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Politics : Foreign Affairs Discussion Group -- Ignore unavailable to you. Want to Upgrade?

To: maceng2 who wrote (94230)	4/17/2003 12:20:56 PM
From: JohnM	Read Replies (2) \| Respond to of 281500

Yes it is a serious link. Well, then, thanks for the link. I was not aware Steinbeck had ever written such a book. I'll take a look.

To: maceng2 who wrote (94230)	4/17/2003 3:31:02 PM
From: paul_philp	Read Replies (1) \| Respond to of 281500

Fact is, being an armed occupying army is a very difficult task over time. The need for control of a population puts you at a serious disadvantage imho. Yes, this is a controlling dynamic. The longer you stay, the more systems you must put in place to ensure security, the more you look like an occupying government, the more resentment, the more you need to put systems in place, ... Tough problem. I think the gradual transfer of power to an interim government is the right solution but it is only a small temporary solution. He who controls the army, controls the territory, no matter how much lipstick you put on the pig. In general, this dynamic serves to unite everyone's interests - everyone wants to use out quickly so there is some give in the negotiations. However, it is also a weakness that could be exploited if someone really wants to discredited the Americans. A few well place car bombs could force an increased security presence, etc... General Garner will earn his keep on this assignment. Paul