| Description |
Since 2001, the United States of America has lead a frustrating and often complex Global War on Terror. Efforts have shown small effect in nation building and difficulty in obtaining longitudinal results from counter insurgency efforts. Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom, conducted in Iraq and Afghanistan respectively, are the first wars of their kind, imbued with the title "Hearts and Minds Campaign" these contingency operations seek to simply improve the unstable and often volatile regimes in place to prevent terror cultivation in the future. Relative failures and a slow adaption process have revealed a growing need for policy officials to take a second look at the importance of cultural sensitivity in their war doctrine. As a former US Marine and veteran of Iraq and Afghanistan, this topic is of particular importance to me and will include personal references of successes and failures within the field. This critical assessment will also take a close look at a number of case studies reflecting the disastrous response to religious affront. In an effort to design more appropriate standard operating procedure, these events will be revisited with an attempt to prevent the events with more thoughtful decision-making. If these procedural accommodations cannot be met, allied forces run the risk of losing footing in their efforts abroad by antagonistic organizations. These groups, already more identifiable with the local populous, have shown an interest in making the necessary efforts to win over the community, witnessed in heavily distributed propaganda and proxy sponsorship. Lastly, policy amendments in war doctrine will be recommended for future military activity by reviewing instances where small cultural efforts have reaped positive results, case studies will include the 2005 Al-Anbar Awakening and efforts by the Lioness Program/Female Engagement Teams throughout the Middle East, while Maritime Asia will be examined using issues with domestically led operations and the success of coalition efforts to amalgamate cultural tactics with hardline military doctrine. In the wake of the US's multi-front war, assessing the importance of cultural sensitivity and applying it to contemporary war doctrine has become a vital effort for success in Islam-dominated conflict arenas. |
