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Enemy Lessons

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Randy Ludacer

Published: November 5, 2008

One of the lessons learned in Vietnam was that it is possible to take issues away from the enemy and turn them to your advantage. Two programs, originated with the U.S. Agency for International Development, and had a substantial impact on the course of the war.

A program called "Chieu Hoi" or open arms, which welcomed former V.C. into the ranks of the government forces, and a land reform plan called "Land to the Tiller," which gave tenant farmers an opportunity to own the land which they had farmed for others. These programs deprived the enemy of both issues and persuade many former combatants to change sides.

A similar result was recently achieved in Anbar Province; when Sunnis, have been persuaded to change sides and now no longer oppose American forces in the Province. This change was not the result of American arms but of persuading the Sunni leadership that their long term interests were better served by joining with the U.S. in expelling Al Qaida from their territory.

The importance of pursuing similar possibilities in Afghanistan should be given the highest priorities. Due to the fragmentary nature of Afghan politics and the importance of local issues rather than solidarity with the government in Kabul there is a great potential for persuading some of the revolutionary movements that cooperating with the U.S. presence may be in their long term interests. A greater U.S. AID presence and a program similar to that employed in Vietnam, a "CORDS" program combining military and development initiatives could bring great dividends. Learning from the successes of the past as well as the mistakes of the past should be part of the program.

Vietnam AID programs involved building schools, hospitals and clinics, road improvements, farmers markets and co-ops, land reform. By improving the life of the locals we can make significant inroads in the insurgency and win support for our side.

Randy Ludacer
Lake Placid

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