Redefining national self-defense

Dick Taffe — Tue, 03 Aug 2010 15:35:47 +0000

With U.S. involvement in Iraq drawing down yet still under fire in Afghanistan, Americans are questioning the U.S. military’s role around the globe. International relations Professor Andrew Bacevich offers some proposals for the future in his new book, “Washington Rules: America’s Path to Permanent War.” In a BU Today Q&A, Bacevich outlines his 3-point shift in principles that would justify the cost in money and blood of our military role globally.

“There’s room for argument about what self-defense requires, and I’d like to see the argument engaged in by the American public and leadership. The point is to challenge the common practice and expectation that global policing defines the mission for the armed forces. That purpose vastly outstrips the capabilities of U.S. forces and implies demands on our resources as a nation that we are unwilling and probably unable to provide.”

Contact Andrew Bacevich, 617-358-0194, bacevich@bu.edu

U.S. cyberattacks CIA Web site

Dick Taffe — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 16:46:01 +0000

The Washington Post reports the U.S. military cyberattacked and shut down a joint Saudi-CIA Web site which had been set up to uncover terror plots in Saudi Arabia. The military said it was putting Americans at risk. International relations Professor Joseph Wippl, a 30-year CIA operations officer, says the shutdown could have been more tactful by informing the Saudis, but it’s not a surprise.

“The military will always expose any clandestine operation and ignore consequences to the operation if U.S. lives could be in jeopardy. It’s the gorilla in the room.”

Contact Joseph Wippl, 617-353-8992, jwippl@bu.edu

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Redefining national self-defense

U.S. cyberattacks CIA Web site