CULTURE Arab and Middle East

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CULTUREArab and Middle East
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Overview

• What is What
• Mindset
• CALL Arab Culture (Guerrilla)
• CALL Mistakes to Avoid
• Laundry Listing
• Putting it All Together
• Naming Conventions

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Arabs, Middle East, SWA

• Arabs
• Persians
• North Africans
• Nubian
• Jews
• Turkman
• Tajiks
• Pashtun

• Arab World
• Middle East
• Gulf States
• (Al-Jehzeera)
• Southwest Asia
• Ottoman Empire
• Arabian Gulf
• Persian Gulf

4
Arab and Middle East Mindset
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Pawns of Fate

• Many Westerners see themselves as being in
  control of their own destiny
• Many Middle Easterners believe that much of what
  happens to them (and others) in life is
  predestined and controlled by fate
• Prevailing belief is that an individuals
  behavior has little effect on outcomes
• No probable or likely, events are anticipated
  or hoped for with the proviso inshallah (God
  Willing)
• Embedded within the Arabic culture is a normative
  acceptance of conspiracy theories as a means of
  explaining the reasons behind certain events

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Collective Identity

• Culture of most Middle Eastern and many Asian
  countries is oriented more toward collectivism
  than individualism
• Individualistic cultures pride themselves on
  individual accomplishment and what makes them
  unique, special, or different from others
• Collectivist cultures, however, believe personal
  value comes not from individual deeds, but from
  social standing and group affiliation
• Value most about themselves not what is unique,
  but rather what makes them part of a larger group
  or collective
• Ethics of responsibility centered on the greater
  benefit of the collective
• The individuals identity is based on his family
  or tribe/clan roots and the group with whom he
  currently affiliates. This phenomenon is captured
  in the saying Who I am is who I am a part of,
  and whom I am with.

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Importance of Relationships

• Arab culture is built on relationships and
  connectedness to others
• Incredibly important as a source of power,
  comfort, and worth
• Persons from collectivist cultures rarely value
  alone time and they are rarely alone
• As with identity, perceptions of self-worth are
  influenced strongly by the perceived status and
  value of their social network
• Ones value is defined by whom you know and who
  is in your network Wasta
• A person is fundamentally defined by, and valued
  for, belonging
• This means that the group holds great power over
  the individuals behavior
• In quest for personal meaning, direction, and
  structure a man will often suspend critical
  thinking and commit to a particular mosque,
  leader, or collective bunch of guys (and their
  ideology) that advocates militant Islam
• Particularly in an environment where extremist
  ideologies are prevalent

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Good Impressions

• Persons from Middle Eastern and Arabic cultures
  often prioritize their social image and the
  harmony of relationships over directness or
  sincerity
• Considered impolite to disagree with someone or
  to refuse a request
• May express insincere sentiments in order to
  avoid conflict
• Not regarded as an attempt to deceive, but rather
  appropriate behavior to preserve the relationship
• Consequence is that individuals develop hidden
  agendas to ensure connectivity to others and
  enhance their value
• Result, it is difficult to establish trust, as is
  expected in the West

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Good Intentions

• In the West, it is important to make good on
  ones promises.
• Merit is earned through action
• actions speak louder than words
• Conversely, in the Middle East, intentions matter
  more than actions
• A person attests that they will do something that
  they subsequently fail to do, it is not
  considered a transgression, so long as the person
  sincerely wanted to do it or intended to do it at
  the time
• Thus, well-intended promises and anticipated
  actions may not carry the same weight for the
  source as for the Special Agent.

10
Shame, not Guilt

• In the West, guilt and the anticipation of
  feelings of guilt influence the individuals
  overt behavior and decision-making processes
• Guilt is personal -- distress experienced by the
  individual
• Mitigation usually requires owning up
• Confessing to someone, taking responsibility for
  ones actions, and possibly taking further action
  to correct or compensate for the offending
  behavior
• Conversely, collectivist societies are more
  driven by the phenomenon of shame
• Shame is the distressing emotion one seeks to
  avoid or has to bear for wrongful behavior
• Shame is social it is a reaction to the
  responses of others.
• Confession acknowledges or makes others aware of
  the undesirable behavior, and therefore, is
  generally avoided.
• Others awareness that brings about the sanction
  of shame

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Associative Thinking

• Middle Eastern persons are raised and
  acculturated to think associatively
• Westerners tend to think in a the linear,
  goal-oriented, structured, sequential way
• Westerner telling a story about a life experience
  would likely do so chronologically, in a way that
  created a beginning, middle, and end
• Associative thinkers are not bound by these
  conventions
• go off on tangents or relate segments out of
  sequence
• It may make sense in their big picture of what
  they are trying to communicate, but it can be
  difficult for linear thinkers to follow
• Source or Subjects thinking may appear to jump
  from point-to-point throughout the conversation

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Emotional Info Processing

• Individuals from the Middle East tend to be
  emotional processors of information
• As they take in information and experiences, they
  tend to organize data and events around the
  context of relationships and collective value,
  rather than by topic or category
• The information tends to have enhanced value and
  is communicated in more dramatic terms with
  enhanced texture and emotion
• Information may be distorted in an attempt to
  increase the communicators value to the listener

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IF YOU LEARN NOTHING ELSE ABOUT ARAB CULTURE
Arab Culture Condensed to 15 Slides
For Official Use Only
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Basic Arab Values

• A persons dignity, honor, and reputation are of
  paramount importance (honor and shame are often
  viewed as collective, i.e., pertaining to the
  entire group or family). If you shame an Arab
  you have shamed his entire extended family, clan,
  tribe, etc.
• It is important to always act in a manner that
  will make a good impression on others.
• Loyalty to family takes precedence over personal
  needs.
• Social class and family background are the major
  determinants of ones personal status. The next
  most important is individual character and
  achievement.
• Arabs value conversation and long discussions.

For Official Use Only
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Basic Arab Self-Perceptions

• Everyone believes in God, acknowledges His power,
  and has some religious affiliation.
• Humans cannot control events things depend on
  God and fate.
• Piety is one of the most admirable
  characteristics in a person.
• In Islam there is no separation between church
  and state (some Arabs may not agree with this).
• Established religious beliefs and practices are
  important and liberal interpretations which
  threaten them are rejected.

For Official Use Only
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Reciprocity

• If an Arab helps you he will expect you to
  reciprocate
• Never openly refuse a friends request.
• Arabs will extend many invitations while it is
  acceptable not to maintain them at the same pace,
  it is considered rude not to reciprocate.

For Official Use Only
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Basic Rules of Etiquette1 of 3

• Good manners constitute the most salient factor
  in evaluating a persons character (remember this
  point during official meetings).
• Failure to shake hands when greeting someone or
  when saying goodbye is considered rude. Between a
  man and a woman, it is the womans choice whether
  or not to shake hands.
• Do not slouch or cross legs on top of a table.
  Sitting in a manner that shows the soles of ones
  shoes to another person is an insult
• When standing or talking with someone, do not
  lean against a wall or keep hands in pockets.

For Official Use Only
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Basic Rules of Etiquette- 2 of 3

• Men stand when a woman enters the room everyone
  stands when a new guest enters the room at a
  social gathering, or when a high-ranking or
  elderly person enters or leaves. Men allow women
  to precede them through doorways and offer their
  seats if no others are available.
• When saying goodbye to a guest, a gracious host
  accompanies them to the outer gate or to their
  car.
• If a guest admires something small and portable,
  an Arab may insist that it be taken as a gift. Do
  not express admiration for something expensive.
  Gifts shouldnt be opened in the presence of the
  donor.
• Never use the left hand.

For Official Use Only
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Basic Rules of Etiquette- 3 of 3

• Arabs will almost always insist on paying when
  out to dinner it is appropriate to let them
  pay, but should be reciprocated later.
• People should not be photographed without their
  permission.
• One who lights a cigarette in a group must be
  prepared to offer one to everyone.
• Staring at one of the same sex is not considered
  rude.
• Most Arabs do not like to touch or be in the
  presence of household animals, especially dogs.
• Arabs get very personal, very quickly. Do not
  however, ask about female members of the family.
  Do not flirt with Arab women.
• Do not stand or walk in front of a praying Muslim.

For Official Use Only
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Hospitality1 of 2

• Generosity to guests is essential for a good
  reputation.
• A drink will quickly be offered. Accept and hold
  the cup with right hand. Not to accept the drink
  is consider ill mannered.
• If a guest arrives while others are eating, they
  will offer to share, but an unexpected guest
  should feel free to decline.
• Ahlan wa Sahlan or Marhaba means welcome and
  will be stated when a guest arrives and usually
  several times throughout the visit.

For Official Use Only
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Hospitality2 of 2

• Guests often are given a seat of honor and will
  be asked frequently if they are comfortable.
• Even under inconvenient or unexpected
  circumstances, a guest would never be refused
  entrance. Exception being if a woman was at home
  alone and the guest was a man. In this situation,
  the guest should refuse to enter, regardless of
  how soon the male member of the household is
  expected to be home.
• Many Arab homes have a separate room for
  receiving guests, called a salon.

For Official Use Only
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Meals1 of 2

• Dinner should be planned for a late hour. After
  the evening prayer.
• Invitations are almost always verbal and
  frequently spontaneous.
• Guests should arrive early for conversation
  before the meal.
• Arabs will present abundant amounts of food to
  display generosity and esteem for the guests.
• Water may not be served until after the meal.
  Some people consider it unhealthy to eat and
  drink at the same time.

For Official Use Only
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Meals2 of 2

• The guest is expected to show admiration and
  gratitude for the food. Eat sparingly on the day
  you are invited because out of politeness you
  will overeat! Alhamdu lillah means Thanks be to
  God say this when you have had enough to eat.
• When leaving the table, it is customary to say
  sufra dayma may your table always be thus.
• When guests express an intention to leave, the
  host will always encourage them to stay
  consider this ritualistic you will not offend
  by leaving.

For Official Use Only
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Official Meetings1 of 2

• A good personal relationship a successful
  meeting.
• At the beginning of meetings, time is set aside
  for light conversation. Inquire about illness
  and other personal matters (weddings, vacation
  plans). Wait for them to start talking business.
  Arabs dont like to be hurried or pressured into
  an agreement.
• Arabs mistrust people who do not appear to be
  sincere or who fail to demonstrate an interest in
  them personally.
• Do not mistake good manners for an indication of
  your success.
• A noncommittal reaction is not negative or
  positive be patient.
• Inshallah means If God Wills in other words,
  they may express good intention, but they are
  leaving a way out.

For Official Use Only
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Official Meetings2 of 2

• Often intermediaries are used to represent
  another. In situations of conflict, it is
  particularly important to use an intermediary for
  whom the person you are in conflict with holds in
  high regard.
• Most Arabs are habitually late. Therefore, a
  person who arrives late and has kept you waiting
  may not even realize that you have been
  inconvenienced. Deadlines are often not met
  expect delays and be patient
• A positive response is merely a declaration of
  intention and an expression of goodwill.
• Arabs often disregard no smoking signs and will
  often disregard you if you ask them to refrain
  from smoking.

For Official Use Only
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Conversation

• Quickly determine social status. Then treat them
  with the respect due for their status.
• Never omit greetings of Good morning/afternoon,
  how are you? etc.
• Do this for my sake attached to a request for
  a favor implies indebtedness.
• Importance is placed on direct praise for strong
  character or a job well done. Criticism is taken
  very personally, so it is important to phrase it
  carefully. Do not give criticism in front of
  others. Begin with the good points and be sure
  to include your high regard for them as an
  individual.
• Do not discuss politics or religion. Stick to
  safe topics, such as the Arabic language,
  literature, poetry etc.

For Official Use Only
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Gestures1 of 2

• Moving the head slightly back and raising
  eyebrows no
• Moving the head back and chin up no
• Moving chin back slightly and making a clicking
  sound no
• After shaking hands, placing the right hand to
  the heart or chest respect or sincerity
• Holding right hand out, palm downward, and
  opening and closing come here
• Right hand out, palm downward, and move as if
  brushing something away go away

For Official Use Only
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Gestures2 of 2

• Right hand out, palm upward, closing hand
  half-way and holding it give it to me
• Right hand out, palm downward, moving it up and
  down slowly quiet down
• Right hand out, palm upward, touching thumb and
  fingertips together and moving hand up and down
  calm down be patient
• Holding right forefinger up and moving it from
  left to right quickly several times never
• Right hand out, palm downward, then quickly
  twisting the hand to be palm upward What? Why?

For Official Use Only
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ADDITIONAL LEARNING RESOURCES

• Cultural Awareness Training
• University of Military Intelligence the Army
  Proponent for Cultural Awareness Training
• http//www.universityofmilitaryintelligence.us/ma
  in.asp
• Language Training Resources
• Various language Training Aides/Handbooks
• http//oef.monterey.army.mil
• Arabic Online Training http//www.lingnet.org/
  language/default.asp

For Official Use Only
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10 ARAB CULTURAL AWARENESS MISTAKES TO AVOID
For Official Use Only
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All Muslims Are NOT the Same

• About 10 of all Muslims are Shia. They are in
  the majority in Iran, Iraq and Bahrain. Iran, a
  non-Arab nation (i.e. they are Persian not Arab),
  has the largest Shia population. Osama Bin
  Laden (a Sunni) dislikes Shia Muslims nearly as
  much as he dislikes Westerners. Many of the
  Sunni extremists/Jihadists in Iraq are followers
  of the Wahabbi sect of Islam, but not all
  followers of the Wahabbi sect are terrorists.
• Bottom line Arab culture is diverse and complex.
  Extend basic human dignity whenever possible and
  where the situation permits. Dont condemn every
  Sunni as a terrorist, every Shia as a
  pro-Iranian, Fundamentalist or every Pashtun as a
  member of the Taliban. The U.S. needs all Muslims
  in Iraq and Afghanistan to work together despite
  past differences many have learned to do so
  already. If you rely on bias and bigotry as your
  compass, versus taking the time to learn how
  groups in your local area function, you will
  never understand the culture. Last, use common
  sense and observe the Golden Rule.
• This does not mean you are soft or weak it is a
  sign you are becoming culturally aware.

For Official Use Only
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Intimidation vs. Humiliation

• When entering/searching a home, do not man-handle
  the senior male of the household in front of his
  family unless it is necessary (i.e. put him face
  down on the ground with a boot in his back). In
  this way you have dishonored him in front of his
  family.
• NOTE If the individual is a threat, do whatever
  is required to control the situation. When in
  doubt, err to the side of security.
• This does not mean you cannot detain or question
  him forcefully. However, the simple act of
  allowing him to speak like a man for his
  family, versus humiliating him in front of them,
  has proven more effective and produces more
  cooperation. The average Iraqi family knows you
  (the American Soldier) are bigger, stronger and
  have more fire power. They are also unusually
  familiar with the power of intimidation.
  Therefore, they will respect your power and
  cooperate with you because of your power as long
  as you do not humiliate them. Once you humiliate
  them, you become a sworn enemy. Once humiliated,
  an Iraqi must get revenge in order to regain his
  honor.

For Official Use Only
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Misinterpretation of Arab honor

• Honor, in the Arab context, does not translate
  clearly to the American (esp. the American
  Soldiers) definition. An Arab relates honor to
  his identity, self-esteem and position of respect
  within his Family, Clan and Tribe. Honor is to
  be defended at all costs.
• The American view of honor is my word is my
  bond and I will not lie, cheat or steal.
  Given the Arab definition, an Arab WILL lie,
  cheat and steal to protect his honor.
• For example, an Arab will promise things he can
  not possibly deliver, because he feels to admit
  this shortcoming or inability would damage his
  honor and that he would lose face among all
  observers. Keep this in mind if you need a firm
  commitment on anything.

For Official Use Only
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Use Of Euphemistic Speech.

• When speaking with Arabs, keep in mind that they
  believe that words have power. Arabs shun
  speaking about unpleasant things out of fear that
  negative speech compels negative results. Also,
  they will use euphemisms when discussing the
  plight of others. For instance, say a mutual
  acquaintance is ill and near death. Should you
  inquire about recent news he will likely respond,
  he is well, but a little tired. In an
  operational situation, check the facts after
  being briefed by an Arab soldier because he may
  be sugar coating a bitter pill.

For Official Use Only
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Understanding and Respecting Seniority System
The head of the family or clan is normally the
oldest male. When he dies or becomes
incapacitated, his place will likely be taken by
his oldest son or one of his brothers. When a
son succeeds his father as family head, he
thereby gains authority over his mother. Bottom
line, if the senior male is absent, defer to the
oldest present (NOT the senior women).
For Official Use Only
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Interaction With Arab Women

• Women typically have a private area in the
  household separate from men. When possible,
  female Soldiers should be used to search these
  areas, if only as a sign of respect. An
  alternate course of action, if there are no
  female Soldiers available, is to allow a male
  family member to observe the search.
• OTHER THINGS NOT TO DO
• Do not shake hands with an Arab woman unless she
  offers her hand first, or if you are a woman.
• Do not flirt, hit-on, touch, hug or talk in
  private with women. It could endanger their
  safety!
• Do not talk in public to professional Arab women
  unless it is business related.
• Do not try and engage a woman in conversation
  unless you have been formally introduced.
• Do not stare at women or maintain eye contact.
• Do not ask an Arab questions about his wife or
  other female members of his family.

For Official Use Only
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Wearing Sunglasses when speaking to Arabs

• Do not wear dark colored sunglasses when
  speaking, and especially when negotiating with an
  Arab. He will instantly assume you are trying to
  lie to him or hide your true intentions. If
  there are women present, they will assume you are
  staring at them. One of the reasons Arabs stand
  so close to people in which they are speaking is
  because they want to look at your eyes and see
  how you respond to their statements. To wear
  sunglasses inhibits a large part of their
  non-verbal communications skills.

For Official Use Only
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Spitting

• Spitting (usually associated with chewing tobacco
  or chewing gum use) is considered extremely rude
  and unclean. When talking, interacting or being
  observed by Arabs, refrain from spitting on the
  ground.

For Official Use Only
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Hand Over The Heart Versus Finger To The Eye.

• When affirming a commitment or guarantying to
  deliver on a promise, it has been observed that
  when an Arab gestures with a finger to his eye or
  facial area he is generally more likely to follow
  through on his commitment. When making this
  gesture, the Arab is saying, its my
  obligation. This is not to be confused with the
  thank you gesture described below. Americans
  seem to intuitively view the thank you gesture
  as a sign of commitment, similar to cross my
  heart. This is not the case and should not be
  confused.
• Its my Obligation - The gesture of placing the
  right hand or its forefinger on the tip of the
  nose, on the right lower eyelid, on top of the
  head, on the mustache or beard has the meaning of
  "its in front of me, I see it or its on my head
  to accomplish."
• Thank You - Placing the palm of the right hand
  on the chest, bowing the head a little and
  closing ones eyes general means "Thank You" (in
  the name of Allah). 

For Official Use Only
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Respect For Muslim Religious Practices

• When possible, stop what you are doing and be
  respectful of the Salat (routine prayers). If
  indoors, stay there until the Salat is complete.
  If you must be out and about, refrain from
  standing directly in front of any Muslim in a
  prayer position.
• Conversely, do not allow Muslims to use their
  religion against you. Do not allow a Muslim to
  get out of an incriminating line of questioning
  because he insists it is time for prayer. If one
  misses a prayer it is not the end of the world,
  they can make it up later.  Muslim teachings
  explain that Allah understands the situations
  people find themselves in.
• Be respectful of religious fasting periods (not
  just during Ramadan). It is considered very bad
  manners to eat, drink, or smoke in front of
  someone fasting! In some Muslim nations,
  westerners can be arrested or deported for this.

For Official Use Only
41
ADDITIONAL LEARNING RESOURCES

• Cultural Awareness Training
• University of Military Intelligence the Army
  Proponent for Cultural Awareness Training
• http//www.universityofmilitaryintelligence.us/ma
  in.asp
• Language Training Resources
• Various language Training Aides/Handbooks
• http//oef.monterey.army.mil
• Arabic Online Training http//www.lingnet.org/
  language/default.asp

For Official Use Only
42
Key Considerations
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Considerations

• Arab Israeli Conflict
• Islam as a Prism
• Proxemics
• Attempt to Exploited All
• Who you see
• Who sees you with who?!
• Wasta

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Considerations

• Conspiracy Theorist
• Heard, read or see it Believe it
• Women
• Wives
• Girlfriend
• Daughters
• The Family Business
• Diwaniya and Mahjlis

45
Considerations

• The Circle of Love
• Loyalty Model

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Understanding Middle Eastern Naming Conventions
James R. Richards, B.Comm., LLB BSA Compliance
Officer Director, Financial Intelligence
Unit FleetBoston Financial Group, Boston,
Massachusetts Presentation for the Practising Law
Institute New York, New York January 23, 2002
47

• The Arabic language is divided into three groups
  
• Classical written Arabic (used in the Koran)
• Modern Standard Arabic (MSA, a modern version of
  classical
• written Arabic used in newspapers and
  textbooks) and
• Spoken, colloquial, or dialectic Arabic

The Arabic alphabet consists of 16 characters
which, when combined with one to three dots
placed above, below, or beside a character, form
28 signs or letters.
The Arabic alphabet is made up entirely of
consonants ...
48
Therefore, Mohammed is written in Arabic as
mhmd...
That is why we have so many different spellings
of Mohammad, Mohamad, Mohammed, Muhammed, etc ...
Arabic words are written and read right to left,
top to bottom. Arabic numbers are written left to
right.
The first three letters of the Arabic alphabet
are alif, baa, and taa.
alif-baa-taa along with alpha beta from
ancient Greek, give you the origins of the
english word alphabet.
49
Why are there different spellings for certain
words? eg., Koran . Quran eg., Osama .
Ussama eg., Saddam Hussein . Tsaddam Hussein
There are two systems of converting Arabic into
English, known as systems of transliteration
Almost all nouns and the ten forms of verbs are
built around a stem or root or three consonants
called the triliteral root system
The root s l m means peace Islam, Muslim,
Salaam
50
The name Mohammad Al-Ghamdi has at least 56
different spellings
And none of those 56 will enable you to identify
the person!
Arabic names must have 4 parts - first name, two
generational names, and a family, village, or
descriptive name ...
Osama bin Laden? Or Ussama bin Mohammad bin Awad
bin Laden
He is known as Ussama, son of Mohammad, grandson
of Awad, great-grandson of Laden
51
Abu, Ibn or bin, and Abd. Three key Arabic
names
These words mean Father, Son, and Slave,
respectively Abu Ibrahim means Father of
Abraham Ibn Mohammad means Son of Mohammad,
and Abd Allah or Abdullah means, literally
Servant of God
Classical Middle Eastern names require at least
four components. These are broken down into six
general categories ...
52
1. Honorific Name (kunya or agronem) - as the
father or mother of. Often reserved for the
eldest son. eg., abu Da'ud (Father of David)
or Umm Salama (Mother of Salama).
2. Personal Name (ism) - common Muhammad
(Mohammed), Ibrahim (Abraham), Hasan, Ahmad.
Rarely used socially, then only if the person
is famous.
3. Descriptive Name (lakab or cognomen) - usually
religious, relating to nature or some
admirable quality the person has or would
like to have. eg., 'Abd Allah (Servant of God,
often written Abdullah), Harun Al-Rashid
(Aaron the Rightly-Guided).
53
4. Patronymic Name (nasab or lineage) - denotes
the pedigree, as the son or daughter of a
certain person. eg., ibn 'Umar (son of
Omar) or commonly spelled "bin" Umar (as in Osama
bin Laden). Usually limited to three
generations.
5. Geographical or Tribal Name (hisba or nisba)
- derived from the place of residence or
birth or origin of the family by using the
prefix al or el and the suffix i, eg., Yusaf
al-Isfahani (Joseph of Isfahan) or Ahmed
Alghamdi (Ahmed of the Tribe of Ghamd).
6. Occupational Name or Nickname (laqab) -
derived from a person's trade or family
history, eg., Muhammad al-Hallaj (Mohammed
the Cotton Weaver) or by a nickname bestowed
posthumously or during the persons lifetime,
either as an honorific name or an insult or
distinguishing feature.
54
A great name using the laqab, or nickname is
Amr ibn Bahr al-Basri al-Jahiz, a famous Muslim
poet.
Known to most simply as al-Jahiz, his name
actually means Amr, son of Bahr from the Basr
region, also known as Amr The Google-Eyed!
One of the first OFAC lists includes the name
Abdullah Ahmed Abdullah with an alias Abu
Mariam.
Mariam is a female name adding Abu makes the
alias into an insult, as a man will never be
called Father of a girl. To do so is to insult
the man, implying he is effeminate or weak
55
Putting in Perspective

• USMC

56

• Expectation Management
• Steep learning curve mistakes
• Frustration destroys relationships
• Training achieves Awareness

No Cultural Training
Exuberance/ Idealism/Mirror Imaging
Cultural Understanding
Expectations
Deploy
Half-Way
Re-deploy
Awareness/Understanding
57
Its never this simple, but our perceptions are
guided in this direction
FRIEND
NEUTRAL
ENEMY

• Trusted
• Same goals
• Same intent
• Same concerns
• Same mission
• Reliable

• Non-threatening
• Innocent
• Not important
• To be protected
• Trustworthy?

• Not trusted
• Opposite goals
• Opposite intent
• Must be defeated

58
Pitfalls of the Standard Approach

• Most groups and people dont fit neatly into
  categories
• Outlook, attitude, and actions are not static
• Same actor may commit friendly, enemy, neutral
  acts
• on the same day
• The act of categorizing can alter actions and
  perceptions
• If you call someone enemy, they perceive you
  the same
• The term enemy precludes many alternate
  approaches
• Calling someone friend blinds us to deceit
• Categories prevent us from thinking outside the
  box
• Do we consider how to co-opt an enemy?
• Are we sufficiently wary of friends and neutrals?

59
Who is an enemy, who is a friend?
Case Study A former Iraqi military officer was
conducting ambushes against U.S. forces, leading
to the death of a company commander. This Iraqi
officer was a former regime stalwart, Baath
Party official, and a Special Forces commander
with a reputation for extreme violence. He was
eventually captured and served time in Abu Ghraib
before being released on a technicality. He
probably went back to working with the insurgency
and conducting ambushes after his
release. Enemy, right?
60
Who is an enemy, who is a friend?
The rest of the story This officer was a
prominent tribal member and leader, and a trusted
friend of many local tribal figures. He was
unanimously chosen as the leading candidate to
take over an Iraqi National Guard unit. After
much debate, he was selected, inducted, and
placed in command of a large ING unit with the
approval of the central government. The new job
gave him a steady paycheck, a renewal of his
sense of honor, a position of influence, and a
feeling that he could help shape the direction of
his country in a positive way. He worked closely
with the same U.S. units he was fighting just
weeks before, and was a somewhat effective
commander. He was always carefully watched and
mentored because of his background. Friend,
or just person to be influenced?
61
Focus on actions rather than categories
SUPPORTIVE
NON-HOSTILE
HOSTILE

• Assist mission
• Economy of force
• Financial aid
• Provide info

• Allow mission
• Non-violent
• Non-intrusive
• May provide info

• Oppose mission
• Violent or criminal
• Intrusive, harmful
• Divert resources
• Provide no info

Same group/person may act across spectrum on same
day
62
What do we have to do to push from here
SUPPORTIVE
NON-HOSTILE
HOSTILE
To at least here
SUPPORTIVE
NON-HOSTILE
HOSTILE
- Every actor can be coerced to non-hostile
action
- and kinetic action is the most extreme form of
coercion
- Actions are fluid constant pressure needed to
push left
63
Maslows Hierarchy of Needs What motivates people
to act?
Long-Term FUTURE
Self-Actualization Needs Personal growth and
fulfillment
Esteem Needs Achievement, status, responsibility,
reputation
Most Americans
Outlook and Impact on Decisions
Belongingness and Love Needs Family, affection,
relationships, work group
Safety Needs Protection, security, order, law,
limits, stability
Most Iraqis
Biological and Physiological Needs Air, food,
drink, shelter, warmth, sex, sleep
Short-Term URGENT