Comments on: Kilcullen Returns to SWJ Blog

By: DE Teodoru

DE Teodoru — Fri, 27 Mar 2009 20:12:39 +0000

When we took Iraq it had lots of roads. We used them to move our teeth with vital supply tail following. Saddam’s forces cut off pieces of our tail and almost stopped us, remember? The Iraqi cities had lots of roads too. But because we were too few, we sought to "show presence" by mechanized patrol that were easy pickings. We went in inel blind, language deaf and culture dumb. And, we went in extremely casualties and supplies sensitive. Like a blind warrior we ended up slashing with out sword in all directions repeating the blows that seem to hit meat. THAT’S HOW WE CREATED THE INSURGENCY FROM NOTHING, turning from liberator to mechanized occupier. Bush replaced the Saddam welfare state with unfetered free-enterprise for crooked US corporations that imported cheap labor from Bangladesh. 80% of Iraqis were unemployed and unable to feed familes. Saudi/Kuweiti $$$ created a Sunni resistance; Iran got nervous and created Shia militias, including Baghdad Gov. We were arresting, humiliating and killing to keep down our losses. Kilcullen can’t face that COIN is not a job for MILITARY, only police. We should have taken 30,000 Iraqi policemen and their familes to parents to US; trained them in police work, techniques etc and sent them back 3 years later, keeping their familes safe in US for at least 3 more years. COIN is police work, not blind warriors who kill in fear of being killed. MAT/CAP teams in Vietnam enabled village militias to resist the NVA regualrs. Our guys coordinated, trained and supported self-defense. In Iraq and Afghanistan we sent in killer "star whores" and crooked civilians. We raped our own assets and killed people needlessly. It’s time for US to leave and turn Afghanistan to the Shaghai Accord of which all reginal states are members or informal members. 9/11 would never have happened if airlines obeyed the law and kept the pilot’s cabin impenetrable. They never did and four airliners were taken over in 10 minutes. It was our fault, not binLaden’s– we were stupid, not him.

By: Caroline Jaine

Caroline Jaine — Thu, 01 May 2008 08:20:27 +0000

Zen,
Thanks for pointing me towards Barnett’s blog - a wealth of resources tucked away in there. And thanks for the encouragement on my blog. It is new. I plan to take over the world with it at some stage. Or something.
Yes, obsessed us British were with building railways. And going far beyond what made economic sense is an understatement (not that I am an expert).
Interesting Registan is also blogging on Roads - http://www.registan.net/
Best
Caroline

By: zen

zen — Tue, 29 Apr 2008 17:17:33 +0000

Hi Caroline,
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Thank you, I think Tom Barnett’s influence is showing there, on my disconnectivity statement.
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Very good point. From what I (now dimly) recall, much of British railway investment in, say, India went far beyond what made economic sense in terms of short term, maximization of profits with short sections of line subsidizing much of the rest. But the RR brought communication, logistical capacity, personal mobility, material goods, social opportunities unimaginable a few decades earlier as well as being a symbol of British prestige and power. I’m sure the " Cape to Cairo" project was viewed in such terms at the time as well.
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Nice blog you have, BTW.

By: Caroline Jaine

Caroline Jaine — Tue, 29 Apr 2008 11:13:28 +0000

I like the idea of "connectivity being a weapon against disconnecting" - being in the business of weapons of mass persuasion myself, its something I am sure to use….thanks. Meanwhile consider the British colonial railway building for a moment.

By: Fabius Maximus

Fabius Maximus — Mon, 28 Apr 2008 04:12:35 +0000

How strange to look back at the wild carefee days of one’s youth! Since then I have learned to speak with a milder voice.
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To be positive: To be mistaken at the top of one’s voice. (Ambrose Bierce, The Devil’s Dictionary)
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Give every man thy ear, but few thy voice. (William Shakespeare, ‘Hamlet,’ Act I, Scene iii)
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A loud voice cannot compete with a clear voice, even if it’s a whisper. (Barry Neil Kaufman)

By: Joshua Foust

Joshua Foust — Mon, 28 Apr 2008 02:30:20 +0000

That’s fair, and I can see how a long-standing personality conflict can play itself out (I’ve had those as well, and having my name attached to them is not always pleasant). However, the anonymous are normally only called cowards when they use their anonymity to mask either unfair or vicious commentary and accusations; to the best of my knowledge, this does not reflect Fabius’ body of work (I’m unfamiliar with the SWC forums, so this might not matter). Hence my confusion at the instant fury.

By: zen

zen — Sun, 27 Apr 2008 22:09:10 +0000

Hi Joshua,
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I have had pleasant exchanges with FM as well; however, many sparks have flown over at The SWC/SWJ where FM is not as popular as he is at DNI. As White House spokesman are wont to say, the exchange of views were " frank". Interesting reading if you have the time ( these are some of the longer threads at SWC) which provides some backstory for the above.

By: Joshua Foust

Joshua Foust — Sun, 27 Apr 2008 21:41:09 +0000

I’m a bit surprised at the venom of Mr. Dilegge’s response. In my correspondence with Fabius, in which we’ve discussed several topics about which we are at odds with each other, such as the continued worth of the mission in Afghanistan, he has been nothing but respectful.

By: Dave Dilegge

Dave Dilegge — Sat, 26 Apr 2008 22:20:48 +0000

See my e-mail response FM. Your public cop-out is just that. Have fun in Fantasy Maximus land. Out here until you stand up and are counted like a man.

By: Fabius Maximus

Fabius Maximus — Sat, 26 Apr 2008 21:45:20 +0000

I am glad to learn that you have the *definitive* archive of Dr. Kilcullen. Please share the URL with us!
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The "Dave Kilcullen Archives" page at SWJ has only 13 of his publications, omiting many of his major works. There are no listings for the reviews of his articles — which provide valuable insights to them and their impact on COIN debates. Nor did I see listings to his writings in the debate about the role of social sciences — and scientists — in COIN.
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As for your schoolyard challenge, I regret to say at my age I no long find such things compelling. Since I have not posted any articles at SWC for some time (other than links), and infrequently for far longer, no action is necessary for you to be spared "tiresome" discussions.
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The meaning of "standing on my own" is not clear to me. I post 3 - 5 times per week, usually about 1,000 words each, and respond to most comments at some length. Often with new posts. Other than pistols at dawn, one can do little more in such debates. Unlike SWC, all guests are welcomed to comment.
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You have your very successful site, I have my tiny corner of the blogosphere. Per your request, I will not post SWC. You however are welcomed to comment at the FM blog.
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A note: "Cunctator wannabe" … You say that as if it is a bad thing. A long and successful life as a Roman aristocrat, hero and stateman. A man can have few better aspirations.
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With this I believe we have abused our host’s patience enough. Thank you, Zenpundit, for allowing this little exchange — off-topic as it is. I will reply to futher comments at the FM blog, or by email.