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I, for one, am at the end of my rope when it comes to supporting a policy that has our soldiers patrolling the same streets in the same way, being blown up by the same bombs day after day. That is absurd. It may even be criminal . I cannot support that anymore . I believe we need to figure out how to fight the war on terror and to do it right. So either we clear and hold and build, or let's go home. [1]

Gordon Smith#1

PolicyMilitaryMoralityStrategyWar

About this quote

What does it mean?
Smith expresses exhaustion with stalemate warfare and calls for a clear strategy or withdrawal.
In plain terms
The current war strategy is failing and is morally wrong; we must change or leave.
What can you take from it?
Stalemates require strategic change.

Where it applies

  • military policy
  • warfare

Putting it to work

  • evaluate military strategy
  • push for clear objectives

Questions to consider

  • When is withdrawal better than staying?
  • How to define victory?

Another view

Withdrawing can have unintended consequences.

More from Gordon Smith

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  2. From the American retelling of Romeo and Juliet in West Side Story to the Japanese adaptation of King Lear in Ran, Shakespeare's cultural influence is virtuall…

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  3. I believe that the Government's first duty is to defend its citizens, to defend them against the harms that come out of hate.

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