Israel Versus Hamas; How Often does One Group "Win" a War


I haven't kept track, but I've wondered how often wars end with one side announcing, "We lost. The war is over." I would guess it's common for one side the lose more soldiers. Often a side loses governance over some territory. Yet, most often it seems neither side concedes.

Biden wisely withdrew from Afghanistan during his term. I recall in my long life many Presidents saying our side would "eliminate" the enemy. Once we were going to drive the North Korean army off the face of the earth. They China came in and it was a draw at the 38th Parallel. Shock and awe was the order of the day in Iraq. 

From public comments, the government of Israel intends to "defeat" Hamas though it seems at this distance Hamas does not have the ability to do much but kill some more people while Israel does not have the ability to eliminate supporters of Hamas.

Russia has learned it will not defeat Ukraine. Will Ukraine be able to drive Russia out of the disputed territory? And even if Ukraine has success in driving back Russia will Russia ever admit defeat? Might it just keep on dropping bombs or shooting up small areas?

In the U.S. mind is still WWII and Tom Brokaw's book, "The Greatest Generation," We defeated an "evil" enemy and there was a concession of defeat. The curtain came down to a standing ovation. It is hard to find a war today quite as simple and one the concludes with a winner and loser 

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