I guess I am going to have to get in this. Go through the great classics Galua,Trinquier,Kitson and count how many times you see the word POLICE OPERATIONS. But few mention that, they call them COIN principles

Just Like jmm when I saw the looting start any cop around could have told you that you better do something fast.

Cavguy's link to his second article goes into great detail about how with a historic reference point he adapted and monitored for variances his operation as it was executed. Can't beet that. But it wasn't COIN or history that did it. It was his personal leadership more than anything! All the Way, Sir

Gian is right about Astan it want be about protecting the people, it will be about which drug lord to take out and the consequences of that. It will give new meaning to the word "Drug War."