LESSONS LEARNED
James Schlesinger argues that this war will alter the strategic and psychological map of the Middle East:
The war has most dramatically conveyed the following realities:
1.) The U.S. is a very powerful country.
2.) It is ill-advised to arouse this nation by attacking or repeatedly provoking it–or by providing support to terrorism; and
3.) Regularly to do so means a price will likely be paid. Far less credence will now be placed in the preachments of Osama bin Laden regarding America’s weakness, its unwillingness to accept burdens, and the ease of damaging its vulnerable economy, etc.
He also hopes that the press and European elites will learn some lessons, but is less optimistic.
