Security Sector Reform SSR & FID (Catch All)

[John T. Fishel]

"Six months ago, I couldn't even spell injuneer - now I are one!" So, formerly, I never hear of functional analogs, now I uses em!

Steve, Rob's slides do show the judicial system, but you are spot on to point out that if the legal and judicial systems don't work, then curing the security forces may be worse than the disease. In both El Salvador and Panama, the legal/judicial systems were the weakest link in the chain. And, remember, these were/are western legal and judicial systems, albeit based on the Napoleonic Code and its structures/procedures.

What I believe Rob is trying to get at is that SFA requires a holistic approach to complex systems by equally (or more) complex systems. If that is correct, it really represents a potential paradigm shift.

Cheers

JohnT

[Surferbeetle]

John,

I was fortunate and able to participate in a short visit to El Salvador in '05. I would check in with the local constabulary of each village I visited to get a general 'lay of the land', noted the obvious strength of the military and also that the FMLN is still around in some parts of the country. There seemed to be an acceptable equilibrium but not everybody had forgotten what went before. I would be interested in any reading recommendations on this topic that you have to share...

Regards,

Steve