The United States faces an increased threat of attack from al Qaeda, which will likely try to use battle-hardened associates in Iraq to strike inside the United States, an intelligence report warned on Tuesday.
- Reuters

When I read this article I couldn’t help thinking of a sports analogy (I apologize now to those who hate analogies).

Whatever sport you choose there is always a small number of countries that are recognized as the top echelon in that sport, and then there are the minnows.

As this is a Rugby World Cup year, let’s take Rugby as an example.  Teams like New Zealand, Australia, France, and South Africa make up the top echelon. If you are one of the countries outside the top 12 or so you are considered to be one of the minnows.

Most of the time the big-boys just play amongst themselves, but every now and then they’ll play against a lesser nation.  These minnows usually get pummeled, BUT they relish the opportunity, because game time against a quality opposition gives them the chance to sharpen their skills.

So it is with War too. The US is THE team to beat when it comes to War. So sending the team for an extended tour in the Middle East means that the local teams are going to jump at the opportunity to hone their skills on home soil.

It means they are going to get better at what they do, and it means they will be all the more ready and willing to commit to an away game.