Using the definition of Small War found in the USMC SWM 1940 edition, the US "War on Drugs" begun in 1971, and subsequent interventions in Peru, Colombia, Mexico, Panama, etc., remains the longest US Small War. This "war" has lasted 35 years, survived 7 presidents, cost billions, and produced very little.

Currently, we hear our leaders speak of the GWOT being a "long-war" unlike any other. Is there any comparison to be made between the US trying to eliminate the drug trade, and the US trying to eradicate terrorism?