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Historically, it's interesting to see how the US went from predominantly isolationist to meddling in the course of a generation (the Monroe Doctrine notwithstanding). Our involvement in the Middle East, once the Barbary Wars ended, was nonexistant save tourism until the end of isolationism in the 40's.
I was aware that the US was undergoing a less-than-covert "advisory" buildup in Yemen. I can't say exactly when or where I learned that, but it seems I read something a few months ago in conjuction with some kidnappings there.
I think that the objective is pretty obvious. We've marginalized most of the jihadists in region to a great extent. They're no longer welcome in Saudi Arabia, at least openly. Most of the training grounds for these folks are currently either under our control or under attack by our allies (Pakistan, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, etc.) or under the direct control of a regional power that sees no benefit in a direct attack (Syria and Iran). It seems that even Sudan is too chaotic for the jihadis to efficiently organize enough to be a direct threat to Americans, although I expect that won't last forever. The Ethopians have a vested interest in a stable Sudan, and the Ethopians are at best neutral towards the US.
I am assuming that the US forces are doing as advertised. I think that any of the hawks in the Pentagon that think that opening a third front in the GWOT will be quickly countered by cooler heads with a more realistic grasp of the capabilities of the Armed Forces (although that doesn't rule out cruise missle strikes, drones, etc.). I can't see the Obama Administration thinking that a third front is nothing more than a military adventure run amuck and ok'ing much more than advisors. The men and materiel just aren't there for such a concept, even with the wind-down in Iraq, which won't be completed for months.
Is it possible in a couple of years, especially with some provocative acts? Yes, certainly, just not in my near-term.
I don't see it as lunacy so much as a poorly-thought-out knee-jerk reaction.
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"They that can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary safety deserve neither liberty nor safety." - B. Franklin
"There ought to be limits to freedom." - George W. Bush
"We have met the enemy and he is us." - Pogo
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