In the Wake of War: Geo–strategy, Terrorism, Oil and Domestic Politics

Abstract

The following is an edited transcript of the thirty–first in a series of Capitol Hill conferences convened by the Middle East Policy Council. The meeting was held on January 10, 2003, in the Dirksen Senate Office Building with Chas. W. Freeman, Jr., moderating.

Military Review. July-August 2011

“…Indeed, as the French counterinsurgency theorist Roger Trinquier has explicitly noted, "The army should make its main effort in those areas where the population is densest; that is, in the cities." 12 After 2009, Canada's operational plan in Kandahar Province followed this same logic. In focusing on Kandahar City and its immediate environs, the Canadian forces bid for the control of 75 percent of the population of Kandahar Province.…”

“…As design is meant to be integrated with detailed planning, the "output" or final result of the process is a design con cept that reflects "understanding of the operational environment and the problem while describing the commander's visualization of a broad approach for achieving the desired end state." 12 A historical example that is congruent with the doctrinal explanation of the Army Design Meth odology may prove useful for examining how the U.S. Army applied design during war fighting. Using this methodology, the application of Design is characterized by:…”

“…The organizational structure and functions of these offices varied: some of these structures were effective and appropriate, while others were not. 12 Even as we describe it as "the orchestration and/ or synchronization of actions, images, and words to achieve a desired effect," the term "strategic communication" is a point of contention and confu sion. 13 Admiral Michael G. Mullen, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, notes, "We get too hung up on that word, strategic.…”

“…They use tact to justify standing firm on nonnegotiable points while simultaneously communicating respect for other participants. 12 A successful negotiator must exercise good judgment and be mentally agile and skilled in active listening. Negotiators must be able to diagnose unspoken agendas and detach themselves from the negotiation process.…”

“…They fight because that's all they know how to do-driving what some have called "supply-side war." 12 Small wars are not a new development, and America is certainly no stranger to fighting them. However, fighting them effectively requires more than just experience.…”