For instance, it might not be wise to say "you're for us or against us", not recognizing the various interests different countries have.

For instance, it might be wise to recognize that in Saudi Arabia there are various pressure groups, and not insist that the Saudis support for their Palestinian kin means they will not help the US protect itself on a regional or global scale. (The Saudis funneled more money into the Afghan resistance against the Russians than did the US.) It might be wiser to have 80% support from them than have a 100% enemy.

It might be wiser to find areas of common interest with as many countries as possible while acknowledging differences than to make 100% enemies because there are some differences.

It might be wise to listen to others - the Brits, for instance, who have said the Americans play fast and loose with the lives of locals. (We could tell that from the "friendly fire" incidents.) If we are in this for the long haul, we will need friends.

There's a part of US conservatism which implies that if you aren't just like them, white, married, church-going, 2-4 kids, van, home-owner that your are lacking, missing something, and you should be working to be exactly like those who are white, married, etc.

We do that on a national level, too. And on an international level. The "folly" isn't protecting oneself, the "folly" is doing it in such a way which guarantees the goals of the enemy will be met.

I'd suggest reading the book. It's absolutely fascinating. Talks about how, among other things, it was the Roman Catholic Church which created and enabled the Reformation, the English Parliament which caused the American revolution, and how the Vietnam war was folly for America. (She documents that the French war in Vietnam was also American - weapons, uniforms, the French were paid by America - with the French just surrogate soldiers. I hadn't known that.)

I would hope America would learn from history, and fight wars they can win.

And, this isn't much of a "war". But I've discussed that in other places.

Hope it's a great day where you are. It is here.

Arf