Rhetoric and Regime Change

Eric Martin has a clever post about how we get sucked into war in the 21st century. He argues that the "pattern of rhetorical escalation in response to the practical limitations of bringing about regime change ... is a familiar dance, most deftly performed by those inclined to advocate for more and bigger US interventions abroad." Paraphrasing Martin's piece (for the sake of brevity and levity), here's how it's done in six easy steps:

Step 1 (Regime X acts badly): The president must condemn the regime for its abhorrent actions. Only a weak sister wouldn't. We must show our love for freedom!

Step 2 (with Regime X still in place): Are issuing harsh words all the president can do? Talk is cheap. We need sanctions to isolate this Nazi-like regime!

Step 3 (with Regime X still in place): Sanctions? Regime isolation? That never works. The president is dithering. Use swift military action to decapitate the regime and hand power to the democratic-loving indigens. What can go wrong?

Step 4 (Regime X now toppled by our military): With our troops dying in harm's way, we have a moral obligation to stay the course. If we withdraw chaos will erupt; evil will return; enemies will be emboldened.

Step 5 (repeat as needed): Only the "dead-enders" are left. We've turned the corner, shifted the momentum and victory is within reach. The next six months should prove decisive.

Step 6 (official quagmire): War is always hell. The indigenous civil war is a quirk. (Besides, Private Joker, inside them all is an American trying to get out.) But why didn't we use the Powell Doctrine (overwhelming force) in the first place? Forget public opinion. Man up, Mr. President, and send more troops. Whatever it takes, for as long as it takes. Our pride and prestige are on the line.

End game: Congress pulls the plug, ending war funding. The troops come home. Another regime begins shooting protesters. Repeat Steps 1 thru 6. Obviously, I'm having a bit of fun here. The world is a complicated place and we cannot withdraw from it. But it's more than a little ironic that this parody is not far off the mark. (Read Martin's original piece here.)