South America, the U.S.'s New Middle East

Middle East wars are winding down (at least American involvement is scaling back) and the military will need new venues at which to aim their sights.  


Enter South America and its decades-long drug war.  It remains to be seen whether military and political leaders have learned anything from nearly twenty years of Middle East conflict.  Will drones, planes, and boats simply start buzzing various drug-manufacturing and shipping regions?  Or will the U.S. first (instead of later) embark on a coordinated mission to defeat narco-terrorism?  This New York Times article is hopefully a harbinger of things to come minus the possible deaths of innocent men and women.  


South America presents its own unique set of problems too many to list here.  It also presents a unique opportunity for the U.S. to get things right the first time.  Using smaller military units, engaging the local populace, providing alternatives to drug-running, and cooperating and coordinating efforts with local and national governments is sure to net positive results.  Americans (displaying both might and good will) will probably be a welcome sight.  The more mistakes we make however, the faster we wear out our welcome...again.

Brave New World Leader?

In the face of North Carolina's attempt to ban love and affection President Obama announced he's for equality for all (not just the straight).  Are other world leaders ever pressured to announce their views on such a basic issue one way or the other?  Certainly no one is expecting King Abdullah of Saudi Arabia (or King Abdullah of Jordan), Mahmoud Amadinejad, Pakistani President Zardari, or Governor Purdue to take such a bold stance.  Standing up for basic freedom, and against tyranny, is what America is all about and has been since 1775 and certainly early July, 1776.

While other countries either allow gay marriage outright (Canada) or ban it outright (Iran), few leaders have done as much for the LGBTQ community.  Recent gains range from allowing gays and lesbians to serve openly in the Armed Forces, to banning hospitals from banning gays and lesbians from being with each other.  The good news is that President Obama has done much, the bad news is that much had to be done.  The worst news is that, despite polls showing over and over that a majority of Americans favor either gay marriage or civil unions, more needs doing every day.  Unlike the Third World (America's likely future without reversing course), if change is possible anywhere, it's possible here.