Why Zinni?

This past Sunday, retired USMC Gen. Anthony Zinni appeared on Meet the Press with Tim Russert. It seemed to be the start of a political campaign by Gen. Zinni. He demonstrated an adept understanding of geopolitics and military affairs (obviously) but I was most struck his strategic outlook for attaining lasting peace. Here is the thesis from his new book, The Battle for Peace : A Frontline Vision of America's Power and Purpose.

The "Battle for Peace" is not a battle in the classical sense - a battle that triggers a military conflict. The battle is the constant struggle to develop and build measures, programs, systems, and institutions that will prevent crisis. The battle is the constant struggle to shape and manage harmful elements in the environment that generate instabilities.