InfoAnda - US strategists seek Afghan fixes outside the box

Pakistanis angry over detentions in Times Sq. case
Monday, May 24, 2010
ISLAMABAD – Relatives of three men detained by Pakistan for alleged links to the suspect in the attempted Times Square bombing say the men are innocent.
They

Taiwan denies boycotting Australian film festival
Thursday, August 6, 2009

AFP - Thursday, August 6TAIPEI (AFP) - - Taiwan's Beijing-friendly government on Wednesday denied boycotting an Australian film festival amid a row over the e

Merkel's support dips, regional ally resigns International
Thursday, September 3, 2009

By Sarah Marsh and Noah Barkin

BERLIN (Reuters) - Chancellor Angela Merkel suffered a double blow on Thursday as a senior party ally in east German

Minister seeks closure of anti-Berlusconi websites
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
ROME (AFP) - – The Italian government moved Tuesday to close down Internet sites encouraging further violence against Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi, who

Asian markets mixed after Wall Street rally
Wednesday, March 18, 2009

By ELAINE KURTENBACH,AP Business Writer AP - Wednesday, March 18SHANGHAI - Asia's stock market rally seemed to be running out of steam Wednesday, despite an

Pakistani minister delay "won't disrupt" IMF aid | 11 March 2010
I'm not a lesbian says tearful Oprah Winfrey | | 9 December 2010
Effort to return Marilyn Monroe's fluttering white dress to NYC | | 3 June 2011

Activision pulls plug on Guitar Hero; shares down | 10 February 2011

Forum Views () Forum Replies ()

Read more with google mobile : US strategists seek Afghan fixes outside the box

Yahoo! My Yahoo! Mail More Yahoo! Services Account Options New User? Sign Up Sign In Help Yahoo! Search web search Home Singapore Asia Pacific World Business Entertainment Sports Technology Africa Europe Latin America Middle East North America US strategists seek Afghan fixes outside the box By KIMBERLY DOZIER,Associated Press Writer - Saturday, September 25 Send IM Story Print KABUL, Afghanistan – On a NATO base in Kabul, a five-member team is rethinking the war in Afghanistan and questioning some of the basic assumptions behind the effort to clean up corruption and gain the upper hand over the Taliban. Among the ideas this so-called "Red Team" is generating: _ Accept that Afghanistan's entrenched system of graft won't change overnight, so pick your battles. _ Recognize that for Afghans, some corruption is worse than others, so tackle what affects them day-to-day first. _ Study how the Taliban won power by exploiting Afghanistan's system of payoffs and patronage in the 1990s, and borrow those tactics. The Red Team's studies are part of an evolution of thinking among diplomats, commanders and analysts alike that applying Western standards to combat corruption has not produced results fast enough. Further, concentrating on what is most important to Americans _ such as raiding Afghan government offices over large-scale abuses _ has served only to alienate the government of President Hamid Karzai. Such raids have done little to erase the nickel-and-dime bribes Afghans have to pay to drive down a highway, or see a government doctor _ the daily shakedowns that drive the people into the arms of the insurgents, who provide similar services without the graft. The Taliban, meanwhile, have used the Afghan government's behavior, and NATO's paralysis over the issue, to their advantage. The militants are seen as providing "cleaner" government in areas they control. And they pay off or intimidate local leaders and warlords behind the scenes, as they did the last time they took power. Net result: NATO is losing this fight. It's unwelcome news that presents no easy answers for those trying to craft a new strategy to combat corruption. But the Red Team's job is to challenge the status quo, at the direction of the day-to-day commander of operations, Lt. Gen. David Rodriguez. The Red Team itself is a concept that was developed at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas, and was used effectively in Iraq. They call themselves "cognitive insurgents," fighting the established system with brainpower rather than firepower. Team leader Lt. Col. Brian Hammerness says they spend "a lot of time balancing" their analysis so commanders on the receiving end don't shoot the messenger. Hammerness often approaches his bosses saying, "I want to present this information to you, and you might not take this well." For instance, if a local leader is lining his pockets but also cooperating with the NATO-led force, getting him fired may leave a void for the Taliban to fill, says senior analyst Lt. Col. Michael McGee. "Sometimes there's a trade-off there," he said. "Initially, you think you are doing the right thing, but it turns out to be much worse than if you'd just left the situation alone." Some of the Red team's ideas seem to be getting attention. Its report on how the Taliban seized power in the 1990s _ by building a network of dependencies with public officials _ is required reading for commanders who want to re-evaluate how U.S. troops are prosecuting the war, and how a Western strategy can be tailored to Afghan culture. The team studied how the Taliban first organized, as a motley crew of locals and returned refugees who had studied at religious schools in Pakistan led by Mullah Omar, the future Taliban leader. Taliban members then worked their way into territory of the Pashtuns, Afghanistan's largest ethnic group, by expanding their influence until they were strong enough to take and hold Kabul by force, in 1996. The Taliban capitalized on local anger at the violent excesses of feudal warlords, offering similar, often superior government-like services, explained lead report author Capt. Jeffrey Marrs. "They would co-opt regional power-brokers by ... going to their power-base, which is the people," added team member Lt. Col. Bruce Ferrell. "They would sever the link of patronage." In short, the Taliban gradually supplanted the local chiefs and became the go-to guys for the public's needs. And they are doing it again now, according to intelligence reports from territory under Taliban control. Afghans can see a Taliban official within half a day, no bribes paid, to settle something like a land dispute, whereas a visit to an Afghan government office can take up to three days, with multiple bribes dispensed. Not all warlords or local chiefs take well to being sidelined, so the Taliban uses either violence or payoffs to deal with resisters. As the payoffs happen out of sight of locals, they are less likely to offend. Afghans are also more likely to look the other way, as long as their day-to-day needs are taken care of, the Red Team found. So the officers recommend U.S. commanders do the same _ monitor the graft and warn the local Afghan officials when their greed is driving the populace to the Taliban. The NATO equivalent of the bribe comes in the form of U.S. military and development aid. The ultimate goal is to teach the Afghan leaders to co-opt the locals better than the Taliban can. They have to "develop a method for co-opting ... Afghan communities positively by opening opportunities for the communities to access wealth," such as giving them access to electricity, new schools or clinics, explains Staff Sergeant Steven Dietz, Ph.D., an Army reservist and professor from Texas State University. Throughout, the U.S. has the power only to encourage, not to coerce, a change in behavior or in Afghan leadership, if a given official simply won't change their ways, the team explains. And in some cases, the Americans may have to look the other way, as the Afghan people do, the Red Team recommends. Afghans often tolerate local leaders enriching themselves to some extent, as long as they're seen to be sharing that wealth, Dietz explains. As for long term changes, the Red Team recommends patience. Dietz compares the current Afghan system to the evolving political system of the U.S. in the early 1900s. "We've talked about can you go from a feudal-like system ... to a participatory democracy, without all of the intervening steps _ monarchy, industrialization," says Dietz. "You can't do that overnight. We can't make it happen just because we want it to happen." Recommend Send IM Story Print Related Articles Open flood gates displace two million in Nigeria AFP - 14 minutes ago South Sudanese urge world to honour referendum backing AFP - Sunday, September 26 UK-World Summary Reuters - 22 minutes ago Tropical Storm Matthew aims at Guatemala and Belize Reuters - 23 minutes ago Serbian president says Kosovo talks to start 'soon' AFP - 27 minutes ago News Search Top Stories Russian spacecraft lands safely after delays Lindsay Lohan bails out of jail: report Russian spacecraft lands safely after delay LA judge sets bail to release Lohan: spokesman Spacecraft undocks from space station after delay More Top Stories » Most Popular Most Viewed Most Recommended LA judge sets bail to release Lohan: spokesman Facebook boss to make $100 mln school gift: report Lindsay Lohan bails out of jail: report Gold hits record above $1300 , silver at 30-year peak Arsenal post record profits More Most Viewed » Climate: New study slashes estimate of icecap loss US state executes first woman in nearly 100 years US pastor puts Koran-burning on hold 'Time bomb' superbug requires global response: doctor Vitamin B 'could delay Alzheimer's onset' More Most Recommended » Elsewhere on Yahoo! Financial news on Yahoo! Finance Stars and latest movies Best travel destinations More on Yahoo! News Home Singapore Asia Pacific World Business Entertainment Sports Technology Subscribe to our news feeds Top StoriesMy Yahoo!RSS » More news feeds | What are news feeds? Also on Yahoo! Answers Groups Mail Messenger Mobile Travel Finance Movies Sports Games » All Yahoo! Services Site Highlights Singapore Full Coverage Most Popular Asia Entertainment Photos World Cup 2010 Yahoo! News Network Copyright © 2010 Yahoo! Southeast Asia Pte. Ltd. (Co. Reg. No. 199700735D). All Rights Reserved. Terms of Service | Privacy Policy | Community | Intellectual Property Rights Policy | Help

Other News on Saturday, 25 September 2010
Iraq and Syria to restore ambassadors
Norway's 'greatest spy case' to be re-examined
Cyber attack appears to target Iran: tech firms
Iran, big power rep may meet next month: Ahmadinejad |
Gold hits record above $1300 , silver at 30-year peak
Obama slams Ahmadinejad for "hateful" 9/11 remarks
LinkedIn buys company, has talked to bankers: CEO
Bruno Mars Earns First #1 Single On Billboard Hot 100 With "Just The Way You Are"
Gold hits 1,300 dollars for first time
Iran accuses U.S. of hypocrisy in woman's execution |
Linkin Park Narrowly Beat Out Trey Songz For #1 On Billboard Albums Chart
German business confidence posts surprise rise
U.N. atom assembly rejects Arab move targeting Israel
U.N. speakers urge Pakistan to free up arms talks |
Catholic, Orthodox report promising progress on unity |
NATO says 3 detained Afghan journalists released
Cuba unveils private sector expansion plan |
NATO: Detained Afghan journalists released
Europe's film indies win EU help to go digital
The Social Network opens in NY to buzz, controversy |
EU risks US-China domination with military cuts: France
Ottawa says hopeful on RIM deal with India |
Britain promises US it will keep nuclear deterrent
'Don't ask, don't tell' injunction now up to judge
Europe's film indies win EU help to go digital
Top tech firms settle employment probe |
News
Norway Central Bank Sues Citigroup Over Alleged Misstatements
Bank Teller Forced To Rob Bank With Bomb Strapped To Him
Ga. pastor spent a generation building megachurch
Lindsay Lohan sent back to jail in handcuffs
Kick-Ass Star Chloe Moretz To Play Emily The Strange
Economic Uncertainty Boosts Gold To Record $1,301.01; Silver To 30-Year High
Threatened Mexican journalist receives asylum
Gianfranco Ferre retro, Versace, Moschino geometry
Tropical Storm Matthew Gunning For Central America
"Bones" 5th Season Coming On DVD, Blu-Ray
Paris, Berlin bid to host biggest fashion show
GOP Braces For Another Three-Way Race In New York's 23rd Congressional District
Nicaraguan Diplomat Found Stabbed To Death in NYC Apartment
Neu! comes alive 40 years after recording debut
Global Software Revenues To Surpass $232 Billion
Criticism over Philippine leader's NY hotdog binge
Abbott Questioned By Senate Panel About Week Delay In Recall
Bulgarian protesters demand compulsory religious classes
Quietly, US military opens up to Sikhs
'Home and Away' scene ruled too raunchy for NZ television
Lindsay Lohan sent back to jail in handcuffs |
The Social Network opens in NY to buzz, controversy |
New book shows unpublished Marilyn Monroe photos |
Zucker to step down at NBC Universal, Klein out at CNN US
Saudi denies it will license blogs
Neu! comes alive 40 years after recording debut |
Software smart bomb fired at Iranian nuclear plant: experts
US-TECH Summary
Cyber attack appears to target Iran: tech firms
Japan to pilot digital textbooks in classrooms
Iran open to new nuclear talks: Ahmadinejad
Spacecraft undocks from space station after delay
China hits back at Japan after boat captain freed |
Britain's Labour Party set to announce new leader
Iraq's winning bloc rejects Maliki as PM again
Games chief says all countries will take part |
Russian spacecraft lands safely after delay
LA judge sets bail to release Lohan: spokesman
Iran says nuclear talks likely in October
Russian-U.S. space crew lands in Kazakhstan |
Lindsay Lohan back in jail for failing drugs test
O'Gara helps boot Munster to victory
Clinton meets Abbas as Mideast peace deadline looms |
Tropical Storm Matthew powers across Honduras |
Suspected hitmen shoot another Mexican mayor |
Plane diverts to Sweden due bomb threat |
'Extensive' work still needed: Commonwealth Games chief
Judge orders lesbian reinstated to Air Force
Australia's first saint 'exposed paedophile priest'
Gunmen shoot dead two at Pakistan mosque: police
Fla. bank robbers strap bomb to abducted teller
The Social Network opens in NY to buzz, controversy |
Rights groups condemn arrest of Thai Internet editor
APNewsBreak: 4th man sues Ga. megachurch pastor
Susan Boyle's upcoming "Gift" already a best-seller
Taiwan welcomes Chinese hints on missiles
Facebook's Zuckerberg gives $100 million to Newark |
Lauren Conrad heads back to MTV for reality show
Apple launches iPhone 4 in China
China demands compensation as skipper returns
Couple Sue MTV Over “Jersey Shore” Boardwalk Fight
India's fraud-hit Satyam seeks delisting from NYSE
Perez Hilton reveals how he picks the hits
Lin Dan storms into Japan Open badminton final
U.S. Looks Forward To Seeing Iraq As Stable A Democracy As South Korea
US Congress moves to punish China on currency
Bret Michaels rocks from "Love" to "Life."
Three N.Koreans rescued at sea granted asylum in S.Korea
Government Seeks New Way to Predict Economic Crises, Bernanke Says
Canada hopeful RIM, India can agree on BlackBerry data access
New book shows unpublished Marilyn Monroe photos
Weekly Recap
Valuable "President's fish" facing extinction in Philippines
"The Social Network" opens in NY to buzz, controversy
Kan defends Japan's intervention in the currency markets
China hits back at Japan after boat captain freed
Pew: "Great Recession" Left Over Half Of Americans Struggling To Survive
Superman, Elvis, Princess Di flop at NY auction
Rights groups denounce arrest of Thai webmaster
India Games debacle could deter investors: Moody's
Family rivalry may rekindle over sale of Hyundai unit
Japan police remove Nike protesters from Tokyo park
US Congress moves on China currency
Lindsay Lohan freed after 15 hours in jail |
The Social Network opens in NY to buzz, controversy |
Lauren Conrad heads back to MTV for reality show |
Susan Boyle's upcoming Gift already a best-seller |
Bret Michaels rocks from Love to Life. |
Perez Hilton reveals how he picks the hits |
Facebook's Zuckerberg gives $100 million to Newark
US reaches settlement with tech giants over poaching
Top tech firms settle employment probe
US retail powerhouse Target to sell iPad tablet computers
Google puts 10 million dollars into world-changing ideas
Ottawa says hopeful on RIM deal with India
Zucker to step down at NBC Universal, Klein out at CNN US
Bomb suspect held as plane to Pakistan lands in Sweden
Third Afghan journalist released: NATO
EU to drop Apple probes after firm's policy changes
'Every reason' to believe French Sahara hostages alive
Fatah, Hamas in reconciliation talks
Pakistan PM cancels trip to Europe |
Russian spacecraft lands safely after delays
Slain Nicaraguan Consul Possible Suicide, Say NY Police
US strategists seek Afghan fixes outside the box
U.S. Grants $434 Million To Fight Philippine Poverty
Afghan, NATO forces kill 30 insurgents in assault |
NATO: Bomb blast kills 2 troops, 30 militants die
Russia against sanctions to Iran despite missiles ban |
NATO says 3 detained Afghan journalists released
India says will review Kashmir security deployment |
Merkel takes tough line on integration to party cheers |
Pakistan PM cancels trip to Europe
Canadian held in Sweden over Pakistan plane threat
Pakistan Danish embassy bombing suspects acquitted
Ga. pastor's academy had 'sex self-check card'
Top tech firms settle employment probe |
EU to drop Apple probes after firm's policy changes |
French court orders Google Inc to pay libel damages: report |
Ahmadinejad’s U.N. Speech Prompts Diplomat Walkout
Seattle Grandmother Kills 3 Family Members, Herself
Granny Set For Execution In Virginia
Bus Driver Fired For Driving Under Influence Of Kindle
Greece at new risk of being pushed off euro
Bodies of missing Tenn. mom, Jo Ann Bain, and daughter found
Female Breasts Are Bigger Than Ever
AMD Trinity Accelerated Processing Units Now in Volume Production
The Avengers (2012 film), made the second biggest opening- and single-day gross of all-time
AMD to Start Production of piledriver
Ivy Bridge Quad-Core, Four-Thread Desktop CPUs
Islamists Protest Lady Gaga's Concert in Indonesia
Japan Successfully Broadcasts an 8K Signal Over the Air
ECB boosts loans to 1 trillion Euro to stop credit crunch
Egypt : Mohammed Morsi won with 52 percent
What do you call 100,000 Frenchmen with their hands up
AMD Launches AMD Embedded R-Series APU Platform
Fed Should not Ignore Emerging Market Crisis
Fed casts shadow over India, emerging markets
Why are Chinese tourists so rude? A few insights

USD EUR - 1 year graph		BlogMeter 1.01