James Mattis is one of the most distinguished warfighters that his generation has produced. However, his views on national security are out of step with those of the president.Department of Defense
Loren Thompson, Forbes: 'Mad Dog' Defanged: How A Missing Missile Defense Report Explains Mattis' Impending Departure
On January 27, 2017, shortly after his inauguration, President Donald J. Trump directed the Pentagon to undertake a Nuclear Posture Review and a Ballistic Missile Defense Review. Trump had spoken frequently about nuclear threats during the campaign season, so he wanted to make an early start on evaluating the adequacy of both the offensive and defensive features of U.S. strategic policy.
The posture review of offensive forces -- nuclear missiles and bombers -- was completed on time in January of this year. It proved to be a status quo document, upholding precepts that had guided Washington's approach to nuclear deterrence since the Cold War. Most observers agreed it was compatible with the nuclear plans of the Obama administration.
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WNU Editor: I almost always disagree with the above author Loren Thompson. But he does make a very convincing case on what is wrong with the Pentagon today, and why U.S. Secretary Of Defense James Mattis may be replaced. Personally .... I believe the failure of current U.S. military policy in Afghanistan is going to be the main reason on why U.S. Secretary Of Defense James Mattis will be let go. The U.S. is losing this war of attrition, and the Pentagon leadership seems powerless on how to reverse it. Also .... I would not be surprised that after a year and a half in the White House President Trump is meeting a lot of people that he feels comfortable are in sync with his approach on what the Pentagon should be doing, and I am sure he is wondering if they should be his point man in the Pentagon. I know I would.
When has thew U.S. won a war, where the enemy has secure rear areas in other countries?
ReplyDeleteThat is the problem and always will be as long as the Democrats declare The U.S Constitution to be a suicide pact.
Meanwhile this part of the Democrats/Left call for
"Antifa Website Calls for 'Slaughter' of 'Fascistic Border Patrol Dogs and Their Bosses'"
The U.S. can never win in Afghanistan until they win Pakistan by diplomatic means, other peaceful means or other means.
ReplyDeleteThis is not Mattis's fault. It is the fault of the swamp and the electorate.
Thompson is a paid advocate for many huge defense contractors which would earn billions selling more missile defense systems. They include Boeing and Lockheed who lobby the Congress for more missile defense spending. I have a hard time believing that study wasnt heavily lobbied for justifying big boosts to those two existing BMD programs, ie THAAD and the existing ICBM defenses in Alaska and Calif.
ReplyDeleteHis other points on the failures in Afghanistan tarnishing Mattis is more credible.
His other points on the failures in Afghanistan tarnishing Mattis ARE more credible.
ReplyDelete