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Insurgents, Terrorists, and Militias: The Wars of Contemporary Combat
By
Richard H. Shultz Jr. & Andrea J. Dew
Soon after the end of the Cold War, conventional militaries and their political leaders confronted a new type of warfare, one they were not prepared for or expecting. \"Traditional\" or \"tribal\" warriors emerged as new foes in a radically different world. Richard H. Shultz Jr. and Andrea Dew show that by underestimating the threat of tribal groups and failing to understand their cultural beliefs or adapt to their way of fighting, conventional forces have suffered and will continue to suffer military and political defeat. The authors describe the tactics and strategies of armed groups from Mogadishu and the Sunni triangle to Grozny and the mountains of Afghanistan. They also look at the historical, cultural, and anthropological factors that shape the motivations and tactics of traditional warriors. Today, the threat of insurgents, terrorists, and militias is growing and changing in nature. Friendly states and outside organizations like al-Qaeda serve as powerful allies to these groups, many of whom are showing an increasing willingness to kill civilians, use weapons of mass destruction, and expand their areas of operation. By developing a richer understanding of the history, culture, and military strategy of their enemies, nations will be better able to respond to these new threats and prevent future bloodshed and political chaos.
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