re: #233 Dark_Falcon

You’ve always known better, its just that the DoS can’t seem to learn what you already know.

OK, I’ve time, I’ll take on the devil’s advocate position here.

Let’s begin with the fact that there are only two departments wholly concerned with international relations — the departments of State and of Defense. There are times they will be congruent in behavior but in general the entire mindset is different. Not least, State’s job is to try to ensure Defense is not necessary. Defense’s job is to be ready when State can’t negate the necessity. Secondarily, Defense’s job is to be the “bad cop” standing ready to which State can point and say, “you can deal with me or you can deal with him.” At the same time, State’s secondary job is to provide Defense with intel needed for warfighting.

An interjection. Years ago I was taught by a smart Mustang: To win battles, learn tactics; to win campaigns, learn logistics; to win wars, learn politics. In this context, State’s job is to know why the other guy might or is fighting and where their political nodes might be. For example, some foes will give up if their capital falls. Others will fight on regardless of the status of that city.

This, then, gives us a good reason for State to send some of its people to Dar al-Hijrah mosque. It creates institutional knowledge of that organization. That institutional knowledge gives State a better chance of developing a worthwhile peace, knowing if such a peace is possible or if war is needed instead, and giving Defense the insights necessary to make effective strategic objectives.