AmericanExceptionalism

America’s Military Industrial Complex established preeminence following the Cold War. While President Carter is chastised for inadequate response to the Iranian Hostage Crisis and overthrow of the Shah, the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan in 1979 catalyzed the downfall of the USSR. Even the Peanut Farmer knew Afghanistan was, “The Place Empires go to die.”

Through the 1980s, the domestic economy was not strong enough and public sentiment still had not recovered from Viet Nam. Rather than engaging combatants on the field, the Reagan team incited the Iraq invasion of Iran in 1980. In a prolonged 9 year conflict, the U.S. supported both sides with weapons (See, Iran-Contra Affair). The most ideal result was the two sides eliminated each other.

The unrest in Iran effectively established a domino or block to Soviet expansion in the region. To combat the Soviet aggression, the Mujahedeen was provided arms. However, it was not until the Americans sent anti-aircraft weapons that the Afghan opposition started to mitigate the Soviet’s Air Superiority. While not engaging in conflict, the Reagan team incited multiple and profited in the process.

War leads to the accumulation of debt, Just ask the Rothschilds! Following the protracted engagement with Iran, Saddam had financial obligations and invaded Kuwait. Offering a brilliant military response, General Schwarzkopf executed one of the most successful flanking maneuvers in military history and took the field. Rather than pursuing Saddam, the U.S. allowed the Sunni leader to consolidate power and imposed sanctions on his economic activity. Though lesser known, Operation Just Cause or the invasion of Panama =also proved successful.

Clinton never formally declared War, but did have his share of offensive military operations. Under George W. Bush, the invasion of Afghanistan and unilateral incursion into Iraq were undertaken. With a President viewed as the most Liberal in contemporary American history, war has continued and Drone Strikes have become vicious under Obama.

I do not condemn our Military Industrial Complex or have any illusions about its existence. It has become a critical aspect of our hegemony or Empire without Colonies. Of all the inadequacies of our bureaucracy, the military is the one well functioning establishment. We are a highly militarized nation, and we possess a sense of responsibility to ensure Order. Almost exclusively, the U.S. Navy is the protector of Free Trade and Navigation. With 8-10 Naval Carrier Task Forces, the global presence at major chokepoints is Empire-like in scope.

It’s about Money, Power & Control. It’s also about American Exceptionalism. Think about it this way, NATO deploys 32,000 troops in Afghanistan, the largest cultivator of poppy globally, with over $ 700 Billion of revenue. Coincidence?