Title: Al Queda are not the first terrorists
Product review: Reston (son of long time NYT reporter, columnist, editorial board member James, "Scottie" Reston) compares the tactics used by the much maligned General Sherman in his infamous "March to the Sea" at the close of the American Civil War, with the tactics used by Westmoreland in Vietnam.Reston's bottom line is that the horrors allegedly committed by Sherman are exaggerated, but he clearly redefined modern warfare, by making it a legitimate tactic to terrorize civilians in order to undermine the enemies "will to resist." This tactic found its ultimate expression in Hiroshima, but was strongly echoed in Vietnam.One of the great ironies Reston focuses on is that the south generally decries Sherman, but extols Westmoreland.The book is now obviously dated--it would be very interesting for Reston to do a "post 9/11" edition. But the lessons Reston draws from Vietnam and Sherman's march are well worth applying to our current occupation of Iraq.
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