RIP Stormin’ Norman

As most will have read, General Norman Schwarzkopf died yesterday aged 78.

He was an almost larger than life presence during the first Gulf War. His briefings were global media events, and he became probably the most accomplished US General since MacArthur in Korea.

Operation Desert Storm was a masterful and justified war. The land phase lasted just 100 hours. One could almost use the phrase Veni, Vidi. Vici.

Schwarzkopf was offered after the war, the role of Chief of Staff of the Army, but he turned it down. He also declined numerous invitations to stand for political office.