Quote Originally Posted by JMA View Post
Exactly... and that is why western or civilised countries can't "win" counterinsurgencies or suppress rebellions.
Whoah there Mudhara! You're about 50% right, but....

Western or civilised countries can suppress rebellions IF they recognise the limit of the military instrument, to using armed force against armed force, and the employment of criminal convictions to those sustaining it.

The political problem may continue, BUT you use violence (military AND Police) to ensure it remains a political problem that the rebels will not seek to resolve by force. The ONLY thing armed force does is stop the other guy (rebels) using armed force. That is the key thing FM3-24 doesn't get.