Clear-Hold-Build–VN Deja Vu “Destroy to Save”

The Clear-Hold-Build (C-H-B) strategy was first enunciated enthusiastically during the Bush Administration as the new counterinsurgency strategy to win the hearts and minds of the Afghan people.  Actually, this strategy was merely an unimaginative regurgitation of Marshall Lautey’s “tache d’huile” (oil spot) strategy used to quell native uprisings during France colonial wars at the end …

Journal: Defense Theatrics & One-Two Star Flag Agonizing?

Worth a look….coincides with what Chuck Spinney has been saying. Defense Budget Debate: SAME OLD GAME: JUST NEW PLAYERS January 13, 2011 Harry C. Blaney III Rethinking National Security (Center for International Policy) Among the first security issues of the year is the release of information about China’s military capabilities and the recent release of the …

Journal: Will Pakistan Implode Because of US in AF?

Pakistan will implode if the US does not leave Afghanistan The continuing US presence in Afghanistan fuels extremism in neighbouring Pakistan Imran Khan The Observer, Sunday 9 January 2011 The assassination of Salmaan Taseer has shown only too clearly the growing extremism in Pakistan, the radicalisation of its society and the polarisation that is taking …