Confronting Iran IW Concept for Iraq's Borders

[CIHuntR1]

All,

Perhaps this concept paper may be of interest. A team of us, heavy with SF experience, applied some past UW concepts from Laos/Vietnam to address many of today's foreign border issues. While geared for the Middle East, much of the content also applies nicely to Africa (and other boxes).

Like to know some thoughts.

http://smallwarsjournal.com/blog/2007/11/confronting-iran-securing-iraq-1/

Scott

[Distorted]

In David Galula's 'Counterinsurgency, theory and practice', he points out that in Algeria, there was a border issue with Tunisia similar to the border issue between Iran and Iraq.

The people on the border were relocated elsewhere and 'won' by the French while the empty space was heavily patrolled. The border-dwellers were resettled in their homes, and their loyalty to the French after this process was completed was such that attempts by Ts to cross the border were thwarted by the locals, and the 'border problem' vanished.

What about that as a model? I'm not familiar enough with the conflict to offer anything other than what I got out of Galula's book :(

[USANick7]

rgr

[CIHuntR1]

Nick,

Agree with your observation. The border concept isn't really geared for SF to staff major road artery checkpoints as we traditionally view them. Sorry if this was unclear in the paper. SF's role was suggested in force multiplication of indig and mobilization of locals to assist in monitoring more of the rough terrain where people cross by foot, horse, camel, 4x4, etc. supported by local safe-haven elements. So the MP sort of posting would indeed be a waste, although SF could train them and foreign border guards. The role we are suggesting happens all the time in more of the traditional longer stay activities by giving the locals a vested interest in securing points of transit against those who we are calling the "bad guys."

Scott

[USANick7]

Thanks again

[CIHuntR1]

Have an answer for that one too, which came in a follow on concept piece. Unfortunately, that one is classified. But your points are well taken as a general observation. Happy to discuss offline.

[USANick7]

will do