Iraq and the Challenge of Counterinsurgency: Praeger Security International

Iraq and the Challenge of Counterinsurgency (Praeger Security International)

by Thomas R. Mockaitis

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	2093 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	208 pages

FREE

By David Kilcullen

September 15, 2009

The insurgency in Iraq has been one of the most challenging counterinsurgency campaigns in recent history. The US-led coalition has faced a determined and adaptive enemy that has been able to exploit the complex political, social, and sectarian dynamics of Iraq to its advantage. The coalition's counterinsurgency strategies have often been too reactive and have failed to address the root causes of the insurgency.

In this book, David Kilcullen provides a comprehensive analysis of the insurgency in Iraq and the challenges faced by the US-led coalition in countering it. Kilcullen examines the historical, political, and social factors that contributed to the rise of the insurgency, and assesses the effectiveness of the counterinsurgency strategies employed by the coalition. He also provides recommendations for future counterinsurgency operations in Iraq and other countries.

Kilcullen argues that the insurgency in Iraq is a complex phenomenon that cannot be understood simply as a military problem. He identifies four key factors that have contributed to the rise of the insurgency: the US invasion and occupation of Iraq, the failure of the Iraqi government to provide security and basic services to its citizens, the sectarian divide in Iraq, and the presence of foreign fighters in Iraq.

Kilcullen also examines the effectiveness of the counterinsurgency strategies employed by the US-led coalition. He argues that the coalition has often been too reactive and has failed to address the root causes of the insurgency. He also criticizes the coalition's use of excessive force, which has alienated the Iraqi population and increased support for the insurgency.

Kilcullen concludes by providing recommendations for future counterinsurgency operations in Iraq and other countries. He argues that counterinsurgency operations should be based on a comprehensive understanding of the local context and should focus on addressing the root causes of the insurgency. He also emphasizes the importance of building relationships with the local population and of using force only as a last resort.

Iraq and the Challenge of Counterinsurgency is a valuable resource for anyone interested in the insurgency in Iraq and the challenges of counterinsurgency warfare. Kilcullen's insights are based on his extensive experience in counterinsurgency operations in Iraq and other countries, and his recommendations are essential reading for policymakers and military leaders.

Table of Contents

2. The Historical, Political, and Social Roots of the Insurgency in Iraq
3. The US-Led Coalition's Counterinsurgency Strategy
4. Assessing the Effectiveness of the Coalition's Counterinsurgency Strategy
5. Recommendations for Future Counterinsurgency Operations

About the Author

David Kilcullen is a counterinsurgency expert and author. He has served as a senior advisor to the US government and the United Nations, and he has worked on counterinsurgency operations in Iraq, Afghanistan, and other countries. Kilcullen is the author of several books on counterinsurgency, including The Accidental Guerrilla and Counterinsurgency.

Iraq and the Challenge of Counterinsurgency (Praeger Security International)

by Thomas R. Mockaitis

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	2093 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	208 pages

FREE