Al-Qaeda & Mao Tse-tung

In 1937 Mao Tse-tung wrote these words in his book, "On Guerrilla Warfare:"

What is the relationship of guerrilla warfare to the people? Without a political goal, guerrilla warfare must fail, as it must, if its political objectives do not coincide with the aspirations of the people and their sympathy, co-operation, and assistance cannot be gained. The essence of guerrilla warfare is thus revolutionary in character. On the other hand, in a war of counter-revolutionary nature, there is no place for guerrilla hostilities. Because guerrilla warfare basically derives from the masses and is supported by them, it can neither exist nor flourish if it separates itself from their sympathies and co-operation.[ . . . ]

The report, "Blowback from the Ramadi Attack" on the website ThreatsWatch reports that al-Qaeda is evidently violating this basic precept of waging a successful guerrilla war - retaining the support of the populace. ThreatsWatch describes Ramadi as the "last bastion of the insurgency and al-Qaeda in Anbar province" and explains that yesterday's deadly attack on civilians lined up outside a police recruiting center may end that support.

Let's hope al-Qaeda gets no smarter - they are doing just fine losing the guerrilla war in Iraq.

H/T: The Fourth Rail