[Science Daily] Mathematical Model Shows Why Defeating Insurgent Groups Like Taliban Is So Difficult
[Insurgent groups like the Taliban can only be effectively engaged with timely and accurate military intelligence, and even good intelligence may only succeed in containing the insurgency, not defeating it, according to a new study.
The study is one of the first to combine military intelligence, attrition and civilian population behavior in a unified model of counterinsurgency dynamics.]
BP: An interesting report[BBC NEWS] Tourists warned of Thailand airport scam
[Now new allegations have been made that a number of passengers are being detained every month in the duty free area on suspicion of shoplifting, and then held by the police until they pay large sums of money to buy their freedom.]
BP: To be honest, if there was no evidence to suggest they allegedly shoplifted the wallet (go to the Kingpower website to see the CCTV and explanation) then BP would have much more sympathy to their plight. There is a difference between a bribe to avoid time in jail and an innocent person grabbed off the street and where money is extorted from.
It is a few years ago now, but BP does not of someone who was arrested for shop lifting at Don Muang. According to their lawyer, theft at an airport was a more serious offence (ie aggravating factor) than theft elsewhere. From memory, it had something to do with it was a government facility. The person got bail, plead guilty, paid a fortune in lawyers' fees and incentives to get the police version of events slightly altered to their advantage and receive a suspended jail sentence. This took about 3 weeks though. If one was to plead not guilty, you will be in for a looong wait - there is no doubt the person was guilty btw.[Bangkok Post]: SHOW US THE MONEY, MR PRIME MINISTER
[But for people in Buri Ram, the proof of the pudding is in the eating.
A kamnan said people do not hate Mr Abhisit but do not adore him the same way they did Thaksin.
Instead, they wanted to see Mr Abhisit show leadership and take immediate action.
"When Thaksin came, his promises were fulfilled just a week after. People saw progress, and money," he said.
"Villagers have no idea when the promised package will come and whether it will help them. Local politicians and their cronies with business connections may simply reap profits from the schemes."
Thonglor Chewroenram, a 66-year-old farmer, still lauds Thaksin.
"Thaksin was the first who cared and did something about our hardship. But we haven't seen this government doing much," he said.
Still, Mr Thonglor has not ruled out a chance for Mr Abhisit to be another idol for him.
"I will wait and see if he can be equal or better than Thaksin," he said.]
BP: Some interesting stats on the Buri Ram economy too.[Bangkok Post]: REBELS' NEW TACTIC BEATS AUTHORITIES
[Insurgent groups in the deep South have switched to detonating bombs by walkie-talkies to avoid phone signal jammers, a security source in the restive region says.
Police are investigating a car bomb attack that killed a special task force deputy chief and his aide on Friday in Yala's Yaha district.
The bomb was detonated by walkie-talkie signal.
A source in Yala police's bomb disposal squad said the bomb used in the Friday attack was a home-made device assembled with a 15kg gas cylinder.]
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