General FAO Reading List

I have a much broader FAO reading list broken down by location/themes here.

GENERAL

A Force More Powerful by Peter Ackerman and Jack Duvall.

A Prince of Our Disorder: The Life of T. E. Lawrence by John E. Mack

Arts of Power: Statecraft and Diplomacy (Cross-Cultural Negotiation Books) by Charles W. Freeman

Exporting security: International Engagement, Security Cooperation and the Changing Face of the U.S. Military by Derek S. Reveron

Force and Statecraft by Gordon A. Craig and Alexander L. George

Getting to Yes: Negotiating Agreement Without Giving In by Roger Fisher

Guide for Participants in Peace, Stability and Relief Operations edited by Robert M. Perito

Guns, Germs and Steel by Diamond.  Posits the strong influence of geography on development.

How Wars End: Why We Always Fight the Last Battle by Gideon Rose

Making War and Building Peace: U.N. Peace Operations by Doyle and Sambanis, 2006.   Statistical analysis of trends leading to success and failure in Peace operations.

*Matterhorn by Karl Marlantes.  My review on Amazon is available here and my full FUUO review is available here.  My two sentence summary:  We spend a disproportionate amount of time studying the facts, tactics, techniques and history of wars. I add this novel to my "must read for FAOs" list because it adds something missing: CONTEXT and TEXTURE.

Seven Pillars of Wisdom: A Triumph by T. E. Lawrence

Stillwell and the American Experience in China by Barbara Tuchman.  Recommended by Hoyawolf:

Perhaps the consummate soldier/diplomat who went from Attaché to Theater Commander in WWII.

Strategy for Sustainability: A Business Manifesto by Adam Werbach

The Admiral: The Memoirs of Albert Gleaves, Admiral by Albert Gleaves

*The Diplomat’s Dictionary by Chas W. Freeman, Jr.

The Future of Power by Joseph Nye, 2011.  

The SPEED of Trust: The One Thing That Changes Everything by Stephen R. Covey

*The Tipping Point by Malcom Gladwell

The Ugly American by William J. Lederer

*The Ultimate Weapon is No Weapon: Human Security and the New Rules of War and Peace by Shannon D. Beebe and Mark Kaldor

United States Protocol: The Guide to Official Diplomatic Etiquette by Mary French

How to be an SCO/SAO--great article from fellow FAO

Having arrived in country a few months ago to a location that did not previously have a dedicated Office of Security Cooperation, I can say that the task of starting one is at times overwhelming, frightening, exciting, and bewildering (often all in one day).  

A few days ago I came across an amazing article in the DISAM Journal by a fellow OSC Chief.  It was so good I knew I needed to share it in its entirety here.  Incidentally, you should add the DISAM journal to your RSS feed--a lot of useful articles in there: http://www.disamjournal.org

  

Reflections of a Security Assistance/Security Cooperation Officer by LTC Michael McCullough, USA

While waiting in the office of my Senior Defense Official (SDO) I came across a hardcover copy of the DISAM Annual, Vol 2.  In it there was an article on security cooperation programs which caused me to reflect on my 2 tours as a Chief of Security Cooperation and motivated me to write this article. Below are some thoughts, advice and observations that I hope may help newly minted Security Assistance Officers (SAOs) and or cause the many professional SAOs with knowledge in this field to add their own experiences.

“Six Principles for Effective Military Cooperation”

#1: Create a program that is “Simple, Predictable and Nimble.”  This has been my guiding principle through two SAO assignments and as the operations officer in the USAREUR G3 Multinational Training Division (MNTD).

• Keeping it simple does not allude to making things basic.  I suggest that a program that is easily understandable by your staff, the Country Team (CT) and most importantly the Partner Nation (PN) is extremely important.  You can lose valuable time trying to explain the intricacies of budgets, plans and policies when you should be executing engagements. An SAO (note: now referred to as a SCO- Security Cooperation Office/Officer) should be able to explain a vision, goals and objectives in easily understandable sound bites/bullet comments.
• Predictable. Developing an annual plan and distributing it to the Embassy and to the Partner Nation facilitates organization and alignment of resources. You will inevitably receive calls of short notice changes or opportunities.  It will be your job to manage this.  Don’t put your country in a position of declining unplanned events. This will create unnecessary friction and hardships. Do what you can to 
• keep the training providers on a timeline in accordance with YOUR plan.
• Technique: Construct an “Activities List” that captures every event, seminar, training opportunity and IMET course that your program offers.  Review that with your PN primary contacts regularly.  This list will become invaluable to your staff, the multiple desk officers and country team as it lays out the significant amount of investment that the US/DoD is contributing to military cooperation.
• It’s okay to say “no”. It is better to execute a clear and well organized plan than to take every last minute offer. Because of vetting requirements, logistics and country team clearance last minute opportunities can be more destructive than productive as your staff, the PN and the CT will likely suffer ripple effects for something that was not originally planned.
• Nimble. Partnership implies that there are at least two sides to a relationship. Try and incorporate your PN goals into the CT and numerous country engagement plans. Military Cooperation is meant to be a win-win situation for both the US and PN.

#2: Develop A Plan…Put it in Writing

• One of your first priorities as an incoming SAO should be to review all plans (State, DoD, USAID, US Embassy, Component, and State Partnership Program) related to your country. You should find overlapping priorities and gaps in these documents.  This is where YOUR plan can re-enforce overlapping objectives and fill critical gaps.
• Everything should have a strategic objective and be linked in your plan. To include International Military Education and Training (IMET) funded events, Foreign Military Financing (FMF), Humanitarian assistance (HA) etc.  Showing linkages will also facilitate obtaining greater funding because you will be able to communicate why it is that you are conducting a particular program or project.
• Many US organizations will not have written plans or current plans on your country - Do not let this hold you back.  By making a plan you help others write or adjust theirs.  You may become a catalyst for a deeper discussion on policy/engagement for your country.
• Time Management. Having a plan will also help you manage your time.  Your plan should outline short, medium and long term goals.  By monitoring your milestones you can evaluate which elements of your program are successful and which areas need improvement. This can also help drive your budget process as well.

#3: Communication. This is traditionally a weakness in engagement programs.  It takes extra effort but will pay off if you are tenacious and consistent.

• Partner Nation.  Nothing beats regular communication with your PN. If you do not have regularly scheduled meetings - establish them.  This facilitates “predictability.”  Eventually, your conversations can lead to a PN improvement on planning and providing you valuable feedback.
• Desk Officers.  You should know every desk officer from DoD, State, COCOM and Component Commands that touch your country/program.  They should be receiving regular activity updates (or an activities list) from you.  By pushing information engagement becomes proactive and not reactive.
• Technique: Write your plan and have all the desk officers provide feedback on the drafts.  You may or may not receive anything but if you do it will help you see engagement from another angle and make you a better Chief of OSC. It will also keep your plan in alignment.
• Country Team. In addition to disseminating information among the different offices in an Embassy, be particularly mindful of Public Diplomacy (PD). PD serves many functions but they can help you get the “story” out into the press.  Regular press (Television, radio and print) coverage helps ensure your efforts are communicated to the public and to key PN politicians.  This will elevate your influence along with the US Embassy.
• Technique: Invite the press to all closing ceremonies.  If there are exercises or skill application lanes and or maneuvers then have them attend and record.
• In the Congo, PD facilitated a “Face Book campaign” during a month long exercise that OSC developed.  This was a huge success.
• SDO/Attaches. Much like getting the press to cover your activities so should you encourage observation by your Attaché colleagues both US and international.  Rarely are there any secrets surrounding SAO engagement activities.  Why not invite foreign Attaches to your events?  They may reciprocate which would be beneficial to both the SAO and DAO.  Remember, more than likely there is an SAO in that foreign Attaché’s country. Military cooperation is about dialogue and networking.  You can really make a difference by being inclusive.
• Miscellaneous: Write about your experience.  In AFRICOM we have the Africa Defense Forum (ADF) Journal.   There are also trade related journals (medical, engineering and international publications (print and online) that are always looking for new material.  Your experience living and engaging with another government and culture should not be underestimated.  Get the information out.  You have firsthand access and knowledge. The more you do it the easier it will become.  Our leaders make decisions based on information…it is all of our duty to push the information out.
• By communicating frequently, you will foster an air of transparency which will lead to trust.  The US is often the source of negative communications and conspiracy theories.  You can be a piece of the solution by communicating often.

#4: Marketing

• You are a salesperson whether you like it or not. First off, you are selling US partnership. Depending on your program, you may be advocating US defense contracts or participation in engagement.  As a salesperson you need to have regular positive contact with your partner nation.  Always dress and present yourself in a professional matter.  Never let them see you get agitated (unless you do it with an intent). Personality drives everything and your conduct will have long term effects on those around you.
•  Travel.  Salesmanship requires travel. You need to get to all of the key Headquarters in your country.  The more you travel the more likely the US message will be heard.  Travel is not only in the PN though.  It is very important to take advantage of any opportunity to visit your desk officers in person.  Always carry your plan with you and distribute it.  You should also have a briefing that covers the basics of your country.  Carrying your message wherever you go will lead to open doors and expanding opportunities for your office and your PN.

#5: Maximize Your Resources

• Don’t let a single dollar go to waste.  Your budget should be absolutely synched with your plan. You will inevitably be encouraged to take on an engagement event that falls outside the “plan”.  Ask the hard questions about why it should be executed.  If it does not fit try and have it swapped/traded with another country.
• Technique: In an attempt to maximize Military to Military (M2M) events I convinced component commands and State Department funded training program managers to concentrate all activities during one month to facilitate a “capstone” like event.  By consolidating M2M events we ended up with what appeared to be a month long exercise.  The combined nature of the event made planning with the PN less difficult, it was dynamic in nature due to the variety of topics and created a significant PAO/PD venue. I highly recommend attempting this in your country.

#6: Don’t Be Stingy.

• As a US military officer you will more than likely be paid much better than your PN equivalent.  Though SAOs do not have representational funds, make the effort to host PN officials at your home or a restaurant.  The same goes for your Locally Engaged Staff (LES). This will create camaraderie that will be very useful during your tour.
• Develop a coin. Some may say it is cheesy, but almost everyone appreciates them or wants one.  As an SAO you will likely manage millions of dollars yet you have no gifts.  This is a fluke in our system that can be easily remedied.  What you gain in return from presenting a coin will far outweigh the minor costs associated with the design and production.
• Technique: Try to include your LESs into the design phase.  They are your best advocate and this will build a more cohesive team.  Make sure they all get one.
• Take the time to put your LESs in for an award. If you have a solid plan and are proactive then your LESs should be very busy.  They will earn the awards. Conversely, if they are not up to par then counsel them.  If they do not change, fire them.  Regardless of country there are bright, motivated people who would work well in your program.  The US generally pays the best salaries.  There is absolutely no reason to settle for mediocre performance in your office.

I know there are many great military cooperation programs around the world and I do not claim to have the sole solution for success.  The “Principles” written above are a result of several years of working with partner nations in three AORs. I hope this creates a dialogue between the more experienced SAOs and the junior SAOs in order to foster collegiality and help kick start some new ideas in the field.

For Unofficial Use Only is back!

For Unofficial Use Only is back!  So after a long hiatus I am returning to the blogosphere!  I haven't posted since September due to a crazy busy schedule preparing for the 20th International Seapower Symposium, which our office runs.  This event happens once every two years and is a gathering of the heads of navies from around the world.

    In other great news I am headed out to Monterey in a month to start up on my master's degree at the Naval Postgraduate School.  I will be studying international relations with an Africa focus.   I am excited to delve deeper into the academic side of what I have been snidely commenting on for the past year and a half.  Hopefully, my writing and analysis will improve as well!

Navy-Capitol Hill Workshop and CCA US-Africa Business Summit

This is a pretty cool ('pretty' because it costs $1500) 4-day primer on all things Capitol Hill for the young naval officer.  Many applicable naval staffs will foot the bill for this if you know about it!  I've been working in the PGON for more than a year though and I just found out about it today, so feel free to spread the good word.  I'd also be interested to hear comments from any FUUO readers that have attended the workshop.

NAVY CAPITOL HILL WORKSHOP

The Government Affairs Institute, Georgetown University, provides opportunities for Department of Navy (DON) employees to receive a first-hand understanding not only of congressional process and procedure, but also the unique culture surrounding the United States Congress. Over the four days, participants will hear from, and be afforded the opportunity to ask questions of, Members of Congress, congressional staff, academic observers, interest group representatives, news media representatives and DON Legislative Liaison staff.

The Corporate Council on Africa is hosting their 8th biennial US-Africa Business Summit.  Have any readers been to one previously?  I am looking forward to Plenary III which has a maritime DOD focus!

LINKS:

http://www.public.navy.mil/donhr/TrainingDevelopment/developmentalresource/Pages/NavyCapitolHillWorkshop.aspx

http://www.cvent.com/events/8th-biennial-u-s-africa-business-summit/attendees-8c44ecbbdeec4caaa5436dcc186eb40a.aspx

Today the FAO Lat Transfer Board Meets!

So today the biannual Lateral Transfer/Redesignation Board meets.  I am hoping that it will be: fourth times a charm...(to be fair, on one of the previous three applications I wasn't eligible yet but applied anyway hoping for a waiver from the aviation community---fat chance there).

Supposedly they are going to be picking close to 20 people this board which is good.  The bad part is I haven't seen this year's quota sheet (Last year's quota sheet) so I don't know what my chances really are.  In case you didn't know, the quota sheet has the number of people each community (HSC, VFA, submarine, surface warfare) will let go broken down by year group (year you graduated college-basically).  This kind of sucks because even if you don't owe your community any more time, they might still not be letting anyone from your year group go for a variety of reasons (they need Department heads, billets filled etc...)...so they would rather I get out of the Navy because I don't want to stay in the community than let me stay in the Navy doing something else.  And then there's a whole ranking of which communities get to pick people for their community broken down by year groups just to add a little more black magic to the scenario...ugh.

So personally, I think the whole system leaves a little something to be wanted but then again, I don't have a solution either so I am loathe to linger on the subject too much.

All you can really do is put together the best application you can, and then just hope and pray...and wait two months for the results.  Stay tuned...

There is no FAO book list but THIS FAO book list and FUUO is the messenger of FAO book lists.

NOTE: I have made a new page tab for this evolving list of books on my home page.  I will add to this there so be sure to check there periodically.

"There is no FAO book list but THIS FAO book list and FUUO is the messenger of FAO book lists."

        I created this list because there isn't anyone else doing it at an easy to access space and because I LOVE BOOKS!  They are one of my favorite things in the entire world! While I this page is entitled THE FAO Book List, my intent is for it to be useful to any officer working with a certain region.              

       In creating THE list I have borrowed heavily from other lists that I have come across and also relied heavily on my own research.  I have not read all of these books (the ones I have read are noted with a *) but will link them to my reviews once I do read them.  All fiction titles are printed in orange.

If you have suggestions please comment and I will add them.  As I have time I will hyperlink the book titles to their listings on Amazon.  Also, if you have a review/thoughts that you've written that you'd like me to link to I will do so happily.

ATTENTION:  IS THIS LIST TOO OVERWHELMING?  I'VE PUT TOGETHER  A STARTER READING LIST HERE.

Middle East

Arabic Thought in the Liberal Age 1798-1939 by Albert Hourani

A Political Economy of the Middle East: Third Edition by Alan Richards and John Waterbury

Going All the Way: Christian Warlords, Israeli Adventurers, and the War in Lebanon by Jonathan C. Randal

The Vanished Imam: Musa Al Sadr and the Shia of Lebanon by Fouad Ajami

*The Multiple Identities of the Middle East by Bernard Lewis

From Beirut to Jerusalem by Thomas L. Friedman

Sheba Revealed: A Posting to Bayhan in the Yemen by N. St. J. Groom

What Went Wrong? The Clash Between Islam and Modernity in the Middle East by Bernard Lewis

Dream Palace of the Arabs: A Generation's Odyssey by Fouad Ajami

Reading Lolita in Tehran: A Memoir in Books by Azar Nafisi

Arab Historians of the Crusades (Islamic World) by Francesco Gabrieli

A History of the Crusades Vol. I: The First Crusade and the Foundations of the Kingdom of Jerusalem (Volume 1-3) by Steven Runciman

The Crusades Through Arab Eyes by Amin Maalouf

Ottoman Centuries by Lord Kinross

A Peace to End All Peace: The Fall of the Ottoman Empire and the Creation of the Modern Middle East by David Fromkin

Empires of the Sand: The Struggle for Mastery in the Middle East, 1789-1923 by Efraim Karsh and Inari Karsh

A History of the Modern Middle East by William L. Cleveland and Martin Bunton

A Prince of Our Disorder: The Life of T. E. Lawrence by John E. Mack

Lawrence Of Arabia by Sir Basil Henry Liddell Hart

Africa

*The Zanzibar Chest by Aidan Hartley

*The Shadow of the Sun by Ryszard Kapuscinski

Africa: A biography of the Continent by John Reader

The Fate of Africa by Martin Meredith

First footsteps in East Africa: or, An exploration of Harar by Richard Francis Burton

The Lunatic Express: An Entertainment in Imperialism by Charles Miller

African Friends and Money Matters: Observations from Africa (Publications in Ethnography, Vol. 37) by David E. Maranz

A Savage War of Peace: Algeria 1954-1962 by Alistair Horne

Things Fall Apart: A Novel by Chinua Achebe

Survey of Subsaharan Africa: A Regional Geography by Harm J. De Blij

Africa Works: Disorder as Political Instrument (African Issues) by Patrick Chabal

Experimental Nations: Or, the Invention of the Maghreb by Réda Bensmaïa

Asia-Pacific

Chinese Security Policy: Structure, Power and Politics by Robert Ross

The Great Wall Sea, China’s Navy in the 21^st Century (2^nd Edition) by Bernard Cole.

China Goes to Sea: Maritime Transformation in Comparative Historical Perspective by Andrew S. Erickson and Lyle J. Goldstein and Carnes Lord

China's Energy Strategy: The Impact on Bejing's Maritime Policies by Gabriel B. Collins, Andrew S. Erickson, Lyle J. Goldstein, and William S. Murray

Red Star over the Pacific: China's Rise and the Challenge to U.S. Maritime Strategy by Toshi Yoshihara and James R. Holmes

The Party: The Secret World of China's Communist Rulers by Richard Mcgregor

Asia Looks Seaward: Power and Maritime Strategy (Praeger Security International) - Hardcover (Nov. 30, 2007) by Toshi Yoshihara and James R. Holmes

Korea's Place in the Sun: A Modern History, Updated Edition - Paperback (Sept. 19, 2005) by Bruce Cumings

Dragon By The Tail by John Paton Davies

The Dragon's Gift: The Real Story of China in Africa - Hardcover (Jan. 25, 2010) by Deborah Brautigam

Europe

Anti Americanism by Jean Francois Revel

The French Betrayal of America by Kenneth R. Timmerman

South/Latin America

Latin America's Wars Volume I: The Age of the Caudillo, 1791-1899 by Robert L. Scheina

Latin America's Wars Volume II: The Age of the Professional Soldier, 1900-2001 by Robert L. Scheina

Latin America: A Naval History, 1810-1987 by Robert L. Scheina

General

*Matterhorn by Karl Marlantes

*The Ultimate Weapon is No Weapon: Human Security and the New Rules of War and Peace by Shannon D. Beebe and Mark Kaldor

Guide for Participants in Peace, Stability nad Relief Operations edited by Robert M. Perito

Exporting security: International Engagmenet, Security Cooperation and the Changing Face of the U.S. Military by Derek S. Reveron

How Wars End: Why We Always Fight the Last Battle by Gideon Rose

*The Diplomat’s Dictionary by Chas W. Freeman, Jr.

*The Tipping Point by Malcom Gladwell

United States Protocol: The Guide to Official Diplomatic Etiquette by Mary French

Arts of Power: Statecraft and Diplomacy (Cross-Cultural​ Negotiation Books) by Charles W. Freeman

Strategy for Sustainability:​ A Business Manifesto by Adam Werbach

The SPEED of Trust: The One Thing That Changes Everything by Stephen R. Covey

Seven Pillars of Wisdom: A Triumph by T. E. Lawrence

The Ugly American by William J. Lederer

Getting to Yes: Negotiating Agreement Without Giving In by Roger Fisher

A Force More Powerful by Peter Ackerman and Jack Duvall

Force and Statecraft by Gordon A. Craig and Alexander L. George

The Admiral: The Memoirs of Albert Gleaves, Admiral by Albert Gleaves

Soyinka forms new political party in Nigeria

Wole Soyinka, the first African to be awarded the Nobel Prize for Literature (and former FUUO Poet of the Week) has created and launched a new political party in Nigeria!


The Democratic Front for a People's Federation (http://www.dfpf.org/) is the name of the party and their goal is to improve health and education in Nigeria while battling corruption (good luck with that, pun intended?). 


Now only time and research will tell how strong this party will be (or if Soyinka plans to run) but for now I just think its cool that such a literary figure such as Soyinka is officially (really his whole life has been part of the Nigeria's political landscape)entering into the political scene. 


To put this into perspective for those not familiar with the 76 year old poet, it would be as if Robert Frost, Langston Hughes, Walt Whitman, Maya Angelou or Emily Dickinson created a political party in the United States.

I wonder if he will use a speechwriter, or if he will continue to craft his own words...lines like:

This music's plaint forgives, redeems
The deafness of the world.  Night turns
Homewards, sheathed in notes of solace, pleats
The broken silence of the heart.

http://wolesoyinka.blogspot.com/

State Dept. reception for Foreign Naval Attachés or Thankful to be in the American Navy

I had the great pleasure of attending a reception for the foreign naval attachés residing here in DC last Friday evening.


Before I go further though I must address the issue of attire.  This reception forced me at long last to purchase a set of 'mess dress whites.'  This process costs me half a grand and was VERY painful; painful in that I had to ride over to the Navy annex to find the uniforms and of course it just happened to be when they are in the middle of doing CPO promotion uniform fittings.  And I'll get to repeat this process this winter when I have to purchase normal mess dress...however I won't put it off till the last minute next time so it's sure to go a little easier.


    Amidst my mad rush to ensure I was properly attired (the mini medals go 3 inches below the lapel notch  and you can wear up to 5 of them on a single row) the solitary bright spot was my beautiful wife who was stunning in her black knee length dress.   I say this because when you go to these events you will hear a million definitive answers as to what type of dress the women should wear. Well hopefully this will help some future LT that googles the event next year.  
     Probably about 75% of the women had floor length dresses/gowns.  70% of those were black.  But about 20% of the women had knee length-ish cocktail dresses.  And no one cared.  So don't sweat it.  The coolest dresses there were the Kimonos worn by two of the Japanese women attending.  If there was a similar civilian 'black tie' event in DC I would bet that the cocktail dressers would be nudged about closer to 40% (especially for a two hour event with no dancing or dinner...reference the Meridian yearly ball where about 1/3 of the women in the photos wore cocktail dresses), however the military is always apt to 'overkill' when it comes to dress codes.


   My other advice would be to bring your good camera.  The ballroom where the event is held is beautiful, and the view from the outdoor balcony overlooks the lincoln memorial.  


    For the desk officers this was a great opportunity to connect with counterparts in a relaxed atmosphere (free beer and wine!) and to meet their wives.  Being able to form these personal relationships makes doing business SO much easier!


     One conversation with a northern european (I will withhold the country's name) attaché ended up surprising me and is the reason behind this posting's title.  As we chatted with this gent, we shared with him that we had rented a limo to take in the city following the reception.  He laughed and said that if he tried that in his country he'd end going home with a bloodied uniform.  Further discussion yielded that their military members rarely wear their uniforms in public (and certainly NEVER at night) due to the certain public backlash.  
    On one hand this conversation saddened me because this gent was such a sharp, nice guy who had honorably dedicated his life to serving his country.  However, on the other hand this anecdote served to reinforce my appreciation for a country and a public that appreciates its service members (excluding the 1970's) and allows us to take pride in wearing the uniform.  
    And as we ventured into and through the city that night I think I must have been thanked for my service a half dozen times, and I replied 'you're welcome' with a renewed appreciation.

Article of the Week- Straight from local Nigerian Paper!

Anytime you can get an article from a newspaper in country is a good day!  This probably isn't as big a deal as it seems.  Per their constitution the President has the right to appoint his own security chiefs.  He just did it very suddenly before upcoming elections.

FUUO Defines: The 'Holy' Trinity

The Holy Trinity:  Department of Defense (DOD), State Department (State), and USAID (AID).  Also referred to the 'Holy Triumvirate' or Holy Troika etc...

Website of the Week: Corporate Council on Africa

This week I'd like to highlight the Corporate Council on Africa's website:  http://africacncl.org/

The CCA is one of those organizations that does something.  They engage with businesses/investors and facilitate the dialogue necessary to develop Africa. 

Please check out their events (to include their frequent Working Group Breakfasts) and get involved.

Secretary Clinton "Speaks out" on Mass Rapes in the DRC...

One thing that struck me today was how long it took to get the word out to the public and for the mainstream media to pick up this story.  The horrific rapes occurred between 30 July and 3 August. 


http://www.cnn.com/2010/WORLD/africa/08/25/congo.rapes.un/index.html?hpt=Sbin

Let's examine the timeline:

-IMC (International Medical Corps) stated they reported rapes to UN's Office of Humanitarian Affairs on 6 August (3 days after). 
-MONUSCO (UN forces there) state they found 12 August (9 day after).
-U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon condemned the attacks Tuesday saying he was "outraged." (22 days after)
-I found out and commented 20 days after.  State commented 22 days later. 
-Investigations are 'ongoing.'

       One item that has been continuously harped in various news articles is the fact that these atrocities occurred less than 20 miles from a UN outpost/headquarters (supposedly in Kibua, which is along the 529R Road from Walikale and Goma in the east).  I haven't been able to confirm this though (the main UN headquarters are clear across the country in Kinshasa and it's unclear where these 'headquarters within 20 miles' is physically located).

However, reviewing the attached maps boost one's situational awareness considerably.  20 miles in the Sud-Kivu (South Kivu) province may as well be 1000 miles in this densely forested area. 

The orange tack represents the town of Walikale (a mining town).  The 529R Road runs east from there to Goma.  The rapes have been reported to occur along this road. 

Here's a satellite shot of that road.  Looks like it would be pretty easy to hide away in...

 Some sources in the MONUSCO have stated that they came into the villages but that the rebels fled back into the woods (LFDR and Mai Mai.  However, the UN's official position now states they didn't know they were occurring till 12 August. 

   Also telling is the confusion in the basics of geography and succint language.  Among the incongruities:
-Some reports describe the atrocities as occuring in the eastern congo (vice Eastern DRC, which is the correct location).
-Others describe them as occurring in the town of Luvungi (google map this 'town', you won't find anything in the DRC despite one article describing as a small town with a population on 2,200, although I believe it is there, just not in the online databases I have searched).  
-Some call the province in which the rapes occurred as the North Kivu, others as the South Kivu.

 On the map to the left it clearly shows Goma in the Nord-Kivu (North Kivu) and the rapes happened due West (and a little North) from there, thus they DEFINTELY did not occur in Sud-Kivu.













-Some don't mention Luvungi at all and say the rapes occurred throughout 13 villages along a 20 km stretch in North Kivu (Banamukira territory).  FUUO's position is that this all occurred in North Kivu for the record and most likely within 10 miles of the village of Walikale (the orange tack a few maps above). 

STATE DEPARTMENT PRESS RELEASE (my comments in italics)

Allegation of Mass Rape in the Democratic Republic of the Congo
Washington, DC

August 25, 2010

________________________________


The United States is deeply concerned by reports of the mass rape of women and children in the Democratic Republic of the Congo by the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR) – an armed, illegal rebel group that has terrorized eastern Congo for over a decade – and elements of the Mai Mai, community-based militia groups in eastern Congo.
Both groups deny the attacks but little is also known about these groups intel-wise...other than that they are bad news...I know of only one interview ever done with FDLR's leader. I was mistakenly referring to Joseph Kony, the leader of the LRA, who is also Bad news with a capital 'B'.
This horrific attack is yet another example of how sexual violence undermines efforts to achieve and maintain stability in areas torn by conflict but striving for peace.


The United States has repeatedly condemned the epidemic of sexual violence in conflict zones around the world, and we will continue to speak out on this issue for those who cannot speak for themselves. Less than a year ago, I presided over the UN Security Council session where Resolution 1888 (2009) was unanimously adopted, underscoring the importance of preventing and responding to sexual violence as a tactic of war against civilians. Now  the international community must build on this action with specific steps to protect local populations against sexual and gender-based violence and bring to justice those who commit such atrocities.


Sexual violence harms more than its immediate victims. It denies and destroys our common dignity, it shreds the fabric that weaves us together as humans, it endangers families and communities, it erodes social and political stability, and it undermines economic progress. These travesties, committed with impunity against innocent civilians who play no role in armed conflict, hold us all back.


When I visited the DRC last year, I learned an old proverb -- “No matter how long the night, the day is sure to come.” In the depths of this dark night of suffering and pain, my thoughts and prayers are with the victims and their families. The United States will do everything we can to work with the UN and the DRC government to hold the perpetrators of these acts accountable, and to create a safe environment for women, girls, and all civilians living in the eastern Congo. 

There is no doubt that Secretary Clinton's statement is heartfelt and while a large portion of it strikes FUUO as rhetoric, that is only because she (State) are keenly aware of the monumental undertaking that must be done and achieved to create this 'safe environment
It is FUUO's belief that creating this safe environment means infrastructure.  And the ability to maintain that infrastructure.  We are talking about roads, mass transportation, effective and reliable communication, to name only a small portion of requirements)  This is not something that the United States is currently structured or positioned to do (or the UN for that matter...but I won't get started on that rant). 


But there is a way...but this will require a 'radical' departure in how the "Trinity" (DOD, State, AID) do business...