt down in the USA,like the one faced by the soviet union due to financial overloading . However USA, unlike the defunct Soviet state is a more dynamic economy which can mutate easily and survive.<br />His write up ,surprising , while starting with the financial crises in USA, gives a similar answer alluded to above . He sees a restructuring of the American military due to technological reasons , reasons of finance and the changing threat environs . In brief he does not see a dooomsday scenario for the USA, which we all seem to be waiting for.<br />As regards Fareed Zakaria , we may not agrre with his perceptions , but the statement of the Jehadist , about Osama winning , does ring a bell . But more intersting is the deduction of the writer , that this very attitude or collective thought , helps in every way a possible strike on Iran , which he does not rule out .<br />In the end , it may sound comical, but the article seems to discuss the birds and the bees! whereby the serious side appears more as a distraction , with the mention of nano weapon systems and their impact on the battlefield and the saving of the american financial system as a whole, with a possible reduced spending of the GDP on defense like the German model.In this there is a possible a lesson for us too, but we are a nation which never learns from history or take cognizant of the dynamic forces of the existing threats, national economy and production or the society as a whole .Aquariashttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16818977639895469405noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1664474623650181692.post-65738418834211633972010-07-23T21:13:02.814-07:002010-07-23T21:13:02.814-07:00Terrorism is not an answer to terrorism. Borchgrav...Terrorism is not an answer to terrorism. Borchgrave is quite correct in his analysis. USA is being forced to negotiate with Afghan Taliban. What was then the point of the war? Unnecessary pressure on Pakistan & creating chaos in Pakistan besides destruction of Afghanistan & Iraq is the result. Obama has been a failure as President. In the first place, he lacked the experience for the job. Pity. It may be aometime before another black President is chosen.<br />Americans voted for him as a rebound resulting from Bush's policies. It has given them just more of the same.<br />But then, could we have expected any different? It simply shows Israel control over US policies that becomes more obvious day by day.Unknownhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03057848717792673042noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1664474623650181692.post-6732845148492289412010-07-23T20:37:24.055-07:002010-07-23T20:37:24.055-07:00Thank you for the post Yasmeen.Though I find refer...Thank you for the post Yasmeen.Though I find reference to Fareed Z in bad taste.The man is pro India and biased.Unknownhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07640109743643995884noreply@blogger.com