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“America Exists Today to Make War”: Lawrence Wilkerson on Endless War & American Empire
In a compelling discussion featured on Democracy Now, retired U.S. Army Colonel Lawrence Wilkerson, who served as chief of staff to Secretary of State Colin Powell, shares his insights on the entrenched nature of America's military engagements. This conversation, which revisits U.S. foreign policy, particularly regarding the Middle East, explores themes of war, deception, and the military-industrial complex.
Wilkerson, who was intimately involved in the events leading up to the Iraq War, reflects on the lies and manipulations that justified the 2003 invasion. He recalls how both he and Powell were misled about Iraq's so-called weapons of mass destruction, a narrative that proved to be a catalyst for widespread conflict.
### Key Insights from the Discussion
1. Endless War: Wilkerson asserts that America is in a perpetual state of war, describing the military actions spanning nearly two decades as an intrinsic part of the nation’s identity. He notes, “America exists today to make war,” pointing to the escalation of tensions with entities like Iran as reminiscent of the pre-war atmosphere in 2003.
2. The Role of Leadership: The colonel critiques the leadership of figures like Donald Trump and military officials for perpetuating a war-centered agenda. He argues that their actions, especially regarding the assassination of Iranian General Qasem Soleimani, represent a shift in U.S. policy that undermines international law and could provoke further conflicts.
3. Historical Context and Critique: Wilkerson reflects on historical precedents, comparing the present U.S. military approach to past decisions. He warns against the normalization of state-sanctioned assassinations, indicating this practice could lead to dangerous retaliatory acts against American leaders in the future.
4. Consequences of U.S. Actions: The potential long-term ramifications of current military strategies are discussed, with Wilkerson predicting a chaotic fallout should the U.S. escalate its military engagements. He emphasizes that the consequences of such actions could dwarf those of previous involvements in Iraq and Afghanistan.
### Conclusion
Colonel Wilkerson’s insights serve as a stark reminder of the complexities inherent in U.S. foreign policy and the often-contradictory nature of political rhetoric during times of heightened military actions. His reflections on the need for accountability and clearer moral direction in U.S. military engagements fuel discussions among policymakers and citizens alike.
As we navigate our contemporary political landscape, it's critical for communities like ours to engage in meaningful discourse about the repercussions of war. What are your thoughts on the impact of U.S. military strategies abroad? How do you perceive the interplay between domestic politics and foreign policy? Share your insights and experiences!
In a compelling discussion featured on Democracy Now, retired U.S. Army Colonel Lawrence Wilkerson, who served as chief of staff to Secretary of State Colin Powell, shares his insights on the entrenched nature of America's military engagements. This conversation, which revisits U.S. foreign policy, particularly regarding the Middle East, explores themes of war, deception, and the military-industrial complex.
Wilkerson, who was intimately involved in the events leading up to the Iraq War, reflects on the lies and manipulations that justified the 2003 invasion. He recalls how both he and Powell were misled about Iraq's so-called weapons of mass destruction, a narrative that proved to be a catalyst for widespread conflict.
### Key Insights from the Discussion
1. Endless War: Wilkerson asserts that America is in a perpetual state of war, describing the military actions spanning nearly two decades as an intrinsic part of the nation’s identity. He notes, “America exists today to make war,” pointing to the escalation of tensions with entities like Iran as reminiscent of the pre-war atmosphere in 2003.
2. The Role of Leadership: The colonel critiques the leadership of figures like Donald Trump and military officials for perpetuating a war-centered agenda. He argues that their actions, especially regarding the assassination of Iranian General Qasem Soleimani, represent a shift in U.S. policy that undermines international law and could provoke further conflicts.
3. Historical Context and Critique: Wilkerson reflects on historical precedents, comparing the present U.S. military approach to past decisions. He warns against the normalization of state-sanctioned assassinations, indicating this practice could lead to dangerous retaliatory acts against American leaders in the future.
4. Consequences of U.S. Actions: The potential long-term ramifications of current military strategies are discussed, with Wilkerson predicting a chaotic fallout should the U.S. escalate its military engagements. He emphasizes that the consequences of such actions could dwarf those of previous involvements in Iraq and Afghanistan.
### Conclusion
Colonel Wilkerson’s insights serve as a stark reminder of the complexities inherent in U.S. foreign policy and the often-contradictory nature of political rhetoric during times of heightened military actions. His reflections on the need for accountability and clearer moral direction in U.S. military engagements fuel discussions among policymakers and citizens alike.
As we navigate our contemporary political landscape, it's critical for communities like ours to engage in meaningful discourse about the repercussions of war. What are your thoughts on the impact of U.S. military strategies abroad? How do you perceive the interplay between domestic politics and foreign policy? Share your insights and experiences!
