To understand the consequences of this decision, let's revisit history and review similar situations. In an excellent chronology Jeremy Taylor, retired naval officer, tells about similar misadventures in an article published Sept. 26, 2004.

After a 30-year attempt to subdue Islamic guerrilla activities in Aden, Great Britain gave up and got out in 1967. After 12 years of fighting in Malaysia against rebel guerrillas, the British quit. The French lost against Madagascar natives after six years. The French surrendered to Ho Chi Minh in 1954.

In Algeria the French tried to put down an Islamic rebellion, eventually employing 800,000 troops. Because that cost more than $1 billion and thousands of casualties, the French pulled out in 1966 after eight years of fighting. And there is our experience in Vietnam.

What do these events in history say to us? I think they say two things. A large mechanized army is no match for smaller guerrilla or insurgent forces fighting for a cause in which they believe. The concept of a democratic form of government should not be spread by the sword. Forcing democratic concepts on a culture is a bad idea.

Robert Van Velkinburgh

Syracuse