tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7316085735333046394.post4119800499897484674..comments2024-02-19T02:37:02.312-06:00Comments on Always Judged Guilty: MoneyBrianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02490045924214723301noreply@blogger.comBlogger2125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7316085735333046394.post-26034832220863446182010-09-03T11:07:19.053-05:002010-09-03T11:07:19.053-05:00Thanks, Jim- and you are right. Institutions like...Thanks, Jim- and you are right. Institutions like the DoD- even under someone like Gates- tend to get stuck into doing what they know, to the exclusion of everything else. We (kind of) know how to take out terrorists, and since that is the path of least resistance, that is what we will do. It doesn't exclude everything else, but it certainly relegates less-explosive tools to the shadows.Brianhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02490045924214723301noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7316085735333046394.post-5396144007222264432010-09-03T03:53:43.324-05:002010-09-03T03:53:43.324-05:00Good to have you back Brian! I feel that billions...Good to have you back Brian! I feel that billions of dollars of aid isn’t always the answer especially as the western agenda is to stem future terrorist attacks. While regionally stability is key in needs to be remembered that AQAP’s capability in Yemen has been severely reduced hence a shift in Modus Operandi. The focus should be on internal stability rather than a threat of an external export of terror. What’s happening in the south is Saleh’s biggest issue. Over reaction militarily to Al Hirak/AQAP attacks in the south (another big debate – who is responsible?) will further exacerbate the dwindling support for a central Yemen government. <br /><br />In Yemen the tribes rule. Saleh needs to concentrate on the southern issue as his main effort. Although not a direct threat, Al Awlaki’s pop star status has attracted a lot of media attention promoting AQAP – not necessarily a bad thing for both sides. The increased perceived threat results in financial support for the Yemen Government and gives a reason for western intelligence/military to operate. These issues are still sideshows to the south which has the <br />potential to reignite the North/South divide. <br /><br />Lots of discussion topics but I need to get them in case you disappear again!Jimnoreply@blogger.com