FAO Quotables

"But being right, even morally right, isn't everything. It is also important to be competent, to be consistent, and to be knowledgeable. It's important for your soldiers and diplomats to speak the language of the people you want to influence. It's important to understand the ethnic and tribal divisions of the place you hope to assist."
-Anne Applebaum

Thursday, December 3, 2015

Weekly Reading List: Ivory-Terrorism myths, People Hangovers, Shoeboxes and Lawrence in Syria

The US needs to retire daylight savings and just have two time zones—one hour apart
Before 1883 the US had over 300 different time zones--who knew?  A well-researched cogent argument for ditching the daylight savings system.  You can follow her on twitter here.

The Ivory-Funded Terrorism Myth

McConnell is quite simply one of the best reporters in Africa today.  If he writes it, I read it--you should too.  This is a must read article for senior military leaders and policy-makers alike.  Key quote:  "It matters because global terrorism and the international ivory trade are distinct problems, requiring different strategies; conflating the two risks undermining the fight against both." 

How to Avoid a People Hangover

Donald Miller's 'Storyline Blog' is mandatory reading for introverts (I'm a borderline introvert) and I know exactly what he means about a people hangover.  

Unsolicited Advice About Shoeboxes

If your church or group sends Christmas shoeboxes abroad to Africa --PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE read this helpful post first.

How Would Lawrence of Arabia Defeat the Islamic State?

Great article by the prolific Staviridis.  Some great food for thought--I especially liked the idea of integrating the Af-Pak hands cadre across appropriate military planning staffs.  And of course, I also appreciation his plug for foreign area officers.

Mystery of Madagascar's stunted children

A rather complex wicked problem here in Madagascar.  Over 60% of children in Madagascar suffering from stunting--that is to say, chronic and lasting malnutrition that not only affect height but also long-term cognitive ability.

The Norwich Review of International and Transnational Crime (NRITC)

Looks like an interesting new magazine--but unfortunately the only way to read it is to download it as a PDF...not the most user friendly.

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