The Train Is Leaving the Station

Will our “friends” jump on in time?

by Victor Davis Hanson

National Review Online

Wars disrupt the political landscape for generations. Changes sweep nations when their youth die in a manner impossible during peace. Continue reading “The Train Is Leaving the Station”

The American War of War

It’s not quite what we’ve been told.

by Victor Davis Hanson

National Review Online

(1) In this new age the American military does not like fascists, and it thus will unleash horrific power to eliminate autocrats like Noriega, Milosevic, the Taliban, and Saddam Hussein. Continue reading “The American War of War”

History or Hysteria?

Our vulture pundits regurgitate rumor and buzz

by Victor Davis Hanson

National Review Online

Instantly televised images are broadcast with no in-depth analysis. A national television audience sighs and cheers second-to-second — not unlike the mercurial Athenians lined up on the shore of the Great Harbor at Syracuse, who in dejection and euphoria watched their fleet lose, win, and lose in the sea battle against the Sicilians. Continue reading “History or Hysteria?”

The Long Riders

How do our soldiers do it all?

by Victor Davis Hanson

National Review Online

The screen graphics, television glitz, punditry, lead-in music — all that hype of the news sometimes disguises the sheer improbability of what we are attempting. Continue reading “The Long Riders”

War Has Come

Next stop: the battlefield.

by Victor Davis Hanson

National Review Online

The president reviewed the history of disarming Saddam Hussein, and reminded us it is not pretty: violation of the 1991 armistice accords, obstruction of U.N. resolutions, sanctions, and inspectors, a record of aggression, hatred of America, and a propensity to abet and engage in terrorism. Continue reading “War Has Come”

Muscular Independence

No more buying, bullying, and begging abroad?

by Victor Davis Hanson

National Review Online

The events of the last six months in crafting an alliance — mostly for political rather than military advantage — to remove a murderous Saddam Hussein are prompting contradictory emotions in many Americans. Continue reading “Muscular Independence”

From Manhattan to Baghdad

One enemy, one war, one outcome.

by Victor Davis Hanson

National Review Online

The monotonous inquiries of the critics resound: “What does Iraq have to do with al Qaeda?” “First Afghanistan, now Iraq — what next?” “Isn’t Bush’s war endless?” “Aren’t we diverting our attention from the war on terrorism?” Continue reading “From Manhattan to Baghdad”

The Boomerang Effect

Be careful of what you wish for.

by Victor Davis Hanson

National Review Online

The Security Council is a funny place. I watched the Chinese ambassador grimace at Mr. Powell’s speech — and thought of the entire country and hallowed culture of Tibet, now swallowed by his government. Continue reading “The Boomerang Effect”

Doom, Doom and More Doom

Should we trust past facts or present hysterics?

by Victor Davis Hanson

National Review Online

What can we expect from the possible invasion of Iraq? Everything in war is of course uncertain — an awful time when the lives of thousands of soldiers hang in the balance, and brutal, dirty events can spiral out of control the moment the shooting starts. Continue reading “Doom, Doom and More Doom”

American Audacity

Who we are.

by Victor Davis Hanson

National Review Online

The nature of American technology and confidence in it are now such that our own astounding achievements sometimes insulate us from the unforgiving laws of the natural world that will not go away. Continue reading “American Audacity”