Andrew J. Bacevich is professor of history and international relations at Boston University. His new book, Washington Rules: America's Path to Permanent War, is just out.
Everyone claims to “Support Our Troops.” But as Andrew J. Bacevich explains, telling the military it can do whatever it wants works for everyone—except for the soldiers themselves.
It was a cautious speech, and one filled with more bromides than specifics.
Gone are the days when a U.S. leader would pretend deficits don't matter—President Obama's speech on the budget was a sign of how central the issue has become in American politics, and that's a good thing, says Andrew Bacevich.
The departure of the last combat brigade from Iraq may have signaled to one soldier that “We’ve won!”—but not even the most optimistic American general believes the insurgency will end soon, says Andrew J. Bacevich.