The staying power is questionable (particularly because the US is oft vague in its goals, as it ventures to war), Mr Pooh. (The Afghanistan exercise after all, commenced as a two year excursion – only to morph into a futile 20 year, hugely extravagant slush fund for an urban class of Afghan-extortionists who were reviled by a long-battle-hardened mujahedeen.) But who else possesses the capacity the US demonstrates for large, deep penetration munitions? For aircraft carrier supported battle fleets. For Big Ticket, sustained levels of military spending.