Russell Glenn, one of the most original thinkers and diligent researchers on Counterinsurgency, has done us an enormous favour. Recognizing the limits of a theory based solely on the canon of mid- twentieth century cases like Malaya and Algeria, he gives a much- needed corrective, analyzing modern variations of insurgency, and the range of innovative responses to it. This insightful book should be required reading for all students and practitioners of this complex and constantly- evolving form of war. David J. Kilcullen, Counterinsurgency Advisor to the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan With conflict and chaos in much of North Africa, the Middle East, and Central Asia, the need to understand counterinsurgency is as great as ever. COIN isn’t dead; we just need to do it better. Russ Glenn’s pioneering new book outlines lessons from eight recent – and little known – insurgencies. It is essential reading. Nicholas P. Warner, Director- General, Australian Secret Intelligence Service Insurgency is changing in shape and form; to counter it successfully, we must adapt accordingly. This book is a timely, thought-provoking and crit- ical examination of our current approaches to counterinsurgency, chal- lenging many widely-held tenets. A “must read” for practitioners. It will probably find its way on to the insurgents’ reading list, too. Sir John P. Kiszely, former Director of the UK Defence Academy and Senior British Military Representative and Deputy Commanding General, Multinational Force, Iraq A comprehensive, thoughtful analysis of the evolution of the theory and practice of counterinsurgency operations – with superb case studies and well- considered conclusions that should be studied carefully by any student or practitioner of COIN. General David H. Petraeus, US Army, Retired This page intentionally left blank Rethinking Western Approaches to Counterinsurgency This book critically examines the Western approach to counterinsurgency in the post-colonial era and offers a series of recommendations to address current shortfalls. The author argues that current approaches to countering insurgency rely too heavily on conflicts from the post- World War II years of waning colonialism. Campaigns conducted over half a century ago – Malaya, Aden, and Kenya among them – remain primary sources on which the United States, British, Australian, and other militaries build their guidance for dealing with insurgent threats, though both the character of those threats and the conflict environment are significantly different than was the case in those earlier years. This book addresses the resulting inconsist- encies by offering insights, analysis, and recommendations drawn from campaigns more applicable to counterinsurgency today. Eight post- colonial conflicts – to include Northern Ireland, Sierra Leone, Colombia and Iraq – provide the basis for analysis. All are exam- ples in which counterinsurgents attained or continue to demonstrate considerable progress when taking on enterprises better known for dis- aster and disappointment. Recommendations resulting from these ana- lyses challenge entrenched beliefs to serve as the impetus for essential change. Rethinking Western Approaches to Counterinsurgency will be of much interest to students of counterinsurgencies, military and strategic studies, security studies and IR in general. Russell W. Glenn is Senior Lecturer in military operations and national security studies at The Australian National University, Canberra. He has a PhD in American History from the University of Kansas. Studies in Insurgency, Counterinsurgency and National Security Series Editors: Paul Rich Editor of Small Wars and Insurgencies and Isabelle Duyvesteyn Utrecht University This series seeks to publish comparative surveys as well as more detailed in- depth case studies on insurgent movements and counter- insurgent responses. The aim is to provide both fresh and innovative analytical per- spectives on new and hitherto unknown or neglected research materials and documentation, including the resources from historical archives as well as oral or field work data. The Theory and Practice of Irregular Warfare Warrior- scholarship in counter- insurgency Edited by Andrew Mumford and Bruno Reis Indian National Security and Counter- Insurgency The use of force vs non- violent response Namrata Goswami Rethinking Western Approaches to Counterinsurgency Lessons from post- colonial conflict Russell W. Glenn Rethinking Western Approaches to Counterinsurgency Lessons from post- colonial conflict Russell W. Glenn First published 2015 by Routledge 2 Park Square, Milton Park, Abingdon, Oxon OX14 4RN and by Routledge 711 Third Avenue, New York, NY 10017 Routledge is an imprint of the Taylor & Francis Group, an informa business © 2015 Russell W. Glenn The right of Russell W. Glenn to be identified as author of this work has been asserted by him in accordance with sections 77 and 78 of the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reprinted or reproduced or utilised in any form or by any electronic, mechanical, or other means, now known or hereafter invented, including photocopying and recording, or in any information storage or retrieval system, without permission in writing from the publishers. Trademark notice: Product or corporate names may be trademarks or registered trademarks, and are used only for identification and explanation without intent to infringe. British Library Cataloguing- in-Publication Data A catalogue record for this book is available from the British Library Library of Congress Cataloging- in-Publication Data Glenn, Russell W. Rethinking western approaches to counterinsurgency : lessons from post-colonial conflict / Russell W. Glenn. pages cm. – (Studies in insurgency, counterinsurgency and national security) Includes bibliographical references and index. 1. Counterinsurgency. 2. Counterinsurgency–Case studies. I. Title. U241.G544 2015 355.02'18–dc23 2014043676 ISBN: 978-1-138-81933-7 (hbk) ISBN: 978-1-315-74465-0 (ebk) Typeset in Baskerville by Wearset Ltd, Boldon, Tyne and Wear Every effort has been made to contact copyright holders for their permission to reprint material in this book. The publishers would be grateful to hear from any copyright holder who is not here acknowledged and will undertake to rectify any errors or omissions in future editions of this book. To all who read to learn Who learn to improve Who improve to serve And who serve with an open mind for the greater good This page intentionally left blank Contents Acknowledgments x 1 Introduction 1 2 Applying the iron fist in Chechnya and Sri Lanka 19 3 Twice successful, still challenged: insurgency in twenty- first-century Southern Philippines 44 4 Counterinsurgency at home: perseverance in Northern Ireland 78 5 Counterinsurgency lessons from a civil war: Sierra Leone 110 6 Interdicting insurgency: applying a comprehensive approach in the Solomon Islands 148 7 Taking on criminal insurgency: Colombian progress against the FARC 180 8 The operational oil spot and rise of the militias: COIN in Iraq’s Al Anbar Province 205 9 Further contemplation on revised beliefs 231 10 Additional recommendations and concluding thoughts 265 Bibliography 283 Index 307 Acknowledgments This offering includes insights from many friends and colleagues whose reviews were of great value as I put pen to paper (or, less prosaically, fingers to keyboard). Among those kind enough to review individual chap- ters are Chris Albiston, J.B. Burton, Bill Duff, Chris Field, Tim Thomas, Jim Vega, and Ivan Welch. Richard Iron, Dan Marston, and Chris North were extraordinary in assuming the burden of reviewing an early version of the entire manuscript. Extensive thanks are due to Rusty Rafferty at Fort Leavenworth’s Com- bined Arms Research Library, a research librarian of extraordinary talent and a friend. The list of others whose thoughts have added to my counter- insurgency understanding is far too long for my memory to properly acknowledge all (lost email accounts and the many years do not help in that regard). Among others with direct impact on the enclosed pages beyond the kindness of granting an interview: Alex Alderson, Clint Ancker, Gideon Avidor, Jonathan Bailey, Scott Bamonte, Joe Bolick, Kevin Born, Johnny Brooks, Jay Bruder, James Bryant, Peter Chiarelli, Ron Christmas, Neil Chuka, Tom Chychota, Roger Cirillo, Howard Coombs, Singe Coughlin, Scott Crino, Dave Dilegge, Lou Dimarco, Greg Fontenot, John Frewen, Tony Funkhouser, Paul Gaertner, Jan Frederik Geiner, Fred Gellert, Les Grau, Tom Greco, Joe Guido, Gordon Hagar, Sid Heal, Todd Helmus, Paul Hooker, Simon Johnstone, Bob Jones, Dave Kilcullen, John Kiszely, Jim Linder, Colin Magee, RAM Martin, David Maxwell, Jamison Jo Medby, Paul Mitchell, George Mordica, James O’Sullivan, Henk Oerle- mans, Jim Pasquarette, David Petraeus, David Perkins, Luc Pigeon, Jim Quinlivan, Fidel Ramos, David Richards, Rick Riker, Bill Rollo, David Russell- Parsons, Duane Schattle, Bob Shaw, Randy Steeb, Omer Tooley, Stuart Tootal, Johan van Houten, Paul Van Riper, Nick Warner, Steve White, Stuart Yeaman, and any members of the United States Army’s School of Advanced Military Studies Seminar 4 from the academic years 1987–1988 and 1994–1996 not already listed. There are some special women who worked behind the scenes while assisting my research efforts over the past several years. Terry Perkins and Gayle Stephenson, your spirit lurks within these pages. Acknowledgments xi And then there is family.