Posted on May 14, 2018
Countering the Evolving Islamic State: How Psychology Informs a Realist Strategy | Small Wars...
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"Although ISIS distinguished itself by the establishment of a regional caliphate, it is ideologically a global insurgency and as such those committed to its underlying beliefs will not be persuadable except in rare instances. Although ISIS’ goals remain the same, their strategic methods change, as do their resources. They seek to change the nature of the existing international structure, and in so doing desire to spread throughout the world, in particular Europe and finally the United States. "
Countering the Evolving Islamic State: How Psychology Informs a Realist Strategy | Small Wars...
Posted from smallwarsjournal.com
37A: Psychological Operations
Propaganda
Warfare
37F: Psychological Operations Specialist
Posted >1 y ago
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I recently watch a great documentary on "Chinese Gordon". One thing that impressed me was his "negotiations" with the "Mahdi" leading up to the siege/fall of Khartoum, and Gordon's infamous death on the stairs. Muhammad Ahmad was a long way from a "crazy man" or "savage"...but no less radical in his world view, beliefs or willingness to apply them with nightmarish results.
The way I view it, the current situation with the "Islamic State" is very similar to the "Mahdist Wars" of the late 19th Century. It's perhaps "convenient" for Westerners to view these insurgencies as born of religious radicalism fueled by hate or ignorance...but the reality is likely far more frightening.
In the somewhat "over the top" 1966 film "Khartoum", Heston's "Gordon" holds a last minute talk with Olivier's "Muhammad Ahmad" which sums it up nicely. Both men have mutual respect, even similar views on morality and honor. Neither has "bloodlust" for the other, or the people's they represent. Both are intensely, sincerely religious men who view their "mission" as a holy one.
The only difference?
"Gordon" views peace as obtained through avoiding senseless slaughter, even if selective violence is necessary to accomplish it. The "Mahdi" however views massacre as the "only" solution towards ensuring "peace" through universal acceptance of "his" place as the holy leader of all Islam. One believes his God rules through forgiveness and example...the other, believes his rules through fear and tyranny.
The way I view it, the current situation with the "Islamic State" is very similar to the "Mahdist Wars" of the late 19th Century. It's perhaps "convenient" for Westerners to view these insurgencies as born of religious radicalism fueled by hate or ignorance...but the reality is likely far more frightening.
In the somewhat "over the top" 1966 film "Khartoum", Heston's "Gordon" holds a last minute talk with Olivier's "Muhammad Ahmad" which sums it up nicely. Both men have mutual respect, even similar views on morality and honor. Neither has "bloodlust" for the other, or the people's they represent. Both are intensely, sincerely religious men who view their "mission" as a holy one.
The only difference?
"Gordon" views peace as obtained through avoiding senseless slaughter, even if selective violence is necessary to accomplish it. The "Mahdi" however views massacre as the "only" solution towards ensuring "peace" through universal acceptance of "his" place as the holy leader of all Islam. One believes his God rules through forgiveness and example...the other, believes his rules through fear and tyranny.
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LTC Eric Udouj
Very true in that thinking Ken.. you have to fight IS with all the pillars in COIN... not just the CT one.
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