History

Upon reading Sun Tzus Art of War, it provided insights about his perspective about the strategies employed by generals during war and what appropriate directions should a state take in order to be victorious. Relating this to the current condition of the U.S. in its war against terror, several points can be observed. One important dimension involves the idea that since the aftermath of 911 tragedy, the U.S. has refocused its endeavors in seeking an appropriate solution towards terrorism and campaigning its stance within localities and the international community (Shah, p.1). Given these particular stance, since its initial attempt in 2003, Sun Tzu argues that this is not favorable for the US because of the consequences that prolonged war can provide a country. In here, he says that
Now, when your weapons are dulled, ardor damped,
your strengths exhausted and your treasure spent,
other chieftains will spring up to take advantage
of your extremity. Then no man, however wise,
will be able to avert the consequences that must ensue (Giles, p.1).

Such principle remains to be seen with the current effort of the U.S. in addressing its campaigns in Afghanistan and Iraq. Here, the prolonged military campaigns not only showcase the inability of America to address the severity of the situation but is also experiencing a struggle to make adjustments towards its spending and budget (Shah, p.1).

Seeing this realities that are happening, Sun Tzu then provides appropriate solutions for the Obama government to consider in the next few years in the military campaign against terrorism. In particular, Sun Tzu justifies this claim by pointing out
Hence to fight and conquer in all your battles
is not supreme excellence supreme excellence consists
in breaking the enemys resistance without fighting (Giles, p.3)

With this passage, the Obama government then must re-engage its military strategy and try to explore other possible options that can provide its point towards addressing the issue of terror. Alongside this attempt is the effort to create a better and secured environment for the American people and supporting new endeavors that can justify this overall purpose and goal.