Abu Muqawama: Post
Abu Muqawama retains its autonomy and the views and beliefs expressed within the blog do not reflect those of CNAS. Abu Muqawama retains the right to delete comments that include words that incite violence; are predatory, hateful, or intended to intimidate or harass; or degrade people on the basis of gender, race, class, ethnicity, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, or disability. In summary, don't be a jerk.
But I thought war was how Americans learned geography...
Well, readers, I am back from a much-needed vacation -- and took Lady Muqawama on her first visit to the Arabic-speaking world. We arrived in Casa Blanca and over the course of a week visited Rabat, Fez, and Tangier, spending three nights in the latter as we stayed for a friend's annual party weekend. In Fez, allow me to recommend the excellent Riad al-Bartal (maybe the coolest hotel in which I have ever stayed), while in Tangier I remain a fan of the Dar Nour in the Kasbah. In Rabat, I stayed with my friend Issandr, who passed along this, ahem, interesting map of the Middle East.
Now that I am back, expect normal blogging service to resume.
Fox never ceases to
Fox never ceases to impress...
5 out of 6 ain't bad for Fox
5 out of 6 ain't bad for Fox News.
Well, there IS a long river
Well, there IS a long river in Egypt, too. Next step: learn how to count to 2 ...
America. Where we know the
America.
Where we know the difference between the Cover 2 and a Zone dog blitz.
But don't know where Wisconsin is..... or Egypt.
http://forums.projectcovo.com/showthread.php?p=1084325901
Football blitz packages are
Football blitz packages are important.
Wait... why can't you play a
Wait... why can't you play a cover 2 *and* blitz? I mean, not all blitzes have to be run with a cover 1. Like, you can drop both safeties into deep coverage and still run plenty of blitz packages out of the front seven. The Bucs defenses a while back were so good at running blitzes out of cover 2s.Well you can, since a dog
Well you can, since a dog zone blitz really just means a zone blitz in most football parlance. And LBs can be the primary blitzers in a zone blitz, of course.
The Bucs defenses a while
The Bucs defenses a while back were so good at running blitzes out of cover 2s.
This isn't really true. (Last year's Bears are a better example of a blitz-heavy team playing Cover 2. They weren't very good, and they gave up a ton of big plays.)
And it's not very accurate to say that you can run "blitz packages out of the front seven" when really the Mike and all the defensive backs MUST stay home for the defense to be credibly called a "Cover 2." So you're only talking about the occasional blitz with an OLB. If you have a Bob Sanders/Troy Polamalu-type safety that you want to play in the box a lot, both in run support and as a blitzer, then you work out of the Cover 3.
One of the big advantages of a Cover 2 is that you're able to keep the offense in front of you, limiting big plays and closing holes. This goes away when you blitz, so you have to be sure you get to the QB if you're going to send someone. Usually a strong Cover 2 team has excellent pass-rushing defensive ends and at least one tackle who can eat up blockers; if you have to give your D-line help, you shouldn't be playing Cover 2.
Oh yeah, uh, counterinsurgency.
Recognize that there's
Recognize that there's probably some clarity lacking when I quote you saying "front seven" and then talk about DBs later in the sentence, but you know what I mean.
expect normal blogging to
expect normal blogging to resume? Does that mean it will get more or less asinine?
American football equal
American football equal fullcontact cricket with steroids...
Fox News never ceases to amaze.
Glenn Beck on the president: "A deepseated hatred for white people ... white culture..."
Welcome back! Any chance you
Welcome back!
Any chance you could brief the King on the difference between counterinsurgency and a colonial war? The Western Sahara conflict has been going on since before I was born and the lack of political will from Morocco (and from the international community) to solve it really pisses me off--and the fact that Saharawis refugees now have open air movies (http://www.nytimes.com/2009/08/02/movies/02isaa.html?_r=1) does not change a thing.
Really not much difference
Really not much difference between the two. For example, Layautey in Morocco used constructs like oil-spot, "peaceful penetration" and betterment of the locals, as an ostensible explanation for his conquest of the place which was actually the traditional use of the razzia and brutal force to crush the rebellion. It worked, but not necessarily like the way he was explaining to a French homefront that was ambivalent to the point of being outright contentious about the imperial program. One can view the Surge in Iraq in similar light and also current operations in Afghanistan. Moreover European colonialists believed that western trade injected into non-western lands over time would make the world a better place. It is a similar notion of free-market capitalism that drives liberal internationalist and neo-conservative notions of changing entire societies. Yet what really changes things, just like back in the day for Layautey in Morocco is the barrel of a gun in the hands of western armies. History provides insights for understanding here through a comparative approach to studying imperial systems. Actual history that is, and not the faux-case study history of the new age warriors who see the beginning of coin history starting with Malaya and the end of it with the Surge.
Welcome back Andrew.
Moreover European
Moreover European colonialists believed that western trade injected into non-western lands over time would make the world a better place. It is a similar notion of free-market capitalism that drives liberal internationalist and neo-conservative notions of changing entire societies.
I'm sorry, but this is ludicrous. Globalization has raised the standard of living of billions of people. Colonialist mercantilism was based on the exploitation of resources in the colonies to feed industries run by their European masters. The two phenomena are not similar in any way.
Gulliver, take a look at
Gulliver, take a look at Piers Brendon's book about the collapse of the British Empire. British Labor Party members, some who felt guilty about the exploitation of the natives, justified their occupations or colonizations with the idea that the Empire was a good thing that brought Christianity, education, and modernity to the subject peoples. These types of Brits also mollified their misgivings about colonization with the idea that eventually the subject people would be given their freedom once they were capable of handling difficult tasks such as governance. However, that thought of "freedom" was always in the distant future.
Brendon also compares the Empire's infatuation with free trade and cheap labor with modern America's situation. Globalism may have raised the standard of living for people in Bangladesh, but globalism has also lowered the standards of living for people in Youngstown. And I don't give a rat's ass about Bangladeshians, whereas I love my brethren in Ohio.
How many ships are now built in Belfast?
When America is broke and can't borrow another cent from the Chinese, all of these theories about COIN and arguments for/against F-22's will be meaningless. The Brits last hurrah was Suez and then they slowy accepted their status as a coatholder for Uncle Sam. We probably won't be coatholding or playing second fiddle, but we won't be doing any major interventions either.
Gian : This is true, but my
Gian :
This is true, but my point was more about the legitimacy of Morocco’s territorial claim than about the methods which, I agree, are the same in counterinsurgencies and colonial wars. As in the terrorist vs. freedom fighter classic story, what I call a colonial war in Western Sahara is Morocco’s counterinsurgency. Operationally, it makes no difference. Politically, it is critical—especially when it comes to voting on UN resolutions on this issue. There are many other factors in the balance, obviously, including the fact that as a moderate and reasonably progressive Muslim country (except when it comes to publishing surveys about the King : http://www.france24.com/en/20090802-leading-magazines-seized-over-royal-...) Morocco is a partner that most Western capitals want to cajole rather than undermine.
At least Morocco does not pretend to be carrying out any « mission civilisatrice » in the Sahara. Everyone agrees it is an issue of self-aggrandizement, which makes things better or worse, depending on how one values cynicism.
Gulliver In addition to
Gulliver
In addition to pat's recommendations also have a look at historian Douglas Porch's histories of French imperialism especially his book on the conquest of Morocco. The French also justified, rationalized, and explained their brutal imperial conquests with the notions of "peaceful penetration" and the idea modernization of primitive societies through economic development. But again, in actuality, it wasnt these things that crushed rebellions but instead brute force delivered at the barrel of a gun.
Moreover recommend you go to SWJ Blog and read Bacevich's excellent new article in Commonweal on history, irony, hubris, and the arrogance of American exceptionalism.
As I said in the earlier post, they are not different but in many ways similar.
Lastly, as I said, history is useful; not faux-history driven by neo-conservative (wilsonian) visions of a world made better by the exceptional and essential America.
I think a more accurate
I think a more accurate phrase would be "war should be a continuation of politics, but often isn't...".
Clearly the Anglo-Saxon countries have built up a culture that loves war and every state has influential actors in the economy that thrive on it. The notion that the decision to go to war (and to continue a war past any point of reasonable return on investment) is the result of serious study of the strategic situation and weighing of options is a bit hopeful. The search for glory and adventure along with hubris, greed and revenge play too big a part in war to allow that the driving factor is cold rationale thought.
God, Allah, Buddha, Haruhi
God, Allah, Buddha, Haruhi that's sad. I once said that FOX news was where you went when you had abandoned all pretensions of journalistic integrity and accuracy but I never thought that it would be proven so true. Did these people even go to school? I knew where Egypt was before first grade!
Gian- I don't think Gulliver
Gian-
I don't think Gulliver would disagree with you much, especially on your last point. His argument was aimed at one of your statements, which he viewed as attacking the good parts of globalization.
After re-reading, I don't think this was your intention, but the way you worded your sentence it could easily be interpreted that way.
I think you are both right, globalization is a good thing for many around the world (more good than bad I would say). Also, there is a tendency for great powers to have an enlarged vision of their ability to affect outcomes in events around the world. I think this stems from the hubristic belief in trying to "fix things" and a belief that we can bring an "end to evil" in the world. As Thomas Aquinas once said, we must be able to accept a certain level of evil in the world because any attempt to rid the world of such evil will bring about humanity's demise.
Therefore, one of the goals of politics writ large is to find what the acceptable level of evil is. I think our goal in Af-Pak is not to try and eradicate evil, but to try and limit AQ's operational space and secure Pakistan's nuclear arsenal. Where our "hubris" creeps in is when we look at the Af-Pak problem as a whole, and we see how completely f'd the whole thing is. As SNLII as been saying over at Inkspots, the problem in Af-Pak is due to a lack of regional security, and the deep-seated rivalries between Pakistan and India. This is simply a problem the US can not solve, we lack the legitimacy as well as the solutions.
However, the same things could have been said about Iraq, and the Surge accomplished exactly what it set out to do, it provided the breathing space for the Iraqi gov't to operate and create the political solution to Iraq's troubles. While I know you don't like that narrative Gian, I would agree with you that the Surge doesn't really matter if Maliki becomes another strongman. And I don't see the necessary instituions and civil society in place which would limit Maliki's push for more centralized power in his hands, and his patronage networks.
"I'm sorry, but this is
"I'm sorry, but this is ludicrous. Globalization has raised the standard of living of billions of people. Colonialist mercantilism was based on the exploitation of resources in the colonies to feed industries run by their European masters. The two phenomena are not similar in any way." - Gulliver
Yes.
An independent democratic nation choosing to take part in the global economy is very different from being dragged toward a goal set by outsiders. I know I'm stating the obvious, but come on. If an Indian company wants to partner with Wal-Mart, to give one example, it's their own particular business.
Globalisation has been going
Globalisation has been going on for a long time. The early stages of globalisation were deeply intertwined with 19th century imperialism.
Late to the game on this
Late to the game on this one, but just had to shake my head and say to myself, how many years have I been spending trying to persuade my son, through high school and up to his present status as an AROTC cadet, to take a geography course as an elective (even if they all seem to be taught by Communists or America-Lasters), and also a comparative religion course. He has not yet done either, and declares he will not, and he and his future charges will be all the worse for it, in this not-so-humble dad's opinion.
My neighbor and I had been
My neighbor and I had been simply debating this specific subject, he is often looking for to prove me incorrect. Your view on this is nice and precisely how I really feel. I simply now mailed him this web page to point out him your own view. After looking over your web site I book marked and will probably be coming again to read your new posts!
baseny
baseny [url=http://www.travel-jame.co.cc/index.php?action=profile;u=533 ] projekt basenu[/url] zadaszenia basenowe
basen budowa [url=http://www.uc-itsa.org/smf/index.php?action=profile;u=304280 ] baseny ogrodowe[/url] baseny katowice
baseny w domu [url=http://tcme.org/forum/index.php?action=profile;u=1702 ] projekty basenow[/url] baseny sprzedaz
basen budowa [url=http://forum.xxlife.ru/index.php?action=profile;u=172488 ] baseny ogrodowe[/url] baseny katowice
basen w ogrodzie [url=http://www.teamconasauga.org/forum/index.php?action=profile;u=4916 ] baseny ogrodowe[/url] chemia basenowa
tanie baseny [url=http://fandoms.hyenastormcub.com/profile.php?mode=viewprofile&u=518306 ] zadaszenie basenu[/url] basen agh
allegro baseny [url=http://4x4passion.com/BB/profile.php?mode=viewprofile&u=142918 ] baseny hotelowe[/url] zadaszenia basenu
baseny w katowicach [url=http://kkyco.org/forum/profile.php?mode=viewprofile&u=364870 ] budowa basenu[/url] aquapark
baseny ogrodowe [url=http://anime.forumowisko.net/post/606.htm#606 ] tanie baseny[/url] basen dmuchany
wanny spa [url=http://mghartmann.com/index.php?topic=90716.new#new ] allegro baseny[/url] oczka wodne
basen wodnik [url=http://forum.optyma-golf.com/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=110743 ] baseny kapielowe[/url] zadaszenia
baseny ogrodowe ceny [url=http://votauthuy.dailyforum.net/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=1107 ] basen jaworzno[/url] intex baseny
projekt basenu [url=http://www.affordableplasticcosmeticsurgeryincolombia.com/phpBB2/profile.php?mode=viewprofile&u=155677 ] basen[/url] zadaszenia basenow
bestway baseny [url=http://melbdigital.com/dontshoot/viewtopic.php?f=3&t=20578 ] przykrycia basenowe[/url] zadaszenia basenu
Have a nice day, mein Freund!
Have a nice day, mein Freund!
I agree with your point,
I agree with your point, please share with us more good articles.1985 Buick Electra AC Compressor
After I subscribed the free
After I subscribed the free forex signal on
Smartfxsol.com (almost a 6 months now), I have generated more than US$ 11,890.55 in profits. I'm so happy and satisfied with my results that this year I will invest much more apart from my benefits
check it on smartfxsol.com
Add your comment