The latest Pew Research Center survey finds that more Americans now believe the conflict in Iraq is a civil war and about half see the situation becoming another Vietnam. When asked the question “Is Iraq a civil war?” 52 percent of respondents answered yes, up two percentage points from just three months ago and 22 from a year ago. Attitudes about the situation in Afghanistan also have worsened. Less than half now believe Operation Enduring Freedom has been a success, compared to 52 percent a year earlier.
The Air Force has embraced new technical approaches like open mission systems and rapid software updates for cutting-edge aircraft like the B-21 and Collaborative Combat Aircraft. Increasingly, though, the service is also working to apply these to its older, “legacy” aircraft, officials said this week.