Literacy and the Role of Women: A Winning Combination?
Abstract
This research paper explores the theory of democratic consolidation and uses a center of gravity analysis to determine strategy recommendations for combating the Global War on Terrorism (GWOT) and achieving enduring regime change in Afghanistan and Iraq. To date, most of the effort (i.e., military, political, informational, and economic) put forth to combat terrorist organizations with global reach has been aimed at terrorism itself; that is, against the critical capability of conducting violent acts. This paper argues that efforts must be re-channeled and re-focused on the second critical capability in this center of gravity analysis: promotion of violent ideology. Delving deeper into the analysis, the author shows that critical requirements of promoting violent ideology are the continuance of illiteracy and the repression of women. Widespread illiteracy and the repression of women's role in society facilitates terrorists' abilities to find sanctuaries, recruit new terrorists, promote "mob" culture, promote intolerance, and ensure the stability of their oppressive regime. As a result, the critical vulnerabilities of radical Islamic terrorists and extremists include literacy programs; gender equality; promotion of tolerance; and exposure to foreign ideas, religions, and cultures. These vulnerabilities should be the focus of U.S. foreign policy and strategy towards Iraq and Afghanistan.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Mar 06, 2006
- Accession Number
- ADA449088
Entities
People
- Nicole L. Desilets-bixler
Organizations
- United States Army War College