Emphasis Added: The Foreign Policy Week in Fragments
The United States military is its own worst enemy, “witch” burning, healthcare overseas, and other assorted errata.
Coalition Forces Won’t Take Training Wheels Off Afghan Forces
The administration defense policy shop Center for a New American Security calls for ending counterinsurgency in Afghanistan.
Gen. Petraeus Makes McChrystal Look Like a Pacifist
Counterinsurgency can mean whatever you want it to mean.
There’s Light at the End of the Tunnel — or, It’s Deja Vu All Over Again
Simplifying the COIN game plan.
Fireground Rules, Part 2: A Scheme is Not a Vision
Wildfires, like conflicts between states, are fast, dynamic and fierce.
The Great Myth: Counterinsurgency
As success in Afghanistan becomes more uncertain, Conn Hallinan argues that the problem is not Afghanistan, but the entire concept of counterinsurgency.
Is Success in Afghanistan Really a Question of Command?
It’s unlikely that the success of U.S./NATO Aghanistan strategy will depend on a brilliant general, no matter who he is.