christopher de bellaigue

We’re conducting a grand experiment in the Middle East – using money to reshape their societies

Summary:  We are conducting one of the largest experiments in history, attempting to change the pattern of foreign people’s societies by the use of money — without force.  The brief and smaller-scale project in Iraq has drawn to a close.  The end of the far larger and longer project in Afghanistan lies in the near future.  Will these people turn to …

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Money as a weapon in Afghanistan. Like strategic bombing, not as effective as theory promised.

Summary:  Money, provided by CIA bagmen to tribal leaders, was our secret weapon to defeat the Taliban in 2001.  Money was supposed to be our decisive weapon in the forging of a new Afghanistan, but the results so far appear disappointing.  This article in the current LRB explains why. “Money as Weapon“, Christopher de Bellaigue, London Review of …

Money as a weapon in Afghanistan. Like strategic bombing, not as effective as theory promised. Read More »

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