Send In the State Department - New York Times

Send In the State Department - New York Times: "low-profile theater where small American military teams comb a large region and engage in military training and civil affairs projects with local forces as a way to build relationships in advance of a major crisis."

Kaplan's idea based upon the Pentagon's Quadrennial Defense Review is a good start. However, two things need to be squared away, at least on the surface. One, the media cannot be jumping all over this type of activity thereby brewing a sh*t-storm everytime they are the least bit offended. As this type of activity will be secret, that's a good thing.

Two, the State Department needs some house cleaning. I am by know means blaming State for Iraq, but when the department works at odds with an administration it's just not going to work out well. This of course goes for the CIA and any other entity that has individuals with opinions. If they aren't trying to thwart efforts from the inside, they write a swell book upon retirement with clear 20/20 precision.

That has to cease.