I forgot, you're not exactly a student of history. Here's the Cliff Notes for you:
The loss of the Vietnam War led to a revival of Never-Again School thinking. Debate over these different approaches to the use of force in diplomacy came to a head once again during the Reagan administration. Secretary of Defense Weinberger tended toward a Never-Again stance. U.S. military intervention in Third World conflicts had the potential to lead us down the slippery slope of increased military commitment, landing us in another futile and costly "Vietnam." U.S. interests in the world at large should be pursued and protected by providing economic aid and expertise and by diplomacy.
Weinberger set forth a set of preconditions for the use of military force in foreign affairs. First, force is only appropriate when truly vital U.S. interests are at stake. Second, the U.S. should either commit sufficient resources to win the action, or should refrain from committing any forces at all. Third, the military must be given clear objectives, both militarily and politically. Fourth, there must be reasonable public and Congressional support for military action before troops are committed.
Re: You better know your history
Member #: 4750
Registered: 1996-2001
Posted:
529
Name:
Keith
Occupation:
Retired
Location:
NY
Personal:
late 70s
Experience:
~52 years
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