A recent publication written for Comparative Strategy 

'Why the Long War Can and Cannot be Compared to the Cold War'

The phrase “long war” is being used be the Bush officials to describe the intricacy and obduracy of America’s ongoing struggle with the self-styled “global jihadists.” Even though there are some similarities between this concept and the concept of “Cold War,” the unique nature of the long war is making it difficult for the United States to develop an effective winning strategy. For the long war to conclude in America’s favor, both Iraq and Afghanistan have to be stabilized and have effective governments, which should be perceived as legitimate by their respective citizens. Unless this happens, the United States will not be able to turn the tide of the long war in its favor.