Peaceful Solutions Quotes
Ever since the end of WWII, no major war has been fought where there has been a classic victory where one nation is conquered by another and there is a surrender. Many of the wars have been fought against non-state actors or our war aim is a regime change or the establishment of a more friendly government. We have no desire to occupy the countries generally, and there is often no one “in charge” of the enemy who can even surrender. Bruce was referring to the Iraq War and the Afghanistan War. In each case, despite the lack of a surrender document, it can be said that America won both of these wars initially and then had great trouble with the occupation, the nation building, and keeping the peace. In Iraq and Afghanistan we suffered almost no casualties in the initial invasions. The occupation and “peace” is where we suffered almost all of our casualties.
The Egyptian Muslim Brotherhood had won the first democratic election, but they proceeded to use their majority to deny rights to others. Massive demonstrations against the government, with the Egyptian military support deposed the Brotherhood President and government. The Brotherhood then took to the streets, demonstrating against the ousting of their elected government. After more than a week of constant demonstrations and the blockage of many streets, the new military appointed government authorized the police to clear the streets. Some of the Brotherhood were armed and killed over 40 police and several hundred demonstrators were also killed with each side blaming the other for “starting” the violence. The vice president was a strong opponent of the Muslim Brotherhood and supported and called for the ousting of their undemocratic, albeit elected, government. However he also supported their right to protest in the streets and condemned the use of force.
The first Jew to run for the Vice Presidency on a major party ticket.
Essentially similar ideas were expressed earlier by George Washington and in antiquity by Vegetius and Horace.
Erecat was expressing his frustration with the peace negotiations and the lack of progress.
