A few thoughts on revolutionary insurgency and how to deal with it:
1. This type of internal (even if external parties come to play, as they typically do) is not really war, but is better thought of as "illegal democracy" - the least efficient or practical form of democracy to be sure, but oppressed/excluded populations denied effective legal means of addressing political grievances can't be choosers. That is equally true in terms of what UW practitioner they turn to for external support. Congratulations Mr. Government, you just got your 360 evaluation, and your subordinates gave you an "F" from at least one identity-based population under your governance.
2. Any COIN campaign against a revolutionary insurgency that is not centered around twin pillars of understanding and resolving grievances/reconciliation, and disruption/mitigation of violence (both legal and illegal), is a variation on temporary suppression, not cure.
3. Insurgency is simple, but COIN, a domestic operation, is hard. But its harder when you're stupid. Most governments get stupid when faced with insurgency.
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