Americans And Their Military, Drifting Apart By Karl W. Eikenberry and David M. Kennedy

DeM Banter: some good, some bad, some fantasy here...I have met Dr Kennedy and this sounds very much like him...would love to talk with Gen Eickenberry on the matter. New York Times May 27, 2013 Pg. 17 STANFORD, Calif. — AFTER fighting two wars in nearly 12 years, the United States military is at a …

‘Leadership’ is the military’s snake oil by BRUCE FLEMING

DeM Banter: WARNING! Here in lies the tension between the academic and the practitioner. I have been pondering this one for several days... so like Professor Fleming's article or not...it should make you think. My fear, most folks believe exactly what he is selling... leadership just is...you might be one, you might not...but who cares, …

For Obama’s Global Vision, Daunting Problems By Mark Landler and Mark Mazzetti

DeM Banter: interesting times.... New York Times May 25, 2013 Pg. 1 WASHINGTON — President Obama, in one of his most significant speeches since taking office, did not simply declare an end to the post-9/11 era on Thursday. He also offered a vision of America's role in the world that he hopes could be one …

Pivoting From A War Footing, Obama Acts To Curtail Drones By Peter Baker

DeM Banter: interesting....now we just need Al Qaeda to sign the peace treaty of Paris or Versailles and we are good, right? Does the enemy get a vote as to when the war is over? It always about leadership: decision and choices...this is indeed a tough one. Wonder what this will look like in a …

The Great Debate Civil Wars And Syria: Lessons From History By Michael O’Hanlon and Sean Zeigler

DeM Banter: Once again... history is indeed a great teacher. Reuters.com May 22, 2013 Most of the international debate about Syria policy focuses on how to remove President Bashar al-Assad from power. Options for NATO states and key Arab League partners include everything from enlisting Russia’s help in a diplomatic approach, with a conference now …