A dazzling light seared the sky and bathed the lily pond in a scintillating lambency. The air rent with a wail as an object splashed into the center of the pond. The waves receded and a sizzling steam was the only evidence of something amiss. Insects buzzed and frogs began to croak once more when a muffled crack resonated beneath the water's surface. Bubble issued forth and a stirring could be seen below. Silently, ghostly pale tentacles broke the surface and began to snake amongst the lily pads... ----- INVASION An invasion is a military action consisting of armed forces of one geopolitical entity entering territory controlled by another such entity, generally with the objective of conquering territory or altering the established government. An invasion can be the cause of a war, it can be used as a part of a larger strategy to end a war, or it can constitute an entire war in and of itself. The term connotes a strategic endeavor of substantial magnitude; because the goals of an invasion are usually large-scale and long-term, large forces are needed to hold territory and protect the interests of the invading entity. Smaller and lighter tactical infiltrations are not generally considered invasions, being more often classified as skirmishes, sorties, targeted killings, assassinations or reconnaissance in force. By definition, an invasion is an attack from outside forces. As such, rebellions, civil wars, coups d'etat, and internal acts of democide or other acts of oppression are generally not considered invasions. Archaeological evidence indicates that invasions have been frequent since prehistory. In antiquity, before radio communications and fast transportation, the only way to ensure adequate reinforcements was to move armies as one massive force. This, by its very nature, led to the strategy of invasion. With invasion came the cultural exchanges in government, religion, philosophy, and technology that shaped the development of much of the ancient world. Invasions have normally been mounted for straightforward territorial gain and geopolitical advantage. Added to these motivations have often been the attractions of immediate looting. However, the reasons advanced as justifications of invasions have included restoration of territory lost in the past; religious idealism; policies of national interest; pursuit of enemies; protection of allies; acquisition of colonies; preemption of a real or perceived future attack; protection or acquisition of transportation routes or natural resources, including water and petroleum supplies; quelling destabilizing or unconscionable conflict within or between neighbors; and as punishment for a perceived slight. A relatively recent justification for invasion, which arose during the nineteenth century with Great Powers assuming the right to arrange world politics, has been to change or restore the leadership or political regime of a nation or territory. Often in these cases, opposing powers cited the motive of "protection" of the invaded territory. A modern political trend, probably instigated by a desire to avoid charges of imperialism, has been for the invader to euphemistically label an invasion as an "intervention" to achieve a goal that is stated in beneficial terms. Much more can be read about invasion at Wikipedia.org. ----- Many thanks for your mothy comments on my last upload, My, What Big Antennae You Have!.

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