4. Counterinsurgency (COIN) has deep roots in history of British & USA imperialism but became resurgent with JFK/LBJ Cold War Liberalism.
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Replying to @HeerJeet
5. COIN was a response to two realities: 1) success of communists and nationalist guerrilla movements in 3rd World 2) nuclear stalemate
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Replying to @HeerJeet
5. COIN was marketed as creative response to dilemma of guerrilla war: USA would copy guerrilla tactics & win hearts and minds.
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Replying to @HeerJeet
6. Green Berets were to be USA counterparts to Mao, Minh & Guevara: they would live among the peasants, understand their needs, win loyalty.
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Replying to @HeerJeet
7. So Green Berets, ideally, weren't just soldiers but guys who could go native, and co-opt revolutionary fervour for liberal capitalism.
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Replying to @HeerJeet
8. As part of vogue for COIN there was renewed fascination with T.E. Lawrence (of Arabia), a Brit who went native & co-opted native revolt
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Replying to @HeerJeet
9. Both John and Robert Kennedy greatly admired T.E. Lawrence, who of course permeated popular culture thanks to "Lawrence of Arabia"
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Replying to @HeerJeet
10. Important to understand counterinsurgency used not just in Vietnam but in Middle East (Aden) & throughout developing world
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Replying to @HeerJeet
11. So in "Dune" we have a imperial conflict over a desert planet which has resource (spice) essential for human civilization.
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Replying to @HeerJeet
12. Good guys are the House Atreides (=Greeks=Wester Civilization) with warriors like Duncan Idaho (i.e. America)
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13. Bad guys are Baron Vladimir Harkonnen (=Slav), Emperor Shaddam IV (=Arabs), Dr. Yueh (=Asian).
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Replying to @HeerJeet
14. So in trying to keep crucial resource in hands of Western Civilization, Paul Atreides goes native like Lawrence of Arabia,
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Replying to @HeerJeet
15. Even before House Atreides arrives, there is already an ongoing anti-colonial revolt on Arrakis with collectivist goal (greening planet)
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