Disengaging from Insurgencies: Insights from History and Implications for Afghanistan
Abstract
To determine insights for future disengagements, this thesis examines four historical episodes in which Western nations withdrew from on-going conflicts against insurgent-like enemies. Relatively unsuccessful results flowed from the British withdrawal from Aden during the 1960's and the American withdrawal from Vietnam during 1972-1973. As the last British troop departed Aden, a state of turmoil prevailed. Not only could the insurgents realistically claim victory in evicting the British by force, but also the territory later became the Arab world's first Marxist state and a base for terrorists. America's departure from Vietnam produced similar disappointment. Less than three years after the Americans departed, insurgents combined with a North Vietnamese conventional assault to shatter the South Vietnam's defenses and united the countries under communism. More successful outcomes occurred during the British withdrawal from Malaya in the 1960s and the American withdrawal from El Salvador in 1988-1989. After World War II, the British attempted to reestablish colonial control of Malaya and faced resistance from communist insurgents. In the midst of their counterinsurgency, the British government granted Malaya independence in August 1957. The Malayan government, backed by British support, continued its struggle against the communist insurgents for another three years. The Malayan government announced victory in 1960 and began to enjoy a relatively peaceful and prosperous aftermath. From kidnappings, assassinations, and other political-criminal activities, an insurgency emerged in El Salvador in 1979. As the movement transitioned to guerrilla warfare, the insurgent fighters rivaled the strength of the Salvadoran security forces.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 01, 2009
- Accession Number
- ADA540539
Entities
People
- James M. Kimbrough Iv
Organizations
- Air University