I keep on reading the posts and so far have refrained from posting. The questions and answers appear so American. One day I might.

Meantime via Twitter this short article landed which IMHO fits, even if painful: Why the worlds biggest military keeps losing wars, by a combat photographer:http://www.pieria.co.uk/articles/why...ps_losing_wars

So what is his argument?
Here are four factors worth considering, in descending order of importance. Too much logistics, not enough combat;
Learn the Language;
Fear of Casualties;
War as Symbol;

He asks: War, What is it good For? Absolutely Nothing