VIDEO BLOG
Episode 1: “It’s the Tribes, Stupid”
The real force in Afghanistan isn’t Islamism or jihadism. It’s tribalism. Mr. Pressfield compares Alexander the Great’s Afghan campaign (330-327 BC) to our own wars today.
View the credits and transcript for Episode 1.
Forgot to wish those stateside a happy fourth!………knowing what it means and having an inkling of what it meant, for those who sacrificed so much for (our) tribe, in this moment in time!
It is your destiny as a great historian to teach us how to learn from the past, and God bless you for your ardent efforts. The gift of your considerable knowledge in this area makes you the right man at the right time to help us – this is not an accident. I am a Social Studies teacher, and will show at least several of these episodes to my high school classes as we study Alexander the Great. Of course, current events are always topics for discussion, and what a wonderful vehicle your site is for us all to link to discussions and information concerning the heroic service of our soldiers in Afghanistan. To all, thank you and keep up the good work!
(Looking forward to the Leonidas Expedition too!)
Mr. Pressfield,
That is about the same I was thinking when looking at this war in Afganistan. After reading “Afgain campaign” I was sure that nothing can submit these tribal people, and sooner USA realize that – the better.
(Bosnia and Herzegovina)
A wish you succes and cordial regards from hilly Balcans
Alan
Steve,
What a profound revelation – we’re fighting tribalism. I sincerely hope the top brass who make relevant decisions heed your advice.
You are a God send Steve, thank you!
Linda
Quick note of appreciation not only for your words, Steven, but to everyone who -like me, is sharing this blog with others.
Truly, when our global community achieves clarity and respect for what the reality is with boots on the ground instead of theorizing from offices, classrooms or cafes -then we will be empowered to advance mankind!
A close and respected friend established the Hostage Rescue Coordination position in Baghdad. He was as hungry as any American soldier for a solution considering he saw as many as 1-hostage situation per day.
From a very educated stance he asked about the elephant in the room: what if we worked within their tribal history instead of “civilizing” the populace?
Steven, common sense isn’t so common today.
Perhaps the perspective you lay out will inspire an increase of common sense and a subsequent increase in individuals, teams and communities fighting “resistance” (as you so aptly name our internal /external opponent.)
Wishing all the best to everyone of us!
MindofaSEAL
Just to focus on some details that might be the differences between win (Alexander the Great) and so far nearly defeat (USA).
1) The reaction time of Alexander was quite fast(1-2 years) in adopting changes to his approach, army etc. and these changes did not stop happening till the end. Almost 2500 years ago and the reaction time was faster and better than now.
2) the above reason brings me to say that is almost an insult to History to compare the great Greek with todays leadership of any level (political or military). the skills, the minds, the differences are huge.That is why he was and still is Great. So todays leadership must find through team work ways to close this gap.Difficult but not impossible.
3) Vietnam, Colombia, Iraq, Afganistan etc even Europe in WW2 did not teach tribalism to USA? Well someone as it seems has not done his homework.sad but true.
nice effort from you Steven and many thanks for this good work. Happy “bloging”!!! You ring the bell.is anyone out there to listen to it?
Today I listened to Steven Pressfield on the Hugh Hewitt radio program today and I was intrigued with the discussion so I followed up and viewed the videos you spoke of on your website. Many of the points you make echo an outstanding lecture series that I’m familiar with entitled;
The Wisdom of History by Professor Rufus J. Fears on the Great Courses Series. No I’m not connected to him, the University of Oklahoma or the series, catelog etc., though some of Professor Fears main points are “filled in” by your excellent research and conclusions.
Consider the 10 Key Points made by Fears in his 36 lesson lecture;
1. We (Man in general, and nations of the 20th & 21st Century)do not learn from history.
2. Science and technology do not make us immune to the laws of history.
3. Freedom is not a universal value.
4. Power is a universal value.
5.The Middle East is the crucible of conflict and the graveyard of empires.
6. The U.S. shares the destinies of the great democracies, the republics and the super powers of the
past.
7. Along with the lust for power, religion and spirituality are are the most profound motivators in
human history.
8. Great nations rise and fall because of human decisions made by individual leaders.
9. The Statesman is distinguished from a mere politician by four qualities: (Sir Winston Churchill
was the prime example)
a. A bedrock of principles
b. A moral compass
c. A vision
d. An ability to create a consensus to achieve that vision
10. Throughout its history, the United States has charted a unique role in history.
Steven, you have helped me to better understand “why” the middle east has been the graveyard of empires. Understanding the western threat of “liberty” to Tribalism makes sense as you’ve explained it. I’m still not sure how it will all play out, but applying a better understanding of the middle eastern mindset can only help us to make better decisions for future peace and security. Let’s hope that this is a mutual goal and remain prepared if ultimately it’s not.
What good information. When I studied international economics the first half of the course was on world religions. My professor explained that if one does not understand the religion of a country one cannot understand the economics. The same holds true of the social aspect. Over the course of my lifetime I have seen our State Dept. and military fail again and again trying to apply western theory and social norms to gain the advantage and victory. They just don’t get it, and they never will. Insights like the ones we see here will always fall short at State and the Pentagon.
Please note – the “Mission Accomplished” on the aircraft carrier was for the crew of the Navy vessels that made up that carrier group. Since they were the first to come back from Iraq, a big deal was made of it and a “Mission Accomplished” was put up to raise spirits.
I will agree that it was a bit of a blunder and didn’t come across as very smooth, but the media enjoyed turning it into an all encompassing “Mission Accomplished” in order to make Bush look bad, as they continuously attempted for 8 years, hoping that the public wouldn’t figure it out.
The US isn’t building an empire, either. We aren’t taxing the people of those countries for our wars or spending, and they are not citizens of our country (or “Empire”).
Other than those small piece, great video and interesting insights.
I learned this in 1967 as a Corporal. Speaking French gor me to Vietnamese language school. I learned to integrate with the locals. I knew I had made it when the village elder invited me to eat with him. Sucking eyeballs out of fish took more fortitude than being shot at. A number of people were kept alive by my interaction. My superiors didn’t think much of it. Numerous times in the bush we were stopped by locals and warned against goin a certain way. We got these people building materials, food and medical attention. Why is this such a hard concept for the Generals to embrace? If a kid like me could figure it out it doesn’t seem that complicated. We become one of them, not them one of us.