Lessons for a Long War: How America Can Win on New Battlefields

Since September 11 the phrase "the long war" has gradually emerged as a theoretical and practical alternative to "war on terrorism." "Long War" is defined, according to the editors of this new collection, as "an effort to create a new— and by American standards better—political order across the Greater Middle East." Donnelly and Kagan, leading military analysts with the American Enterprise Institute, have assembled a distinguished team of contributors. Peter D. Feaver suggests a "Long War" model will temper current partisan divisions, as did the cold war. Mackubin Owens sees "Long War" as a paradigm for reducing civil-military tensions exacerbated by a focus on immediate solutions. A very persuasive Charles J. Dunlap Jr. calls for the air force to explain to government, the press, and the public why air power is both effective and necessary, despite civilian deaths. Robert Killibrew concludes the volume by calling for the army to prepare for "hybrid" insurgencies: complex synergies of terror, combat, and public relations. "Long War" is a comprehensive approach, as opposed to specific efforts to suppress specific groups, and it receives serious consideration in this policy-oriented book. (July)