DÉJÀ VU: A LETTER TO THE ECONOMIST (March 9, 2003)
Your account in the Science and Technology Section of recent developments in American military technology is quite impressive (”Clipping the Enemy’s Wings,” March 8, 2003). Smart bombs, battlefield Internet, drones, rocket interceptors, and integrated logistics underpinning the entire effort boggle the mind. Great stuff. Such advances in technology will surely make future wars very short affairs. Or will they? One cannot shake off a feeling of déjà vu as one reads your account. The two world wars were ushered with such expectations. It is thus not surprising that about a quarter of a million soldiers are now massing at Iraq’s borders. The good generals have learned a thing or two from all the previous enthusiasts of military technology.