Looking at Afghanistan with Sun Tzu

I am nothing close to a military expert. However, in light of President Obama’s Afghanistan troop decision, delivered in a speech last night, I thought it might be instructive to look at some passages from Sun Tzu’s classic military treatise The Art of War, published in the 6th Century BC. Let me also say that I think President Obama made the right decision regarding Afghanistan, and for that I am grateful.

The expert in battle seeks his victory from strategic advantage and does not demand it from his men.

This seems to be what Gen. McChrystal is seeking—a strategic advantage. That is why he asked for more troops. Iraq seemed to prove that soldiers can fight brilliantly but if the proper strategy is not in place then the war effort will likely be unsuccessful.

If words of command are not clear and distinct, if orders are not thoroughly understood, the general is to blame.

This again goes along with the troop escalation decision last night. President Obama and Gen. McChrystal have now articulated a “clear and distinct” plan.

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.

Many have been concerned about President Obama’s abilities as commander-in-chief, sometimes rightly. However, it is to his credit that he has surrounded himself with knowledgeable people and appears to have, in this instance, made the right decision.

If your enemy is secure at all points, be prepared for him. If he is in superior strength, evade him. If your opponent is temperamental, seek to irritate him. Pretend to be weak, that he may grow arrogant. If he is taking his ease, give him no rest. If his forces are united, separate them. If sovereign and subject are in accord, put division between them. Attack him where he is unprepared, appear where you are not expected.

I thought this was a chilling passage, as it appears to articulate al-Qaeda’s exact strategy in use against our forces.

It is said that if you know your enemies and know yourself, you will not be imperiled in a hundred battles; if you do not know your enemies but do know yourself, you will win one and lose one; if you do not know your enemies nor yourself, you will be imperiled in every single battle.

Do we know whom we’re fighting in Afghanistan, what winning means, and what our own capabilities are as it relates to Afghanistan?

Interesting fodder for thought. Feel free to draw your own conclusions and post them below.

(All quotes taking from The Art of War by Sun Tzu)