Islamic Fundamentalism. Considerations for the Operational Commander.
Abstract
With the removal of Cold War restraints, tne world is entering insurgency and revolution. Current U.S. counterinsurgency doctrine is codified in Joint Pub 3-07, Doctrine for Joint Operations in Low Intensity Conflict. This doctrine grew out of lessons learned in Viet Nam, where the communist opposition generally followed a Maoist pattern of revolution. Many of the new insurgencies, however, may be "Islamic Fundamentalist" in character. Based on examination of the Iranian Revolution and the ongoing Algerian uprising, it appears that Islamic insurgencies represent a significant threat to U.S. security and are substantially different in nature from the Maoist model. The key to a successful Islamic revolution is the ability of the radical clergy to first harness a mass revolt of the urban lower class, and then gain the support of the secular opposition. This may occur very quickly, as the existing religious infrastructure becomes the revolutionary organization. Patterns of operation may include use of religious symbolism as cover for revolutionary activities and use of suicide/high risk attacks on regime and western targets. The CINC may exploit these differences by attacking the cohesiveness of anti-government forces and minimizing cultural antagonism. Additionally, he must be prepared to conduct Noncombatant Evacuation Operations (NEO) on short notice, and institute effective anti-terrorism measures.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- May 16, 1995
- Accession Number
- ADA298118
Entities
People
- P. K. Rosbolt
Organizations
- Naval War College