Tribalism

[Rifleman]

Here's an article I found posted on another site. I suppose this could go on one of the other boards but I think it fits best here. It's a short essay on the tribal mindset and the implications historically.

I thought some people here might find it interesting. Whether you agree or not it's thought provoking; and worth a read, considering the situations in Afghanistan and Iraq.

http://www.d-n-i.net/fcs/pressfield_tribes.htm

[Officer of Engineers]

Didn't the Northern Alliance and not NATO who marched into Kabul?

[GSpot]

Thats a really fascinating piece, although it does seem that he downplays the role of religion a little much. I cant help but think that a certain misunderstanding of this mindset has handicapped U.S. efforts in the past. Mark Bowden suggests in his book that we had the same problem in Somalia, thinking we could cut off the head of these organizations and poof, away they would go. He thinks that even if we had stayed to finish the job that that strategy was bankrupt, perhaps the reasons why are contained in that article.

[Parihaka]

Didn't the Northern Alliance and not NATO who marched into Kabul?

Actually it was John Simpson & the BBC
http://www.guardian.co.uk/waronterro...593048,00.html