A gentle occupation: unravelling the Dutch approach in Iraq, 2003–2005

This article examines the so-called ‘Dutch approach’ to conducting stabilisation operations. The term is mostly used in relation to the mission carried out by the Netherlands armed forces in Afghanistan's Uruzgan province from 2006 to 2010, but actually originates in the Iraqi province of Al Muthanna. Here, a 1350-strong battle group operated from July 2003 until March 2005 as part of the US-led coalition, after which the Dutch forces left Iraq relatively unscathed and self-confident of their ability in dealing with this type of conflict. On the basis of archival research and interviews, the authors unravel the ‘Dutch approach’ in southern Iraq by tracing its roots and by examining the Dutch operation in the context of the American and British experiences. They argue that despite predominantly effective tactical reflexes and an overall adequately broad interpretation by battle group commanders of a too narrowly defined political mandate, stability in Al Muthanna was conditions-driven rather than the result of a unique and effective approach. The term ‘Dutch approach’ turned out to be a convenient fabrication which, after the relatively successful mission in Al Muthanna, became increasingly politicised in the run-up to a dangerous new operation in southern Afghanistan.     

The Use and Abuse of the ‘Dutch Approach’ to Counter-Insurgency

This article argues that there is little evidence supporting the existence of the often praised, and allegedly subtle and successful ‘Dutch approach’ to stabilisation and counter-insurgency operations in Iraq or Afghanistan. It denounces the uncritical use of the term and refutes suggestions of historical and cultural roots to such an approach, for instance in Dutch colonial warfare in the Indonesian archipelago. It concludes by explaining the true conditions that gave rise to this notion, which seems to feed into a gratifying national self-image of the Dutch as non-martial, conflict averse and tolerant, rather than offering an original and successful formula for countering insurgencies.     

Local defence forces and counterinsurgency in Afghanistan: learning from the CIA's Village Defense Program in South Vietnam

Some scholars would have us believe that the distinctions between military and policing roles, methods and objectives have become increasingly blurred by the security demands of a post-Cold War and post-11 September global and domestic order. This article explores the current state of the police–military divide through a conceptual and case study analysis. It concludes that, in this case, there is some conflation occurring at a macro-level as international and domestic affairs have become increasingly indistinct, but the article also demonstrates that the actual ethos and practice of these agencies still differs strongly. Most importantly, the article argues that this distinction is in fact a very useful one in planning for future peace support operations     

The Fallujah awakening: a case study in counter-insurgency

The successful pacification of Fallujah in 2007 during the Anbar Awakening movement was due to the coordinated efforts of US and Iraqi forces to physically and psychologically separate the people from the insurgency. Efforts along security, political, and development lines along with a robust tribal effort eliminated the armed insurgency and set the basis for victory in the area. But a synchronized delivery of these resources was insufficient to defeat the insurgency by itself absent the population's decision to turn against the insurgents. This process began to occur in 2006 and was successfully capitalized upon by Coalition Forces in Fallujah in 2007.     

论武警法是独立的部门法

武警法究竞是否独立的部门法,是由来已久且必须回答的重要命题。《中华人民共和国人民武装警察法》的颁布为武警法的独立性提供了实证。武警法与相关法律部门,如军事法、行政法、警察法有本质的区别。武警法是我国法律体系中具有独立地位的部门法。     

基于网络存储技术的武警有线综合业务网存储系统研究

为解决武警有线综合业务网海量信息的存储与管理问题,本文在论述了目前比较流行的网络存储技术的基础上,结合武警有线综合业务网的特点,提出了适应武警有线综合业务网存储需要的网络存储技术方案。     

武警院校教育规模化、内涵式发展及其实现途径

将武警院校教育的发展方式作为研究的切入点,在分析过往武警院校教育发展方式所造成的诸如院校数量多、规模小、条块分割、结构不合理、办学效益不高等问题及其原因的基础上,提出了武警院校教育应走规模化、内涵式发展道路的思路,以及武警院校教育实现规模化、内涵式发展方式的具体途径和方法,并对此从理论与实践两个方面进行了论证。     

《绿野仙踪》“世情化”的艺术手法

作为一部跨类型小说,精彩的世情描写和高超的写实艺术使《绿野仙踪》在清中期的小说中独树一帜。它在人物塑造和结构技法上深受世情小说创作手法的影响,运用现实主义表现手法塑造出众多的＂正邪两赋＂之人;而＂草蛇灰线＂法的运用,则让原本庞杂的内容有了潜在的联系。     

中国共产党90年的奋皇功绩与经验启示

中国共产党90年,以艰苦卓绝的奋斗取得了丰功伟绩,积累了深刻宝贵的基本经验和启示：不负重托,不辱使命;保持先进性;把马克思列宁主义基本原理与中国具体实际情况和时代基本特征相结合;一切为了和紧紧依靠人民群众;加强和改进自身建设。     

装甲机械化部队信息系统体系结构研究

为确立装甲机械化部队信息系统建设的体系结构,分析了装甲机械化部队信息系统存在的问题,根据装甲机械化部队军事能力需求得出了装甲机械化部队的信息系统的体系结构方案,并就相关问题进行了描述和探讨,可供装甲机械化部队信息系统建设参考。