What History Teaches Us

History has always fascinated me. I think a deep understanding of history is a pre-requisite for success in many areas including business, local/state/national government, and foreign affairs, just to mention a few. I think what history does, is to teach us what mistakes not to repeat in making current and future decisions. However, it should not dictate what course of action to take with these decisions.

The War in Afghanistan might be a good example. We had good reason to militarily go after al-Qaeda – 9-11. But, history from the time of Alexander the Great, through British occupation, and the most recent Russian debacle in Afghanistan should have taught us not to make the mistake of moving into this country with what they would perceive as an occupying force. History clearly shows that they have the willingness to fight, even against what most would think are insurmountable odds, to resist that perception. They won’t accept defeat – they will choose death; they won’t welcome “nation building” – they will hold to their tribal system; they will not accept “puppet” governments set up by an occupier – they will bide their time and eradicate them as soon as possible; they will stay faithful to their religion and culture – in fact, the more pressure exerted to alter it will simply radicalize it even more. We should have known these things from history.

Understanding these things could have kept us from making the mistakes we made and are still making. A “surge” of more troops will result in having more control of Afghanistan. If you put more “feet on the ground” and more sophisticated military muscle in the country, you will kill more people and destroy more infrastructure; and for the time being, curtail insurgency and opposition because you will simply over-power them. We did it in Iraq. But, will it accomplish any long term goals like: establish a democracy, a peaceful and settled nation, promote human rights (for example, equality of women), create an appreciative ally for us in the region, etc.? I don’t think so!

That doesn’t mean we back away from confrontation with enemies dedicated in destroying us. My choice would have been to punish al-Qaeda with quick, overwhelming, devastating destruction and then get out – no occupation, no nation building, and no rebuilding. True “shock and awe” with no apologies; but, a promise that we will be back if need be. But, the time has passed for this. The Taliban has experienced a resurgence, al-Qaeda is linked closer than ever to them, and the conflict has broadened beyond the tribal areas in Pakistan to possible instability in all of Pakistan which is much more dangerous and complicated. I have confidence that the new administration has the necessary knowledge of history to avoid past mistakes; but, the solution is not to be found in history. It will take an innovative approach which may in the short run cost us more in lives lost and expenditure of money not readily available. In the end, our ego-defense may have to “take a hit” as it did in Korean War, Vietnam War, failed Iran Crisis Rescue Mission Attempt, and Mogadishu (of the tragic Black Hawk Down incident). The only consolation is that history has shown us that backing away from an ill-conceived and conducted military action doesn’t permanently damage our nation, just our ego. It does teach us that we do have limitations.

Another example is our recent economic crisis. Why are we caught by surprise and appalled by the newest “boom and bust?” They aren’t new, history has documented quite well one after another going back to our country’s beginning. We’ve had land speculation busts several times; technological inspired booms and busts like railroads, oil, and the 2001 “.com” one; numerous bank panics; investment speculation bubbles bursting like in 1929 and again in 2008, etc. How much evidence do we have to compile that a “free market” system, left to run amuck on its own, will create yet another “correction”, “down cycle”, recession”, and maybe a “depression”?

We should have learned enough from history to maturely accept the need for our government to balance responsible regulation with economic freedom to make our markets work. We certainly should have learned from history that we can’t expect anything but dire consequences if we retract regulations that were intended to protect us from obviously careless and/or unethical practices. Regulation needs to be carefully crafted and constantly adjusted to meet our needs, but seldom should we even consider deregulation. In addition to the above needed balance, there needs to be the acceptance of the necessity of maintaining a strong middle class which is required for prosperity and successful democracy.

However, history can’t teach us how to handle the most recent crisis. That has to be day-and-age specific problem solving. Hopefully, it will come as a result of much well thought-out public debate on a reasonably level playing field. This is where a democracy becomes so important - where large numbers of a wide variety of citizens take it upon themselves to offer their views. This is why it is so important that our government is not controlled by a few powerful special interest groups.

So, let’s learn and use our history to avoid mistakes of the past; but, let’s use our knowledge, intuition, and creativity to deal with current and future issues.