| Small Wars Journal

Michael Cummings, friend of SWJ and co-blogger of On Violence, recently published a noteworthy essay in the New York Times's "At War" series entitled Where Did God Go in Afghanistan?

Ten thousand feet over Fort Benning, Ga., and I was praying for my life. Literally. I was about to jump out of a C-130 airplane to earn my Airborne "wings." I desperately wanted my chute to open. Under my breath, I whispered Isaiah 40:31: "but those who hope in the LORD/will renew their strength./They will soar on wings like eagles." At service the day before, the minister had handed out bookmarks inscribed with that passage.

In that plane, I imagined myself sprouting wings and floating safely to the ground.

Remember the Sons of Iraq?

Remember the Sons of Iraq?

A Review of Michal Harari's SoI Briefing

by Daniel R. DePetris

Most of the contention in Iraq over the past seven months has dealt with the inability of Iraqis to form an inclusive national government (although that apparently has changed with the formation of a unified Shia block). With both Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki and former Prime Minister Ayad Allawi refusing to moderate their demands, this concern is undoubtedly warranted. However important, this debate fails to analyze the full extent of Iraq's political climate. Michal Harari at the Institute for the Study of War attempts to improve this shortsightedness by expanding the discourse to a seemingly forgotten issue: the future of the Sons of Iraq (SoI) program. How did the Sons of Iraq originate, how effective is the program, and what can the U.S. do to help address the program's deficiencies in the future? While Harari's briefing is just a short history of the policy, it nonetheless provides some straightforward answers to these otherwise difficult questions.

In Iraq, the situation was anything but calming in 2006 and 2007. As Harari explicitly clarifies in his report, Iraq was quickly falling prey to a tumultuous and bloody civil war between its Sunni and Shia communities. Insurgents were launching daily attacks in Baghdad and across the country; hundreds of American soldiers were losing their lives; and thousands of Iraqis were held hostage to the constant terror on the streets. Sensing that a change in strategy was desperately needed, American commanders embarked upon a new counterinsurgency strategy with a two-step approach: 1) a surge of U.S. troops in Iraq's most dangerous neighborhoods and 2) the co-opting of Sunni tribal leaders that were increasingly becoming disillusioned by Al'Qaeda's violent agenda. It was this tribal outreach effort that led to the infamous Sons of Iraq program.

The result was nothing short of remarkable. Violence decreased to levels that were not seen in Iraq since the very beginning of the U.S. invasion, and Al'Qaeda militants were further disenfranchised by the mainstream Sunni population. These successes, however, were quickly accompanied by more problems. With violence in Iraq down, the Sons of Iraq were no longer needed in a full capacity. The program, now controlled and paid for by the Iraqi Government, was transforming into a burden for Baghdad rather than a tool.

Unfortunately, the burden continues to this day. Tens of thousands of SoI members are still without full employment, despite the Iraqi Government's pledge to provide police positions and vocational training for the Sunni paramilitary force. As of March 2010, only 40 percent of SoI's were fully transitioned into full-time jobs. Others have been struggling to collect their paychecks, and the Iraqi bureaucracy tasked with managing the SoI transition is so bogged down with administrative friction that Baghdad has been unable (or perhaps unwilling) to hold their end of the bargain.

But perhaps the biggest disappointment is the prevalent gap of trust between the predominately Sunni SoI and the Shia-led caretaker government in Iraq. Harari notes that "Elements within Prime Minister Nuri-al Maliki's government have long distrusted the SoI's, fearing they would threaten government authority." SoI's, in part, have responded with ferocity of their own, accusing Maliki's administration of discriminating against them based on their sectarian affiliations. The question now becomes how to reconcile these differences. Unfortunately, Iraqis are not addressing the question as if it was a top priority, despite the looming insurgent violence in the background.

It is this lack of a recommendation that diminishes the substance and credibility of Harari's piece. For all of Harari's research expertise, she simply states that the United States needs to insert itself more aggressively in the entire process, "keeping a close watch on the transition process and assisting in finding alternative employment." Yet Harari neglects to mention how the U.S. could possibly perform such a role in a substantial way. Given that America's combat mission has officially ended, effectively intervening in the SoI program would appear to be a tall order for the 50,000 troops who are responsible for other priorities. The Iraqi Government, newly empowered, could perhaps look upon an American intervention as a sign of foreign meddling; or worse, a deliberate violation of Iraqi sovereignty.

Whichever recommendations are effective, Washington and Baghdad would be wise to lend due attention to the Sons of Iraq. It was the brave work of these young men that helped rescue Iraq from a full-fledged civil war. Passing the buck or simply ignoring the issue would negate all of the personal sacrifices that the SoI have made in the last four years. With the news that Shia politicians have finally settled on Nouri al-Maliki for their Prime Ministerial choice, and with a new Iraqi Government hopefully in the works, whoever leads the country should double-down on the issue. Either transition the SoI into full employment, or maintain the program in hostile areas.

Daniel R. DePetris is an M.A. candidate in the Political Science Department at Syracuse University. He is a contributor to the Small Wars Journal.

Editor's Note: This opinion piece represents a review of Michal Harari's SoI Briefing, conducted by SWJ friend the Institute for the Study of War. The original piece can be found here.

7 November SWJ Roundup

Afghanistan

U.S. Won't Know Pace Of Afghan Drawdown For Months - Reuters

Saudi Arabia Halts Afghan Mediation - Associated Press

Afghan Soldier May Have Killed NATO Troops - Voice of America

NATO Investigates 'Deadly Attack by Afghan Soldier - BBC News

Afghan Soldier Investigated in Killing of U.S. Soldiers - New York Times

NATO: Afghan Soldier May Have Killed 2 NATO Troops - Associated Press

Bodies of 5 Afghan Policemen Found in East - Associated Press

Goldman Sachs Program Raises up Women - Washington Post

Pakistan

Funding Shortfalls Jeopardize Life-Saving U.N. Operations in Pakistan - VOA

Death Toll in Pakistan Mosque Suicide Bombing Over 70 - BBC News

India

Obama in Mumbai Calls India Market of the Future - Voice of America

Obama Invokes Gandhi, Whose Ideal Eludes Modern India - New York Times

Obama Eases Rules on Select Technology Exports to India - New York Times

Obama Unveils Nearly $10 Billion in Export Deals - Los Angeles Times

Obama Announces $10bn India Deals - BBC News

Visit to Business Centers Prompts Look at Outsourcing - Washington Post

Obama Calls India Creator, Not Poacher, of U.S. Job - Associated Press

Indian Media Say Obama Visit Hitting Right Notes - Reuters

Yemen / Al-Qaeda

U.S. Deploying Drones in Yemen to Hunt for Al-Qaeda - Washington Post

Yemeni Judge Orders 'Forcible' Arrest of U.S.-Born Cleric - Voice of America

Yemen Judge Orders Arrest of Qaeda-Linked Cleric - New York Times

Yemen Orders U.S.-born Cleric Found 'Dead or Alive' - Associated Press

Al-Qaida Claims Mail Bomb Plot - Voice of America

Al-Qaeda Group Claims Cargo Bombs - BBC News

UAE Taking Al-Qaida Claim Seriously in Crash Probe - Associated Press

Al-Qaeda is Still a Threat - Washington Post opinion

Iraq

Iraqis Sue to Stop Paying Lawmakers Until Leaders are Seated - Washington Post

37 Wounded in Attacks Across Iraq - CNN News

Odierno, Crocker: Iraq's Future Still Hinges on U.S. Support - AFPS

Savoring Baghdad, Where Each Night Is a Battle - New York Times

Church Leader Urges Iraqi Christians to Quit Country - BBC News

Iran

Israel's Barak Not Optimistic About Iran Talks - Reuters

Middle Class to be Hard Hit as Subsidy Program Overhauled - Washington Post

Obama's Game of Nuclear Chicken with Iran - Washington Post opinion

U.S. Department of Defense

U.S. Forces Get Nod to Share Australian Bases - The Australian

Gates Says US Seeks No New Bases in Asia - Associated Press

New Criminal Probe Launched at Arlington National Cemetery - Army Times

USS San Antonio Officer Cleared of Negligence in Drowning - Virginian-Pilot

Gates Urges Congress to Repeal Gay Ban Now - Associated Press

JFCOM Spat Misguided - Army Times editorial

Africa

U.N. Rejects South Sudan Calls For Peacekeepers - Reuters

Ivory Coast Runoff Set for Nov. 21 - Associated Press

Ivory Coast Constitutional Council Confirms Poll Result - BBC News

Ivory Coast Council Overrules Poll Challenges - Reuters

Guinea Votes in Presidential Run-off Election - BBC News

Guineans Set to Vote In Presidential Run-Off - Reuters

Ethnic Cloud Hangs Over Guinea Presidential Poll - Associated Press

Tanzania: Jakaya Kikwete Re-elected President - BBC News

Somali Pirates Receive Record Ransom for Ships' Release - BBC News

Somali Pirates Receive Record Ransom - Reuters

Somalia: First U.S. Piracy Trial in More than 100 Years - Washington Post

Americas and Caribbean

Obama Voices Support for Mexico's Drugs Battle - BBC News

Reynosa Mexico: Caught Behind Enemy Lines - Los Angeles Times

Reynosa, Mexico: Where the Cartels Rule - Los Angeles Times

Mexico: Druglord's Death Could Empower Rival Zetas Gang - Associated Press

Gunmen Block Roads After Mexican Drug Lord Killed - Reuters

18 Bodies in Acapulco Grave Identified as Kidnapping Victims - New York Times

Mexico: 18 in Grave Are Missing Acapulco Travelers - Associated Press

Younger Cartel Hit Men to Blame for More Mexico Massacres - El Paso Times

In Venezuela, a New Wave of Foreigners - New York Times

Peru Officials: American Berenson to be Released Monday - Associated Press

Tomas Weakens After Hitting Haiti - Reuters

USS Iwo Jima Stands Ready to Assist in Haiti - AFPS

As Haiti Suffers, the World Dozes - Washington Post editorial

Asia Pacific

Burma Set for Elections, Military to Stay in Power - Voice of America

Turnout Appears Light in Burma's Election - New York Times

Burma's Elections Dominated by Military-Backed Political Parties - VOA

Burma Holds First National Election for 20 Years - BBC News

Burma Holds Rare Elections Amid Heavy Criticism - Associated Press

Burma Votes In First Election In 20 Years - Reuters

IMF Gives China More Voting Power - Voice of America

USFK: Security Measures, Restrictions Ahead of G-20 - Stars and Stripes

United States Urges Fiji to Return to Democracy - Reuters

North / South Caucasus

The Diary of a Killer in Chechnya - New York Times

Azerbaijan Votes for New Parliament - BBC News

Azerbaijan Election to Extend Rule Of Aliyev Party - Reuters

Europe

U.S. Election Could Derail Relations With Russia - New York Times

Russian Journalist Brutally Beaten in Moscow - New York Times

Russian Journalist Brutally Attacked in Moscow - Los Angeles Times

Russia: Medvedev Vetoes Curbs on Protests - Reuters

Germany Minister Now Warns Of Terror Attack Threat - Reuters

What Price to Stay Free of Terrorism? - New York Times opinion

Middle East

Israel Confronts Flagging Interest in Military Service - Washington Post

Israel to Quit Northern Sector of Lebanese Village - Associated Press

Read more about 7 November SWJ Roundup

U.K.: Joint Doctrine Note on Security Transitions

Stabilisation Unit and DCDC Launch Joint Doctrine Note on Security Transitions - UK's Stabilisation Unit (H/T Josh Paul for the e-mail). From the SU web site:

The Stabilisation Unit (SU) and the MOD's Development, Concepts and Doctrine Centre (DCDC) launched a Joint Doctrine Note on security transitions. This heralds a milestone in civilian-military co-operation and is the first time a civilian agency has directly co-developed joint doctrine. The doctrine has also had significant input from the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO), Department of International Development (DFID) and the Cabinet Office.

The document has already contributed to planning for the transition of the international military presence in Afghanistan and is being drawn on by other international agencies interested in peacekeeping and stability operations, including NATO, the US Army's PKSOI and the UN's DPKO.

Charlotte Morris from the SU's lessons team headed the civilian side of the project and called the doctrine note a watershed moment for HMG, "This project shows how guidance can be strengthened by drawing on the combined expertise that civilian and military specialists have to offer. Actively drawing on colleagues with a range of in-country experiences and testing the findings through a scenario based planning experiment is a huge step forward from seeking collaboration for policy coherence sake alone."

Lt Col Paul Armitage of DCDC further added: "The vast amount of interest shown by a number of countries and organisations has been impressive; it highlights the relevance and timeliness of this particular document. The fact that it has been produced collaboratively simply strengthens the product and adds greater credibility to the output. I have no doubt that more collaborative documents will be produced over the coming years."

Security transition has been highlighted as a challenging component of contemporary stabilisation and peacekeeping operations, which if handled badly can plunge a country deep into crisis. The Joint Doctrine Note (JDN) informs decision makers and staff working on security transitions, drawing on evidence from Sierra Leone, Liberia, Timor Leste, Kosovo and Haiti.

The note frames transition as a political as well as technical process and demonstrates that principles of political focus, legitimacy, capability and sustainability can help to ensure transition supports the wider political process. This is different from previous approaches which have often cast security transition as a purely logistical process focussed on training and equipping of host nation security personnel. The note concludes that the outcome of any transition lies ultimately in the hands of the host nation and is context specific.

The document complements existing guidance including JDP 3-40 (Security & Stabilisation: The Military Contribution), the Stabilisation Unit's Stabilisation Guidance Notes and DFID's work on state-building and peace-building and security and justice development.

Coordinated planning and implementation across the security and justice sector in support of the wider transitional process is seen as key to securing stable transition. Further recommendations from the note include the importance of collaborative working of UK military and civilian agencies as part of a multinational and inter-agency comprehensive approach.

The document was developed through participation in the Multinational Experiment 6 process, a US Joint Forces Command-led process, during which numerous international military and civilian experts provided advice on the concept development. This culminated in a planning experiment in June facilitated by Stabilisation Unit's Planning and Lessons Team and involving over 100 personnel representing government departments, military, academia and NGOs from over 10 partner countries.

To read the document, please click here.

Stabilisation Unit and DCDC Launch Joint Doctrine Note on Security Transitions.

Read more about U.K.: Joint Doctrine Note on Security Transitions

6 November SWJ Roundup

Afghanistan

Spokesman Explains Significance of July 2011 in Afghanistan - AFPS

Combined Force Captures Haqqani Shadow Governor - AFPS

Afghan Taliban Threaten Death to All Talking Peace - Associated Press

Task Force in Eastern Afghanistan Keeps Enemy at Bay - AFPS

Pakistan

Pakistan Suicide Bombing in Mosque Kills at Least 71 - Voice of America

Explosions Strike 2 Mosques in Pakistan - New York Times

Mosque Bomb Kills at Least 50 in Pakistan - Washington Post

65 Slain in Pakistan Mosque Bombing - Los Angeles Times

70 Killed in Taliban Attacks on Pakistani Mosques - Associated Press

Mosque Blasts In Pakistan's NW Kills At Least 71 - Reuters

India

Obama Is Not Likely to Push India Hard on Pakistan - New York Times

India Prepares for Obama Visit - Washington Post

McCain: India Fears U.S. Withdrawal from Afghanistan - Washington Times

Obama Flies to India, Looking to Boost U.S. Economy - Associated Press

Obama Arrives In India Eyeing Jobs For America - Reuters

Yemen

The Key to Stability in Yemen - Los Angeles Times

Saudis Warned U.S. of Attack Before Parcel Bomb Plot - New York Times

Al-Qaeda Group Claims Cargo Bombs - BBC News

Al Qaeda Yemen Wing Claims Parcel Plot, UPS Crash - Reuters

Al-Qaeda

Spy Agencies Infiltrate Al-Qaida - Associated Press

Iraq

General Describes Remaining Terror Threat in Iraq - AFPS

British Troops Accused of Abusing Iraqi Detainees - New York Times

Iraqis Sue for Inquiry Into British Abuse Claims - Associated Press

Iran

Iran Accuses Britain of Sponsoring Terrorism - Daily Telegraph

Britain Blasts Iran Claim of Terror Support - Voice of America

Iran's Insult Over Rebels - Mirror

WikiLeaks

WikiLeaks Founder Mulls Asylum in Switzerland - Associated Press

U.S. Department of Defense

Cyber Command Seeks Authority to Expand its Battlefield - Washington Post

Controversial Defense Contractors Reveal Owners - Washington Post

U.S. Must Stand Vigilant in Face of New Threats, Flournoy Says - AFPS

Fort Hood Lessons Promote Better Force Protection - AFPS

United States

U.S. Warned About Suspect in 2008 Mumbai Bombings - Washington Post

White House: Election Won't Hurt Security Agenda - Associated Press

Settlement in Afghanistan and Iraq Reconstruction Fraud Case - New York Times

9/11 Mastermind Must be Tried - Washington Post editorial

United Kingdom

Preacher Abu Hamza Succeeds in Passport Appeal Bid - BBC News

U.K. to Change Law Affecting State Visits - Associated Press

United Nations

U.S. Subjects its Human Rights Record to Review by U.N. - Washington Post

U.S. Defends Human Rights Record At U.N. - Reuters

U.S. Gets Earful, Courtesy of Iran, North Korea and Cuba - Foreign Policy

U.N.: More than 13 Million Children Internally Displaced Worldwide - VOA

Africa

Aid Air Crew Kidnapped in Darfur - BBC News

Algeria Acquits Ex-Guantanamo Inmate - Associated Press

Hundreds Were Raped on Congo-Angola Border - New York Times

Hundreds Abused During Angola Expulsions, U.N. Says - Reuters

Incumbent Wins Spirited Election in Tanzania - New York Times

Tanzania's President Re-elected - BBC News

Tanzania's President Wins Reelection With 61 Pct - Associated Press

Americas and Caribbean

Mexico Drug Kingpin Slain in Fierce Gun Battle with Military - Los Angeles Times

Reputed Drug Kingpin Killed in Mexico Shootout - Associated Press

Mexico Kills Top Drug Lord At U.S. Border - Reuters

Mexico: Kidnapped Chihuahua Attorney Found Dead - Los Angeles Times

Mexico Police Arrest 8 in Death of Ex-AG's Brother - Associated Press

Mexican Drug Gangs Boost Meth Sales With New Methods - Reuters

Judge in Peru Orders American Berenson Freed - Associated Press

Judge in Peru Orders American Berenson Freed - Reuters

Church Announces Release of 3 More Cuban Prisoners - Associated Press

Strengthening Hurricane Swipes Haiti - New York Times

At Least Four Dead as Hurricane Tomas Hits Haiti - Washington Post

Haiti Escapes Catastrophe as Tomas Skirts Island - Los Angeles Times

Hurricane Adds to Haiti's Woes, 4 Dead in Floods - Associated Press

Asia Pacific

China Assails Nobel Peace Prize as 'Card' of West - New York Times

China Police Confine Prominent Artist - New York Times

Dalai Lama In Japan, Backs Chinese Dissident Liu - Reuters

Burma's Elections Undemocratic But May Offer Some Change - Voice of America

Burma Election Campaign Not Much in Evidence - Los Angeles Times

Spotlight on Suu Kyi as Burma Enters New Territory - Reuters

Video Reveals New Evidence of Torture by Indonesia Military - Voice of America

Indonesia's Volcano Erupts Again - New York Times

Indonesia's Merapi Eruption Declared a National Disaster - Voice of America

Indonesia Volcano Burns Whole Villages; 122 Dead - Associated Press

Gates to Reinforce U.S. Relations With Australia, Malaysia - AFPS

Europe

Norway Questions U.S. Surveillance Activities - Associated Press

Georgia Accuses 13 of Spying for Russia - New York Times

Georgia Arrests 13 Accused of Spying for Russia - Associated Press

Middle East

U.S.: Syria Risks IAEA Action Over Suspected Atom Site - Reuters

Bush Considered Attack on Syrian Facility - Reuters

Lebanon Probes Attack on U.N. Court Investigators - Reuters

Egypt's Mr. Mubarak Moves to Lawless Repression - Washington Post editorial

This Week at War: Is There an Afghanistan Caucus?

The midterms were a signal that time may be running out for the Obama team's war plans.

Here is the latest edition of my column at Foreign Policy:

Topics include:

1) The midterm election may make the Afghan war an orphan

2) Are amphibious assaults obsolete?

The midterm election may make the Afghan war an orphan

In sharp contrast to 2006 and 2008, when weariness over the Iraq war boosted the fortunes of Democrats, national security issues played virtually no role in the 2010 U.S. midterm elections. This year, with economic and financial problems paramount, the long war in Afghanistan received nary a mention during the campaign. Adding to the silence over the war is the perception that there exist few substantial differences on Afghan policy; Republican leaders generally endorse President Barack Obama's "surge" strategy and will watch from the sidelines as Obama ponders his withdrawal options next year.

The conventional wisdom is that even if a more left-wing Democratic caucus on Capitol Hill grumbles at Obama's Afghan policy, Republicans will provide the administration with the support it needs. This view also holds that the Pentagon will largely get what it wants. Although some new libertarian-leaning Republicans might be mild Pentagon skeptics, the arrival of the new, mostly pro-defense Republican delegation in Washington, combined with the generally bipartisan workings of the House and Senate Armed Services committees, should mean that the Pentagon's programs and Obama's strategy for Afghanistan are safe.

Are there any reasons to question this conventional wisdom? Might defense spending come under the knife in spite of the Republican wave? And might Obama be left alone to deal with Afghanistan, without political cover on either flank?

New Republican members will soon receive a test on how serious they are about actually cutting spending. Their election platform pledges to cut $100 billion in domestic discretionary spending during their first year in office. The new majority in the House of Representatives can, in theory, approve such cuts. But getting the Democrat-controlled Senate to agree is another question. If Republicans are actually serious about negotiating a compromise on spending, Senate Democrats are likely to ask for some meaningful contribution from the Pentagon in exchange for deep cuts to domestic programs.

Where in the Pentagon's budget could appropriators find immediate and meaningful cuts? Defense Secretary Robert Gates has already attempted to get ahead of this process by proposing cuts to his department's overhead. But he wants any such savings reinvested in weapons purchases, meaning no net reduction of the Pentagon's budget.

Under this scenario, congressional policymakers may for the first time have to reckon with the financial costs of the Afghan campaign. Just as the newly-elected congressmen and senators were celebrating their victories, Chinese warships, aircraft, and marines were conducting a large live-fire exercise in the increasingly disputed South China Sea. This exercise occurred while Secretary of State Hillary Clinton toured the region, just prior to the president's own arrival in Asia.

Very few policymakers from either party will be —to cut U.S. air and naval spending in the face of China's military buildup, particularly with policymakers already struggling with perceptions among Asian allies that U.S. military power in East Asia is waning. But due to the ongoing commitment in Afghanistan, Congress can't cut ground forces either. To the extent that Congress is serious about making a deal on spending cuts and that a political deal will require cuts in both domestic and Pentagon programs, the tradeoff between Afghan war costs and security and alliance relationships in places like East Asia will become increasingly apparent.

In the near-term, the conventional wisdom will be correct: Political gridlock will reinforce the status quo. For now, the new Congress will fully support Pentagon funding, both for Afghanistan and for modernization. As a corollary, little but token domestic spending cuts are likely.

But as the pressure to cut spending clashes with the need to bolster confidence in the U.S. commitment to Asia, the Afghan war may become an orphan. If Democrats push for disengagement (an inclination Obama already shares), it should be no surprise to see few Republicans complain. Least of all those Republicans hoping for Obama's job in 2012.

Are amphibious assaults obsolete?

Last May, Defense Secretary Robert Gates challenged Navy and Marine Corps leaders to defend the relevancy of amphibious operations against modern, well-armed opponents. Gates urged, "[W]e have to take a hard look at where it would be necessary or sensible to launch another major amphibious landing again -- especially as advances in anti-ship systems keep pushing the potential launch point further from shore."

Recalling the corpse-strewn beaches from the movie Saving Private Ryan, one may wonder why sensible military leaders would spend any time and resources preparing for an opposed beach landing against modern firepower. And if the amphibious assault is obsolete, does the United States even need a 200,000-strong Marine Corps anymore?

Writing in the latest edition of the U.S. Naval Institute's Proceedings magazine, Under Secretary of the Navy Robert Work and Frank Hoffman, a retired Marine Lieutenant Colonel, attempt to answer Gates's question, arguing that the Navy and Marine Corps are adapting their amphibious tactics to modern "hybrid" opponents who will be armed with the latest guided weapons, yet will also hide amongst indigenous urban populations.

Gates noted that advanced, anti-ship, guided-missile systems -- "anti-access/area denial" systems -- may push U.S. naval forces so far away from an objective that organizing a sea-borne assault would become impractical. Work and Hoffman discuss the temptation among some U.S. military planners to respond to enemy defense systems with long-range aircraft and missiles that would avoid having to directly confront these defenses. The problem with this approach they assert is diplomatic -- important allies may live on the wrong side of the anti-access line. To cede this geography to an adversary would imply writing off important relationships, with damaging consequences for U.S. diplomacy.

Next, Work and Hoffman note that amphibious assault capability is an integral part of overall naval and air power. The ability to land ground forces from the sea complicates adversary planning and improves the effectiveness of other U.S. naval and air forces.

So how do Work and Hoffman propose executing amphibious operations against "hybrid" irregular fighters armed with sophisticated guided missiles and who hide in complex urban terrain? First, they assert that such an operation won't in any way resemble Iwo Jima or Omaha Beach. A long period of "shaping" would occur first, marked by reconnaissance and electronic and physical attacks on an adversary's command system, supply system, and missiles. When the main Marine force did come ashore, it would land away from the enemy forces. The Marines would use dispersion, or "distributed operations," to reduce their exposure. Finally, the fact that the Marine Corps operates from a mobile sea base further reduces their vulnerability to ground-based enemy action.

Work and Hoffman admit that they don't have all of the answers to the most sophisticated challenges. But they do make the case that, in order to reassure allies in many regions, the United States will need to retain a convincing ability to support and reinforce those allies with a full range of military options, even under challenging circumstances. In this sense, the Marine Corps makes U.S. diplomacy easier.

Read more about This Week at War: Is There an Afghanistan Caucus?

Flournoy: U.S. Must Stand Vigilant in Face of New Threats

U.S. Must Stand Vigilant in Face of New Threats, Flournoy Says

By Terri Moon Cronk

American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Nov. 5, 2010 -- Extremist networks are melding together, unsafe technologies are rapidly increasing, and the United States must stand vigilant in the face of these threats, the undersecretary of defense for policy said here yesterday.

U.S. troops are fighting in Afghanistan today because the region has been a breeding ground of "plausible" threats of massive harm to Americans, Michí¨le Flournoy told the World Affairs Council.

The most vicious and elaborate attacks of terrorism in the past decade have originated in Afghanistan, "and it's on the Pakistani side of the border that Afghanistan's senior leadership continues to evade justice and plot future attacks," Flournoy said.

Terrorists can easily access technologies of mass destruction, and they have the will to use them, she added. The recent cargo plane bomb effort by terrorists in Yemen is one example of how such attacks can be unpredictable, she said.

Free nations in the world cannot allow terrorist groups to perpetuate, Flournoy told the council.

"From the threat of [improvised explosive devices] in Afghanistan and Iraq, to the proliferation of long-range ballistic missiles, it is clear that a wide range of current and future adversaries ... will be able to employ technologies that can undermine the conventional advantages of U.S. forces," Flournoy said.

The spread of highly sophisticated technology in a multipolar world -- defined as "a world of dynamic shifts in power and influence" -- has created a global trend that is reshaping the face of U.S. security, Flournoy said. She compared the post-World War I era, when the United States isolated itself from other countries, to the world after World War II, when the nation partnered with other countries to build strong alliances such as NATO.

The United States also made commitments to Europe and Asia for economic and social development, which resulted in a global order that served the world well for decades, the undersecretary said.

With President Barack Obama en route to India next week, Flournoy noted how that country is an example of a new world power amid global change.

"The United States is deeply invested in enhancing a partnership with India for economic trade and investment to defense cooperation," she said.

Combating piracy off the coast of Somalia is a United States and Indian effort, she said. The two countries forged diplomatic and security ties following terrorist attacks on both nations. In 10 years, bilateral trade has tripled, and both countries have a landmark agreement on civil nuclear cooperation, she said.

China is another country with which the United States wants to further its relationship.

"We are seeking in the Defense Department a greater commitment from China to a more consistent and transparent military-to-military relationship," Flournoy said. "This is vital to maintaining stability and preventing needless misunderstanding."

From a security standpoint, the United States welcomes strong regional forces that share a commitment to democracy, pluralism and economic development, Flournoy said, citing Indonesia. It is the fourth-most populated nation and home to the largest Muslim community in the world.

"[Indonesia] is a strong and valued partner of the United States and Southeast Asia," Flournoy said. The United States and Indonesia recently signed a defense agreement to cooperate in maritime security, peacekeeping, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief.

"The high seas, international airspace, outer space and cyberspace are the connective tissue of our global economy," the undersecretary said. "The global community makes commerce and the spread of technology possible; conversely, the spread of technology makes the global commons ever more vital to our strategic position and our national prosperity."

These commons are increasingly contested and need defending against threats such as pirates in the world's sea lanes, viruses and hackers in computer networks, and harmful space debris and potential antisatellite weapons in space, Flournoy said.

Such global trends force the United States to reconsider how to define national security and even how to define war. Hybrid war also is of concern to the military, in which more than one approach is used in warfare.

Flournoy said a hybrid war could involve an enemy that uses a wide range of means simultaneously, such as conventional forces or guerilla tactics. "It might sponsor an act of terrorism of weapons of mass destruction, disrupt its rival's economy through financial manipulation, hack into an opponent's information networks, wage a global information campaign, or do several of these things all at once," she said.

Flournoy told the council that members of the public are more resilient to enemy threats when armed with knowledge.

"Your work has never been more important," she told the audience. "This kind of forward thinking is how we successfully protected America in the aftermath of World War II. And this is the basic prescription for safety and security in this very different world we face."

5 November SWJ Roundup

Afghanistan

Neighboring Countries Ponder a Post-occupation Afghanistan - Washington Post

Taliban Suspected in Deaths of Four Afghan Police Officers - Los Angeles Times

Facebook Brings the War to Ft. Campbell - Washington Post

Republican Eyes Defense Spending, not Afghan Deadline - Reuters

U.S. Soldiers in Afghanistan Care Little for Vote - Agence France-Presse

We Need an Indian Civilian Surge - Foreign Policy opinion

Pakistan

Obama to Skip Pakistan on Trip, Causing Concern - Washington Post

Breaking Pakistan's Nuclear Addiction - Foreign Policy opinion

Yemen

Al-Qaida in Arabian Peninsula Comes Into Its Own - Voice of America

YouTube Withdraws Cleric's Videos - New York Times

Yemen Parcel Bomb '17 Minutes from Exploding' - BBC News

U.S., U.K. Play Down Ticking Bomb Talk - Associated Press

Q&A: Air Freight Bomb Plot - BBC News

South Yemen Car Bomb Kills Two - Reuters

Iraq

Bombings May Spur End To Iraq's Political Impasse - NPR

Video Analysis: Old Fears in the 'New' Iraq - New York Times

Baghdad Studio of Feisty TV Station Shut Down - New York Times

Iran

U.S. Gets Some Love, and Hate, in Tehran - Los Angeles Times

Iran Denies Woman Faces Imminent Execution - Reuters

Iran Blocks Former President's Website - Associated Press

Iranian Lawyer on Hunger Strike - BBC News

The Supreme Leader's Not-So-Grand Tour - Foreign Policy opinion

U.S. Department of Defense

Navy SEAL, 2 Others Accused of Arms Smuggling - Los Angeles Times

C-4 Seized in Colorado in Navy SEAL Smuggling Case - Associated Press

Military Wants to Fly More Sophisticated Drones - Associated Press

Guantanamo Task Force Stands Tall in Tough Mission - AFPS

Mullens Speak Out on Veterans' Challenges - AFPS

Mullen: Military Lags in Support of Women Warriors - AFPS

United States

For Obama, Foreign Policy May Offer Avenues for Success - New York Times

Can Foreign Policy be a Bright Spot for Obama? - Christian Science Monitor

Obama to Focus on Foreign Policy in Four-nation Asian Trip - Washington Post

Abroad, Fear That Midterm Result May Turn U.S. Inward - New York Times

Lame Ducks Urged to Pass New START - Washington Times

White House, DOD Urge Senate to Ratify START Treaty - AFPS

Group Rallies Opposition to Nuclear Pact with Russia - Washington Times

Goals for Mr. Obama's Trip to Asia - Washington Post editorial

United Kingdom

U.K. Announces More Air Cargo Security Measures - Associated Press

United Nations

U.N. Report Finds Development Progress Even in Poorest Countries - VOA

Human Development Report Shows Great Gains, Some Slides - New York Times

Africa

Sudan Police Killed in Clash with Darfur Rebels - BBC News

Algeria to Arm Civilians Against Islamist Militants - BBC News

Profile: Al-Qaeda in North Africa - BBC News

Ivory Coast Set for Presidential Election Run-off - BBC News

For Some Bushmen, a Homeland Worth the Fight - New York Times

Americas and Caribbean

Six Americans Killed In Mexico's Drug War City - Reuters

Mistake May Have Led to Mass Deaths in Mexico - Washington Post

Mystery of Missing 20 in Mexico May be Solved - Los Angeles Times

Graves May Solve Mystery in Mexico - New York Times

Mexican Police Search for More Bodies in Acapulco - Associated Press

Mexico Drugs Cartel Suspects Arrested in Atlanta Area - BBC News

Dutch Colombia Rebel Fighter Vows Victory or Death - Associated Press

Brazil Wants Rousseff's Alleged Torturers Tried - Associated Press

Where will President-elect Rousseff Take Brazil? - Los Angeles Times opinion

Facing New Crisis, Haitians Prove Skeptical - New York Times

Rain Soaks Haiti as Storm Nears - BBC News

Haiti Homeless Caught Between Eviction and Storm - Associated Press

Another Obstacle Stalls $1.15B in U.S. Aid for Haiti - Associated Press

U.S. Military Prepares to Aid Haiti as Tomas Approaches - AFPS

Asia Pacific

China Urges Europeans to Snub Nobel Ceremony - New York Times

China Urges Diplomats to Skip Nobel Ceremony - Los Angeles Times

China Pressures European Governments Over Nobel - Associated Press

China Says European Support For Nobel Winner An Affront - Reuters

Purported Video Behind China-Japan Clash Leaked - Associated Press

Japan Investigating China Collision Video - Reuters

A Guarded Optimism in Burma as Vote Nears - New York Times

Burma Hit by Massive Net Attack Ahead of Election - BBC News

Fresh Volcanic Eruptions in Indonesia - New York Times

Volcano Kills Dozens in Indonesia - BBC News

Indonesia's Volcano Death Toll Doubles Overnight - Reuters

Europe

E.U. Says It Will Overhaul Privacy Regulations - New York Times

Before G-20, Sarkozy Says He Will Need Chinese Help - New York Times

Another Package Is Defused as Greece Halts Overseas Mail - Associated Press

Greek Bombers Used Hollow Books - Associated Press

Serbian President Apologizes for Wartime Massacre - Associated Press

Middle East

Saudi Prince Rules Out Engagement with Israel - Washington Post

Saudi Envoy Fears New 'Neocon' Congress - Washington Times

Palestinians to Give U.S. Peace Effort More Time - Reuters

Mid-East Peace Talks: U.K. Says Window 'Closing' - BBC News

Hamas Military Wing Complicates Fatah Reconciliation - Christian Science Monitor

U.K.: Israeli Officials Shouldn't Fear Arrest - Associated Press

Egypt's Transformation - Washington Post opinion

South Asia

Obama to Seek 'Deeper, Broader' Relations with India During Visit - VOA

Obama to Visit India, and Both Sides Hope to Expand Ties - New York Times

Obama Hopes to Charm a Disgruntled India - Los Angeles Times

India Expects Less-mythical Obama - Washington Times

India Rising - Foreign Policy

Read more about 5 November SWJ Roundup

New essays from the latest USNI 'Proceedings'

From this year's "Marine Corps" issue of the U.S. Naval Institute's Proceedings magazine, here are three timely essays on current and future force structure, doctrine, and operations:

Hitting the Beach in the 21st Century -- Under Secretary of the Navy Robert Work and Lieutenant Colonel Frank Hoffman, USMCR (ret)

Versatility in the Age of Uncertainty -- Lieutenant General George Flynn, USMC

Taking Counterinsurgency to the Countryside (members only) -- Captain Jeffry Kausek, USMC

Read more about New essays from the latest USNI 'Proceedings'

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