Fighting Iraq with Anti-Gang Techniques
Abstract
The insurgency and terrorism in Iraq and Afghanistan have direct linkages to and similarities with organized crime and gangs. For example, cars that had been stolen in the United States were discovered in vehicle-borne improvised explosive devices (VBIEDs) in Baghdad. In addition, the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime's August 2003 study of Iraq's organized crime also noted that this is an area of concern. In June 2004, the Iraqi Ministry of Interior arrested former death row inmates in Baghdad during a takedown of one of the largest gangs that was involved in assassinations, kidnappings, and armed robbery. A majority of those arrested were among the prisoners released by Saddam Hussein just prior to the coalition push into Iraq. To succeed in battling this threat, the focus needs to shift to one of preparing the Iraqi police, military, and citizens to help counter this threat. The United States has spent billions of dollars and decades fighting organized crime at home and abroad. It should make use of its anti-crime, anti-gang policies, procedures, and systems to fight terrorism and insurgency in Iraq.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 01, 2006
- Accession Number
- ADA505955
Entities
People
- Jim A. Mcshea
Organizations
- Marine Corps University