Similarity and differences
The similarity is that we're once again unable to distinguish friend from foe with identical results.
In SE Asia, there was opportunity to retaliate as the US was a hittable target for an adversary with roughly equal capabilities. Now, force is overwhelmingly applied in one direction. That was so from the get go and, with the Drone Wars, has devolved to inflicting carnage with total impunity. That has never been the case in any prior conflict. IMHO, that has to drive the desire to hit back by other means.
The festering sore on the border of the Mediterranean is also quite unique in the annals of warfare. Lopsided support for one party regardless of that party's actions and the continuing hardships imposed on neighbors provides an open goal for anyone looking for excuses.
And lastly, pure speculation on my part: Islam is still waiting for its French Revolution.
Looking at the situation in Europe prior to the French Revolution, countries existed, and there were plenty of interregional conflicts, but religion took priority against outside forces. One was Christian first, then French/Spanish/German/... Even following Luther's adventures in carpentry, nationality remained secondary. This made for easy mobilization across borders and resulting magnification of conflicts.
Following 1789, nationality became the primary driver in conflicts. Although that did nothing to stop wars, it did tend to compartmentalize them. Formal alliances eventually allowed things to spiral out of control again, but those come and go.
In SE Asia, there was opportunity to retaliate as the US was a hittable target for an adversary with roughly equal capabilities. Now, force is overwhelmingly applied in one direction. That was so from the get go and, with the Drone Wars, has devolved to inflicting carnage with total impunity. That has never been the case in any prior conflict. IMHO, that has to drive the desire to hit back by other means.
The festering sore on the border of the Mediterranean is also quite unique in the annals of warfare. Lopsided support for one party regardless of that party's actions and the continuing hardships imposed on neighbors provides an open goal for anyone looking for excuses.
And lastly, pure speculation on my part: Islam is still waiting for its French Revolution.
Looking at the situation in Europe prior to the French Revolution, countries existed, and there were plenty of interregional conflicts, but religion took priority against outside forces. One was Christian first, then French/Spanish/German/... Even following Luther's adventures in carpentry, nationality remained secondary. This made for easy mobilization across borders and resulting magnification of conflicts.
Following 1789, nationality became the primary driver in conflicts. Although that did nothing to stop wars, it did tend to compartmentalize them. Formal alliances eventually allowed things to spiral out of control again, but those come and go.