Strange isn't it that even in 2006 so many people don't ever bother to learn the mind of their enemy. Even in the western Democracies where the standards of education are so high. I have actually found more, and more subtle, strategic thinking in the tribal 3'rd world where survival is day to day. You look into the eyes of a supposedly ignorant man in the African bush and you can actually see him trying to figure you out.
"Most" westerners have never lived in a Police State. Therefore they cant imagine what its like to do so and thus think the residents of such places are just like them. I don't doubt "most" people in such places only want to live in peace, at least in the ones Ive been in. The point I'm making is whatever they feel it means absolutely nothing, the rights of the individual don't even exist. Even if they can vote the election is rigged beforehand. Or, as is the case in Iran, the real power is held by a Dictatorial Theocracy who answers to no one but themselves.
Which actually makes things much easier. Now you don't have to "get the pulse of a nation" but only a self-chosen few. This is the absolute first rule of strategy and without it you have no base to build on. The Reds understood it and used it rather effectively, almost "better Red-ing then Dead-ing" Democracy out of existence. At least in Europe. Hitler understood it, as did Stalin, as did every successful tyrant.
My first experience with Islamic fundamentalism was in 1977 in some hastily erected bleachers right outside the White house Lawn. The Shah of Iran was visiting Jimmy Carter and big oil was paying for a turnout to welcome him, "I somehow was snagged by an Iranian friend with a all paid trip to DC". We bummed around all weekend and only had to show up for the lawn welcome rally one afternoon, " I was on crutches from a football ankle".
The sun was shining as we watched the welcome from the stands. The next thing I knew we were being charged by thousands of masked lunatics with sticks who descended on us and started beating people to a pulp. It was 15 Nov. 1977. I gave a buddy one crutch, I swung the other, and we beat the buggers off while trying to save some kids. Thats right, these animals were beating 6yo kids to a pulp as well as woman. I saw it! and it happened right in front of our White house. Tho we got tear-gassed we made it out with our lives. Its was my first taste of 3'rd world politics and I never forgot it. A few weeks later I was in basic training and 1/2 a year after that I had an M-16 on my shoulder listening to the Muezzin calling the faithful to prayer.
I'm no expert on "anything". At least "anything" that life doesn't teach you. There is one thing Ive learned however and that is that "everyone" doesn't think like we do. "Everywhere" isn't like here. That our beliefs are different then their beliefs. And that we have a huge problem with Islam, its one thats been cooking for a long,long time. When you start mixing fundamentalists beliefs with 3'rd world savagery, Imperialist ambitions, advanced weaponry, and a Dictatorial Govt., there is a big , big problem.
And I think it would be a real good idea for Westerners to divorce themselves from their Political narcissism and start figuring out what "they" are thinking. Thank you.
http://www.defencetalk.com/forums/showthread.php?t=4704
"Most" westerners have never lived in a Police State. Therefore they cant imagine what its like to do so and thus think the residents of such places are just like them. I don't doubt "most" people in such places only want to live in peace, at least in the ones Ive been in. The point I'm making is whatever they feel it means absolutely nothing, the rights of the individual don't even exist. Even if they can vote the election is rigged beforehand. Or, as is the case in Iran, the real power is held by a Dictatorial Theocracy who answers to no one but themselves.
Which actually makes things much easier. Now you don't have to "get the pulse of a nation" but only a self-chosen few. This is the absolute first rule of strategy and without it you have no base to build on. The Reds understood it and used it rather effectively, almost "better Red-ing then Dead-ing" Democracy out of existence. At least in Europe. Hitler understood it, as did Stalin, as did every successful tyrant.
My first experience with Islamic fundamentalism was in 1977 in some hastily erected bleachers right outside the White house Lawn. The Shah of Iran was visiting Jimmy Carter and big oil was paying for a turnout to welcome him, "I somehow was snagged by an Iranian friend with a all paid trip to DC". We bummed around all weekend and only had to show up for the lawn welcome rally one afternoon, " I was on crutches from a football ankle".
The sun was shining as we watched the welcome from the stands. The next thing I knew we were being charged by thousands of masked lunatics with sticks who descended on us and started beating people to a pulp. It was 15 Nov. 1977. I gave a buddy one crutch, I swung the other, and we beat the buggers off while trying to save some kids. Thats right, these animals were beating 6yo kids to a pulp as well as woman. I saw it! and it happened right in front of our White house. Tho we got tear-gassed we made it out with our lives. Its was my first taste of 3'rd world politics and I never forgot it. A few weeks later I was in basic training and 1/2 a year after that I had an M-16 on my shoulder listening to the Muezzin calling the faithful to prayer.
I'm no expert on "anything". At least "anything" that life doesn't teach you. There is one thing Ive learned however and that is that "everyone" doesn't think like we do. "Everywhere" isn't like here. That our beliefs are different then their beliefs. And that we have a huge problem with Islam, its one thats been cooking for a long,long time. When you start mixing fundamentalists beliefs with 3'rd world savagery, Imperialist ambitions, advanced weaponry, and a Dictatorial Govt., there is a big , big problem.
And I think it would be a real good idea for Westerners to divorce themselves from their Political narcissism and start figuring out what "they" are thinking. Thank you.
http://www.defencetalk.com/forums/showthread.php?t=4704
