When Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki sent his "army" to fight the al-Mahdi Army in Basra, U.S. President George W. Bush called it "a defining moment." It turned out instead to be a confirming moment. It confirmed that there is no state in Mesopotamia – the geographical territory known as the nation of Iraq.

During World War II, one of Hitlers favorite sayings was, "All generals lie." Today, Washington prefers the word "spin" to lie, although the difference is often difficult to parse.

When Hamas won the Palestinian elections, a highly successful Fourth Generation entity became a state. No doubt that was one of Hamas highest aspirations.

In his address to the American people last Sunday evening, President George W. Bush said, "Yet now there are only two options before our country: victory or defeat."

Militant Tricks: Battlefield Ruses of the Islamic Insurgent is the title of John Pooles latest book. Poole, a former Marine NCO and officer, is Americas best writer on small unit tactics and techniques.

One of the classic signs of ideology at work is the redefinition of words to empty them of their meaning.

All over the world, state military forces are fighting non-state opponents, and almost always, the state is losing. This is because state militaries were designed to fight other state militaries like themselves.

UNLIKELY DINNER DATE? It is an old axiom of philosophy that you have to get the questions right first. If you dont ask the right questions, then the answers wont matter.