I am posting here links to two very astute articles. The first one is about the need to replace the American military with American diplomats. The second is about the need to reorganize the State Department in a manner more suitable to the current needs.

I agree with both but I cannot but remember a question and answer period with Frank Gafni following his lecture. He was asked why Bremer did such a poor job in Iraq. Because, he answered, he had a group of young, enthusiastic and totally inexperienced people there. No one with any seniority would agree to go there. The army can order you to go were it needs you. The State cannot.

So, I suggest that as you read these articles, you keep in mind this very human problem. At the very least, the State needs to be restructured so as to make services in the less comfortable parts of the world, real career makers.

Soccerdad just brought to my attention an article in the Atlantic explaining in a similar manner ("Operations that include diarrhea as a way of life don't happen") CIA failures. Thanks.