>>
>Make that Russia + 1 more in Hamilton, NJ.
>No problem that I'm in the minority. I voted for McGovern in 1972.
>Now, that was really being in a minority- he won one state and it wasn't even mine, but look how things turned out.
>
>I was around when Truman was severely criticized for firing MacArthur, who advocated a more aggressive stance toward China.
>Ike was also criticized for ending the Korean war the way he did.
>
>Both were vindicated.
>
>It's comfortable to advocate for wars that we can't possibly fight in.
>
>I find that a good way to evaluate a combat situation is to ask:
>If we had to draft people to fight in it, what kind of response do you think we'd get?

I think last sentence carries a lot of truth - I think eliminating draft is/was a big mistake. In germany it was somewhat inevitable after fall of Berlin wall (monetary problems integrating eastern economy, integrating relatively large eastern army aŕsenal, not inciting fears in surrounding countries...).

My stint was over looong before german troops even ventured near battle zones, so I cannot speak from expirience, but for me the conflict I think I am somewhat undecided was Bush seniors venture against Iraq, freeing Kuweit after annexion from Saddam.

Saddam broke "civilized" rules, original Kuweit gov asked for help, oil in the balance - reason enough to send troops ?
Economic sanctions after snatching up Kuweiti oil probably would not show any result as Kuweit could have been dismatled/pressed like a lemon.

I do think it is better to stop bad guys early - even if they are thousands of miles away and not on your border.
And yes, I do think the west (NOT singling out the states...) went overboard in many arenas for geopolitical reasons.