The Doctrine of Overwhelming Force did apply when we invaded Iraq, and we did indeed have overwhelming force. That's why we took Baghdad so quickly.
We won.
Just like the Ethiopians just did in Somalia.
And just like the Ethopians are finding now, and we've been finding for almost three years now -- there are TWO kinds of enemies. The regular and allied forces of a state or confederation, and the highly irregular meltaway forces of tribal associations and religious sect madrassas.
NO AMOUNT OF OVERWHELMING FORCE WILL WORK AGAINST SUCH MELTAWAY IRREGULAR FORCES.
We, the US of A, however, damn well do know how to fight and beat such forces. It takes a long time, and requires national persistance -- but it can be done. We did it against the Indian Tribes. It took 250 or so years.
What are the techniques? Some we already employ. Set tribe against tribe, sect against sect. That lessens the cost to us. Technique employed by Cortez, Jackson, many others.
What should we remember and do again in this war?
Educate the tribes in our laws and religions. Ban the hate-preaching sects and madrassas. Force tribes off their lands into reservations. Shut off the source of sustenance to them -- in this case that is oil. That is, take over the oil.
Now this batch of Arab Muslim Tribes and Jihadists is different than the American Inidan Tribes, yes. But there are many similarities, and as I said we know what worked before. In the New World, in the American Frontier, in the Phillipines. Use those war wisdoms.
Be Bold and Have Courage!
Ummm...if we could actually unleash our overwhemling force it would work.
As it is we are engaging the enemy with one hand tied behind out back and a patch over one eye.
The rules of engagement for my fellow soldiers on the ground needs to be changed.