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February 1, 2009  

Forum pick: From our online discussion boards

One of the lessons of Iraq is that ‘the surge’ appears to be successful and may be replicated (I hope) in Afghanistan. Nevertheless, we should always look for a less costly way. Dunlap points out two successful alternatives — the Philippines and Colombia. The technique used there was to help indigenous forces with advisers. Of course, in Iraq we really weren’t prepared with advisers who understood the culture and the language. … The number of military Arabic speakers is abysmally low. Interpreters are a poor substitute.”

— “DETECTION” COMMENTS ON CHARLES J. DUNLAP’S ARTICLE, “FORGET THE LESSONS OF IRAQ,” JANUARY AFJ. (www.armedforcesjournal.com/2009/01/3827971)

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