Eritrea says it needs a constant large army due to the "continuous occupation of Eritrean territories by Ethiopia" - and it feeds that army with compulsory national service.
But the major thrust of his efforts during the last years of his reign was to be found in the Balkans, where, by dint of constant campaigning, his armies had forced the Avars back across the Danube by 602.
These states before the confederation could make war and peace, raise armies, or build a navy, coin money, pass bankrupt laws, naturalize foreigners, or regulate commerce... Informed by Europe they knew Jealousies would arise, and constant strife render armies in every nation necessary to their defence, which would endanger their liberties and homes.
From our sources, we know that inspectors are under constant surveillance by an army of Iraqi intelligence operatives.
But Bhutto's inexperience, her imperious manner and the constant interference of the army prevented the government from making much headway.
Their electricity and water supply cut off, terrified camp residents had to dodge both the militants' sniper fire and the army's constant shelling.
And if the Pakistani army, without constant western intervention, is left to do what it has to do, then Islamabad opinion will stay focused on its own future, under so much threat from within.
To keep his essentially sedentary army in constant readiness and at peak efficiency (no easy task), Hadrian carried out frequent personal inspections, spending about half his reign in the provinces (121 125; 121 125).
Its government and army need constant reminding that Mr Zardari is right when he says that Pakistan's battle with the Taliban is not being fought on America's behalf, but in the interests of Pakistan itself.
