Unconditional surrender
The losing side in a war will inevitably reach the point where they see the writing on the wall, and after a moment of self-reflection will offer to call it a draw. Wise generals know their opponent is showing signs of weakening and will use the faux pas as a cue to press hard on the enemy's lines. Even if the reigning authority eventually chooses to accept envoys to establish peace, it's better to negotiate from a position of strength: the winner need not settle for the offered tie if he can achieve clear victory while the foreign diplomats grovel.
Of course in our current conflict, the other side has little "reigning authority", no envoys or diplomats, and until now has never even broached the subject of peace except as the result of our total annihilation. In a surprising move, "Mr. Annihilation" himself, Osama bin Laden suggested today we just call the whole thing off.
Al-Jazeera on Thursday aired an audiotape from Osama bin Laden, who says al-Qaida is making preparations for attacks in the United States but offers a truce on "fair" but undefined conditions. The CIA has authenticated the voice on the tape as that of bin Laden, an agency official said....In 1862, a new diplomatic stance known as "unconditional surrender" was first proposed by U.S. Grant at Fort Donelson. This weapon - "Surrender now and we might not kill you. No promises" - was proven to be a rather effective tool when wielded by the Allies in WWII.The White House rejected the truce offer. The United States will not let up in the war on terror despite bin Laden's latest threats, White House press secretary Scott McClellan said. "We do not negotiate with terrorists," McClellan said. "We put them out of business."
Mr. McClellan has apparently proffered a new variation of this tool: "Just lay down and wait. We'll be along to kill you soon. Try not to hurt anyone in the meantime." I don't know if it will work in Afghanistan, but it will be interesting to see the results of the control group in Iraq.
