Re: increased terrorism risk
quote TacticalTimmy:
I agree with you on winning the hearts and minds and am a huge proponent of COIN Ops, but its being conducted in the wrong way. The entire concept of nation building the Afghanis and Iraqis into what we are trying to do is ludicrous. It is too much of a change in too short of a time. Additionally they are trying to find the simple plug and play tactics with a “one size fits all” approach. This does not work at all, especially in the two countries whose culture revolves around familial, tribal and clan ties regardless of what the popular opinion may or may not be. Naturally there will be an increased risk of terrorism if you go to a village, let the people vote for someone and shut out the local warlord and all of the people who used to cooperate with him. The difference is, the increased terrorism threat is more of an issue abroad than in CONUS.
Well said. Appreciating different cultures, values, morals, etc. is important when in another country too and by recognizing that can be a great part of the battle won.
