A Sobering Munich
Mike Walker, Col USMC (ret)
The last time world leaders tried to obtain European peace in Munich was 1938 and it did not go well.
Back then, a ruthless but beguiling dictator out maneuvered the West who gave the dictator what he wanted while betraying the country that, while outnumbered and outgunned, had the courage and determination to face its attacker.
It was called appeasement and the term of the hour was "Peace in our time."
But all the Munich agreement really accomplished was to start the clock winding down until the ruthless but beguiling dictator started the next war of aggression.
That ended in World War II.
Ever since, the world has looked upon Munich as the city where dictators humiliated appeasing Western leaders which ensured the future only would be worse.
The lesson: Appeasing only works when the dictator not only feels but fears the other side's strength and the consequences of a double-cross.
But this is NOT America's moment. This is Europe's test.
If Europe cannot stand firm in the face of this crisis then maybe (and tragically) all the critics are right.
