Stability Operations: Getting It Right in the Global War on Terrorism
Abstract
The Global War on Terrorism is well underway and as the President promised it is unlike any war this nation has ever previously fought. Major combat operations in both Afghanistan and Iraq lasted a very short time however it is a generally accepted premise that our armed forced will remain in these countries for a considerable time to come conducting stability operations. Post-conflict activities and peace operations can actually be more difficult and at times more dangerous than major combat. Failed states and weak countries represent a potential breeding ground for terrorist networks and therefore need to be assisted to eliminate that threat. Failure to provide needed help can result in overthrow by terrorist groups and/or regional instability. The list of countries with dysfunctional governments seems to grow longer with the passage of time. Because the US has many resources and possesses the most powerful military in the world it will be required to conduct stability operations in numerous locations while simultaneously seeking out and destroying terrorist cells and protecting the homeland. Maintaining adequate public support as these missions are executed (all the time taking casualties) will be a very tall order but without it the US will ultimately disengage allowing terrorist cells to continue targeting locations throughout the world. This paper reviews stability operations conducted by the US in post World War II Europe Somalia Bosnia and Herzegovina Rwanda Haiti and those currently underway in Iraq. It applies what has been learned in the previous operations to the intricacies of the Global War on Terrorism to chart a better course for current and future operations.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Mar 18, 2005
- Accession Number
- ADA432476
Entities
People
- Timothy A. Reisch
Organizations
- United States Army War College