While many conservatives and libertarians argue similar points of interest, they oftentimes are arguing the same message. Last night on Freedom Watch, Judge Napolitano had former CIA Operative Wayne Simmons and antiwar activist Justin Raimondo debate the Afghan War. Raimondo, a self-proclaimed libertarian, emphatically missed the points presented by Simmons.
“The art of war is of vital importance to the State. It is a matter of life and death, a road either to safety or to ruin. Hence it is a subject of inquiry which can on no account be neglected.” (Sun Tzu)
First, whether anyone likes it or not, war is a necessary evil. There are several variations of warfare to include incorporation of mass conventional armies, special operations, and proxy wars just to name a few. The truth behind war remains that at least two parties who rival one another engage in activities in an attempt to seize the submission of their opposition.
“For to win one hundred victories in one hundred battles is not the acme of skill. To subdue the enemy without fighting is the acme of skill.” (Sun Tzu)
The current methodology of fighting unconventional and asymmetric threats today in places like Afghanistan and Iraq has been proven unsuccessful. Implementing some of Sun Tzu’s playbook today is the likely cure to succeed in securing our National Security platform.
“Be extremely subtle, even to the point of formlessness. Be extremely mysterious, even to the point of soundlessness. Thereby you can be the director of the opponent’s fate.” (Sun Tzu)
What appears to be something which Wayne Simmons attempted to spurt out yet could not due to disruption was the basis of Sun Tzu’s aforementioned thoughts. In order to do this though, you need to have at least one or two pre-existing footholds in close proximity to your adversary. Hence, we need some “lily pads” to base covert and clandestine operations.
“Secret operations are essential in war; upon them the army relies to make its every move.” (Sun Tzu)
Mr. Raimondo did make a very grave foolish mistake in his debate last night. He stated that his belief in actively engaging Iran would be foolish. At this current moment and under current military operational practices, he may be correct. However, knowing Iran is actively seeking to create nuclear weapons of mass destruction and openly stated that one of their main goals is to “wipe Israel off the face of the earth” exemplifies how serious of a threat they truly are.
“We should have attacked Iran over five years ago.” (Wayne Simmons)
We had an opportunity to induce clandestine activities when Iran’s “Green Movement” was at its highest peak over the past twelve months. We could and should have used our spies, our covert and clandestine operations, and our friendly assets and sources to ensure the Green Movement’s success to topple the current Iranian regime. We missed an opportunity yet that does not mean we cannot identify such opportunities in the immediate future.
“It is essential to seek out enemy agents who have come to conduct espionage against you and to bribe them to serve you. Give them instructions and care for them. Thus doubled agents are recruited and used.” (Sun Tzu)
In the end, the United States faces a very unique “ghost” of an enemy. To defeat this unconventional and asymmetric threat, we do not need conventional military mass. We need special operators who soundly execute covert and clandestine operations; similar to those like Mr. Wayne Simmons once fulfilled.
Major General Smedley Butler said it best long ago, “War is a racket.” It is a necessary yet evil racket. For those citizens who utterly oppose all forms of war like Justin Raimondo, reflect back and learn why you have the luxury of living a life of free will here inside the United States.
Kerry Patton served in the U.S. Defense and Justice departments, and as a contractor within the Homeland Security and State departments. He has worked in South America, Africa, the Middle East, Asia and Europe, focusing on intelligence and security interviewing current and former terrorists, including members of the Taliban. He is the author of “Sociocultural Intelligence: The New Discipline of Intelligence Studies.” Currently, Mr. Patton teaches for Henley Putnam University and is the Northeast Regional Director for Stand Up America www.standupamericaus.com.