http://warontherocks.com/2014/02/a-s...well-doctrine/

A Second Look at the Powell Doctrine

Frank Hoffman

Twenty years ago, I found the Powell Doctrine profoundly flawed as a codification of false lessons from Vietnam. I was also concerned about the civil-military relations precedent of the Nation’s senior military leadership establishing conditions for why, where and how military force should be employed. Now, in light of Iraq and Afghanistan, the benefits of this doctrine are far more apparent.
This is a very balanced article that doesn't argue in support of the doctrine, but does give the doctrine its due respect while realizing it doesn't apply in all situations.