Background – Liberia – An analysis of what the Marines face once they get to Liberia.

• BBC: Uncertainties of US Liberia mission

Background – Solomons – Why Australia is intervening in the Solomon Islands.

• National Post: Australian muscle visits ‘friendly’ isles
  – PM fears Solomon Islands might become terror haven

Background – Civil-Military relationships – I just reread this essay by Robert Kaplan and found it to be especially timely, although written 7 years ago. An interesting look at the military’s relationship with the rest of America???”At Fort Leavenworth, where the Army trains its top brass, captains and colonels study high-tech warfare, read the classics, and ponder what will be left to defend in a transnational world???”

• The Atlantic: Fort Leavenworth and the Eclipse of Nationhood