The Syrian Conflict beyond the Cultural Gap

Its very unfortunate that the Syrian civil war does not draw the daily attention that it used to.  The internecine conflict within the rebel movement has changed that recently.  What has happened is that elements influenced by Al-Qaeda made serious gains in controlled territory.  Apparently they were driven back and their fortunes reversed by fellow armed fighters.  It is difficult to say how much most of the world's population can truly appreciate and understand the region if:
a) you don't speak Arabic
b) you don't speak that dialect of Arabic
c) you have no cultural ties to the region
Perhaps its up to each individual to decide how much understanding is enough.  More importantly, do the individuals that ultimately form United States policy towards Syria have 'enough understanding.'

People Love Lists

     We all love lists of things that make the complex simple.  10 best songs of the year.  7 habits of highly defective people.  96 or so ways to leave your lover.  With all due respect to Paul Simon and Art Garfunkel.  The reason may be rooted in our minds' need to categorize and classify in order to function in everyday life.  Modern civilization takes this to an extreme, but in pre-history it seems like it would be pretty useful.  I want to know the three plants that would make me really ill if I tried to eat them.

    It bears mentioning that my previous day's post was in fact, a list.  It won't be my last either.

    With these facts in mind, I will say that I am reading "The 5 Elements of Effective  Thinking" by Berger and Starbird.  It is a good, quick read that probably clarifies concepts that we all would consider commonsense anyway.  I will also note that it happens to be on a reading list of at least one of the courses at the George C. Marshall European Center for Security Studies.  Thus, perhaps, at least one of our academics thought it would be helpful for our students.

10 Truisms for Career Success

This information is from a recent talk at the George C. Marshall European Center for Security Studies.  The subject can roughly be defined as '10 Truisms for Career Success.'  Although I think that there is a certain level of public service and selflessness implied.  If the author claims credit for these points I would be glad to name him/her, and flattered that they even found this column.

1) Mission accomplishment is the truest metric.  Taking care of people is a good value but how do you define success?  At the end of the day, crossing the goal line is what is remembered.

 

2) Rule of law works and you need to ensure it happens in your organization. No one is above the rules.

 

3) 'Yes' should be your default answer. You seek cooperation and positive action in all aspects of your duties.

 

4) Power peaks at the rank of lieutenant colonel (or civilan equivalent) or colonel (or civilian equivalent). After that you are persuading junior leaders to adopt your vision and they lead others to action.

 

5) Keeper ideas are keepers no matter where or how you get them.  They are found everywhere.

 

6) Networking is very important. You are building and strengthening your network everyday.

 

7) Expertise leadership is always valued. Build your own expertise and watch as people follow.

 

8) Trust is the key to relationships and your reputation. Relationship development is hard but worth it. Draw sparingly on your savings account of relationships and contribute liberally.

 

9) Routinely do the routine. 50 meter targets done consistently will be remembered.

 

10) Have a goodwill reservoir. This develops through good leadership. It helps to maintain a positive morale in adverse circumstances.