Sunday, May 02, 2010
Important War critique follow-up
The Clarion Content wants to respond to an argument we have been hearing in answer to our complaint that the war in Afghanistan is unwinnable. The argument we have been hearing is that United States and allied troops do not cause most of the civilian deaths that occur in Afghanistan. We are willing to concede that this is true.
Unfortunately, it is irrelevant. The troops of the occupier are always blamed for civilian deaths. This operates on two levels. One the insurgents1 literally blame the attacks they perpetrate on United States forces. Car bombs become exploding rockets. Improvised Explosive Devices on the road become landmines. The propaganda battle is omnipresent and the insurgents have the advantage of speaking the language. The United States military has a giant propaganda and information operation that defends its name in Afghanistan, Iraq and around the globe. The second level on which the blame game operates is the one that makes it inescapable.
The problem is that anywhere Empire's bootprint is, it can be held to blame for the civilian deaths caused by the insurgents simply because the insurgents can say that they are fighting the external oppressor. Operationally, in the field, even when the insurgents blatantly kill civilians, they are able to attempt to rationally attribute the deaths to United States forces because the conflict would not be going on if they were not there. This tactic has been used to great effect in both Afghanistan and Iraq. "The imperialist oppressors presence is what made your son or daughter's death happen, ma'am."
And that is a very difficult battle of hearts and minds to win indeed, even if the facts are on your side. What does Sting say? There's no such thing as a winnable...
1Terrorist, rebels, nationals pick your moniker depending on your point of view.
Unfortunately, it is irrelevant. The troops of the occupier are always blamed for civilian deaths. This operates on two levels. One the insurgents1 literally blame the attacks they perpetrate on United States forces. Car bombs become exploding rockets. Improvised Explosive Devices on the road become landmines. The propaganda battle is omnipresent and the insurgents have the advantage of speaking the language. The United States military has a giant propaganda and information operation that defends its name in Afghanistan, Iraq and around the globe. The second level on which the blame game operates is the one that makes it inescapable.
The problem is that anywhere Empire's bootprint is, it can be held to blame for the civilian deaths caused by the insurgents simply because the insurgents can say that they are fighting the external oppressor. Operationally, in the field, even when the insurgents blatantly kill civilians, they are able to attempt to rationally attribute the deaths to United States forces because the conflict would not be going on if they were not there. This tactic has been used to great effect in both Afghanistan and Iraq. "The imperialist oppressors presence is what made your son or daughter's death happen, ma'am."
And that is a very difficult battle of hearts and minds to win indeed, even if the facts are on your side. What does Sting say? There's no such thing as a winnable...
1Terrorist, rebels, nationals pick your moniker depending on your point of view.
Labels: Middle East, Politics, thought
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